This year’s summer beach vacation with my family started off a bit different than usual. Instead of heading straight to Cocoa Beach, Matt and I road tripped home to Orlando first to spend some time with my family and celebrate my Grandpa’s life.
Mom & Dad’s House
Our little munchkin was a total rock star for the drive down from Charlotte. Barely adding any time to our usual drive, Caroline slept a lot, ate at her scheduled meal times and didn’t really get fussy until the very last 30 minutes. In her defense, she was being a trooper over her impressive poop explosion that we were trying to make it home to take care of. All in all, the ride down was great even though I was cramped in the back seat with Charlie and Caroline.
Saturday afternoon was Grandpa’s memorial service. It was beautiful, absolutely beautiful and we had over 100 guests attend to celebrate his life. During the service guests stood up and gave their testimonies about how they were affected by the generosity of both Grandma and Grandpa in their lives. Both my dad and I spoke and we both chose to tell short funny stories about Grandpa. After all, he was such a funny guy and it only seemed appropriate to honor him in that way. Following the ceremony my family hosted everyone over for a big party.
Caroline rocked a bonnet for the first time and was a fan. We have so many 3-6 month dresses with bonnets and I am so glad we got the chance to dress her in one for the service, even if it was a little big.
While in town Caroline got to meet three more of my besties – Aunt Shannon, Aunt Ashley and Aunt Staci.
It was so wonderful spending time with these pretty ladies and they were absolutely smitten over Caroline.
On Monday and Tuesday we shopped, ate lots of yummy food, took naps and read by the pool.
Mom and Dad have a beautiful backyard (Dad’s pride and joy) and with so many babysitters on hand made it easy to relax.
Dad has been working on his backyard for over a decade to get it in prime paradise shape. And now they are empty nested and planning to downsize. I can’t believe I’ve never shared this pretty place with y’all until now!
Love their backyard & pool! Also, do you recommend that book you're reading? I'm due with my first in 4 weeks so I'll pick it up if it's a good book! 🙂
What a wonderful couple of days and so proud of you for speaking at your Grandfathers funeral. You will always be glad that you did…that's what I've learned 🙂 Caroline looked adorable and your parent's back yard is amazing!! What a perfect paradise in Margaritaville!
I love the backyard oasis your dad created! I am in Tampa, and wish we had space like that. Too bad I can't move to Orlando and take over that awesome backyard 😉
Caroline is so so cute! I am so jealous of that backyard, I want it to be mine! Looks like a nice weekend including remembering your grandfathers life!
Your parents backyard is gorgeous!! Of course they are ready to sell now! So special that you were able to speak at your grandpa's funeral. I was able to speak at my grandpa's funeral & it's something I'll never forget. & How awesome is little Miss Caroline for being so good on the drive!!
Your parents' backyard is amazing! It makes me sad that they are planning to downsize and won't have that gorgeous yard anymore:( But, at the same time, obviously they are very talented and could make any outdoor space look amazing. Glad you got to enjoy it with your sweet baby girl!:) And glad that you were able to be at your grandpa's funeral and speak. That will be a cherished memory, I am sure.
That backyard is amazing! Exactly like a little paradise. Caroline looked so precious in her bonnet! And that's so incredible to hear how well your Grandpa's life celebration went. That's exactly how it should be. 🙂
Wow, their backyard looks like a resort. Ultra relaxing! Caroline is adorable, so happy the memorial service was beautiful!
Love their backyard & pool! Also, do you recommend that book you're reading? I'm due with my first in 4 weeks so I'll pick it up if it's a good book! 🙂
Little Caroline is too cute and that backyard is amazing! x
What a wonderful couple of days and so proud of you for speaking at your Grandfathers funeral. You will always be glad that you did…that's what I've learned 🙂 Caroline looked adorable and your parent's back yard is amazing!! What a perfect paradise in Margaritaville!
Their yard looks like a resort! Saw the title of your book. Shelby was snoozing 12-hours by 10-weeks thanks to Babywise 🙂
I love the backyard oasis your dad created! I am in Tampa, and wish we had space like that. Too bad I can't move to Orlando and take over that awesome backyard 😉
Caroline is so so cute! I am so jealous of that backyard, I want it to be mine! Looks like a nice weekend including remembering your grandfathers life!
Your parents backyard is gorgeous!! Of course they are ready to sell now! So special that you were able to speak at your grandpa's funeral. I was able to speak at my grandpa's funeral & it's something I'll never forget. & How awesome is little Miss Caroline for being so good on the drive!!
Looks like you had a great time! Your parents' place is beautiful. So glad you got to celebrate your grandpa's life and vacation as well!
Your parents' backyard is amazing! It makes me sad that they are planning to downsize and won't have that gorgeous yard anymore:( But, at the same time, obviously they are very talented and could make any outdoor space look amazing. Glad you got to enjoy it with your sweet baby girl!:) And glad that you were able to be at your grandpa's funeral and speak. That will be a cherished memory, I am sure.
Love the photos of Caroline in her bonnet! So precious! So glad you were able to celebrate your Grandpa's life and enjoy some family time!
That backyard is amazing! Exactly like a little paradise. Caroline looked so precious in her bonnet! And that's so incredible to hear how well your Grandpa's life celebration went. That's exactly how it should be. 🙂
That backyard is absolutely amazing! Tell your dad nice work : ) What a great place to relax!
I love the way you talk about your grandpa.
WOW! Your parents place looks like a resort!! So relaxing! Loved Caroline's seersucker outfit- precious!!
omg her seersucker dress is SOOO cute!!! glad you had a fun time! xo jillian – stop by! I'm hosting a Capri Blue Candle Giveaway! cornflake dreams
Loved seeing the pics on IG and looks like a fabulous time had by all! Lovin' little C's looks! 🙂 xoxo
Such pretty pictures! That backyard is fabulous!!