The alarm went off very, very early! We were off on a girls' adventure. A few weeks prior, Jules had thrown out two different dates that their Marco Island condo was not booked. She generously offered it to me if I thought I could get down either with Colombo or a kid or Lisa. Sitting in Portland, Maine, I mentioned it to Lisa. That quickly evolved to wanting to include Melody. After a couple of texts back and forth and a quick flight search, it was booked! All from the hotel lobby.
Our flights arrived within a couple hours of each other and then we made our way to Marco.
Also, this sweet boy hit 2 months! 
Tuesday, Jan. 13th
Then we went to dinner outdoors down on the marina.
We dumped our stuff, oohed and ahhed over the view, and then walked down the street to an iconic spot on the water to grab lunch.
We enjoyed a lazy afternoon of resting, blogging, sitting by the pool, swimming, and hot tub. I was able to spend the time away finishing up my post about the Ranbarose's departure. Finally taking the time to process and write it all out. Sobbing through most of it.
Then we walked to a sweet Mexican restaurant for dinner, just giddy to be together on an adventure, in warmer temperatures.
The sun rises right over the bridge to the Island.
Lisa dropped Melody off for her scheduled spa day at the JW Marriott on the beach for a a much-needed day of pampering and relaxation. The last 7 months have pushed her to her emotional and physical limits after my Uncle's heart attack. Aunt Bonnie, Uncle Lee, and Melody have made a dynamic team through recovery but it's been a very demanding, taxing, decision-fatigue, anxious, busy, appointment-filled roller coaster. So much to manage day-to-day with little time to process emotionally. So a spa day felt like the right answer!
She took advantage of the all-day pass to the amenities while Lisa and I got some beach time.
Then we met her at a roof-top restaurant for a drink / snack and to watch the sunset. She was like a new woman! We laughed at my "hat" in this picture.
My gang still did Taco Tuesday.
We loaded up for a beach day but had planned to set aside brunch at Doreen's to specifically celebrate Lisa's birthday. Such a special time around the table. Heavy and hard, but so very special; a gift we three know- a depth because of a story we never would've chosen. The three of us have been IN Lisa's story since the beginning. Melody, from Day 1, rolled up her sleeves and jumped in, even living with the Cours for part of her sabbatical (making tough dog/vet decisions!). Always present, always available, always side-by-side in the hard. Anyway, on Lisa's birthday a year ago, I don't think any of the three of us thought she'd get to 51 much less walking on a beach in Floirda! I'm linking her post here, because she's tells it so well. It's worth the read. Tears of gratitude. We must have been quite the sight as we loved on each other, and beheld God's glory and all He's done. Especially this year.
Family by chance, friends by choice!
Then the beach! It was perfect- warm enough to sit in shorts, but not obligated to be in a bathing suit in the dead of soft, pastey season!
The sky was amazing! All day and even into the evening, it just kept changing.
We cleaned up at the condo. Lisa and Mel hit the hot tub while I caught a quick visit with Dan and Arlene (Jules' brother from the Cape) and then went right back to that spot on the beach to watch the sunset. I can't tell you how hard we laughed as we got another "hat" picture.
And then.....a kiss from the King. The most unbelievable sky. We sat in utter wonder.
Then dinner at a newer restaurant with hands-down the best server I've ever had!
Oh, hi!!
Thursday, Jan. 15th
Happy birthday to the one who made me a mom and a 2-time Maymee. C4 has delighted us every single day of his life. It's an honor to be his mom. He is a gift beyond words, certainly one I am not deserving of. 27!
Happy birthday, Lisa! Never misses the opportunity to appreciate a sunrise or a sunset.
One more slow morning on the lanai.
My only picture from the day- one from our Night of Worship.
Nevermind...
All the blue!
Saturday, Jan. 17th
We snuck TBQ in before a couple inches of snow came.
Sunday, Jzn. 18th
Nick and Katie took the lead and spear-headed a sweet and special evening of family to honor Papa for his 75th. So thankful for his life and his legacy.
Just trying to get a picture of these matching clowns.
