The Everitt Family: Back from Vacation

Well, we're back from our family vacation and getting back into a summer routine...which will soon be interrupted by the back to school routine. After Tabitha returned from Word of Life summer camp, she spent one day at home unpacking and re-packing for a three week adventure on the road.

We flew to Philadelphia and met the Everitts. We visited typical Philly landmarks: cheesesteaks, Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, etc. We spent one evening in Quakertown, and then headed for the shore in Ocean City, MD. We spent 5 days playing with cousins. T was finally able to meet her Uncle Brian, Aunt Amy, Uncle Matt, Aunt Jenna, and the last 6 cousins. There was 19 of us in one house and it was filled with constant activity. After the 5th day, we said goodbye, got up at 3 AM and head back to the Philly airport. We caught a plane to Phoenix, AZ. After racing through the PHX airport, we met the Alexander/Montgomery side of the family on an airplane bound for Honolulu, Hawaii!

When we landed on Oahu. We were tired and sleep deprived. We had just enough energy to eat dinner by the pool and watch our fist Hawaiian sunset. The first 6 days of our Hawaii vacation were spent at Disney's Aulani resort. Beach, pool, snorkeling, and sightseeing (Pearl Harbor, Kauloa Ranch, and Polynesian Cultural Center) filled our days. Mal celebrated her 30th birthday, and we watched the fireworks on the 4th of July on the balcony of our condo over the Ko' Olina bay. Absolutely the best fireworks!

On July 5th, we flew to Kauai (a more rustic and natural island). For that week, we enjoyed the nature and AC-less wonders of Kauai. We learned how to surf and zip lined in the mountains. It was a fun time with family, and we had many memories that will last forever. We made it home to Tampa late on July 12. We were more jet lagged coming home than going out. T slep until 1:00 pm the next day. It took Mal and Kev at least 3 days to get back on EST.

Mal wasn't home for very long before she jumped on a girls' cruise to celebrate her's and Stephanie's 30th birthday with Kamden, Jodie, and Amanda. T. and Kevin had some quality father-daughter time and a Busch Gardens trip.

Now, were' enjoying the final days of summer. T starts cheerleading camp and volleyball practice next week in preparation for the upcoming sports seasons. She's finished her summer reading projects and is enjoying a little "pleasure" reading before her school work starts to flow again.

We asked her what her 7th grade goals were. After some contemplation, her response was....

1. Make straight As
2. Make the Volleyball team, Basketball team, and Cheer squad
3. Make a basket in a real game. :)

We'll see what this new school year brings us, but we're excited to our first full school year as a family of 3. God has blessed us with wonderful memories and the means to have these special experiences.

Pictures below. Sorry, they are out of order, but you'll get the picture of the fun we had. :)