We arrived on Anna Maria Island, on the Gulf in Florida, at about 2:45 yesterday afternoon. I felt an amazing relief the moment our car passed the welcome sign- we all piled out of our van and the kids immediately began trolling for shells. We spied a manatee at the edge of the water and a
gorgeous blue heron. The burdens of swine flu, endless daily chores, and schoolwork just rolled right off of our shoulders and I instantly knew we needed to be here- together- simply enjoying our lives for a change.

(I found Tom this shirt at a thrift store in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, the weekend before we left on our trip. Fate was a'hollerin'!)