The next day we started out with breakfast together, and then the kids had their "Flip flop" time, which was playing games, swimming, and making crafts, while the parents went to "Common Grounds". Common Grounds was a time for all the parents to discuss their experiences and feelings as their child fought cancer. It was a great experience, and one I'm not likely to forget anytime soon. That afternoon, we went on a Dolphin Cruise in Destin. We took a boat our into the bay (we couldn't go out into the Gulf because of the strong waves coming in from the storm headed our way) and we watched for dolphins. They even had an area in the bottom of the boat where you could look out a window right into the water. That was pretty cool. We didn't see any dolphins until the end of the cruise, but the boys had a blast riding on a boat. For dinner that night, they gave all of us visa gift cards so we could go eat out as a family wherever we wanted. So, of course, we ended up at a Bumba Gumps Shrimp co. (Nate's favorite place) The boys loved eating their kids meals out of a little fishing boat. lol After dinner, we walked down to the beach in the dark and enjoyed sticking our feet in the nice warm ocean water.
The next morning, we woke up and went straight to the beach to enjoy the sand and waves before breakfast. We then had our second Common Grounds where we all picked out a pic that spoke to us and why it meant something to us. The one Nate and I both picked was one of a brick wall with the word "WHY" spray painted on it. That's kind of how we've felt through this whole journey. Why? It was a very emotional (in a good way) meeting and we got to know the other parents even better. After lunch, we went straight to the beach to enjoy our last day at the retreat. They had to cut our retreat short a day since there was a hurricane coming in. Thankfully, Delta worked with us and got us on a flight out a day early before the storm came.
We had a blast at the beach. We weren't allowed to get in the water because it was a red flag day. Meaning the under current was too strong and dangerous from the storm coming in. But we found a lagoon just a few yards down the beach that the waves washed into and were able to play in the water there. It was pretty cool because there were tons of little white fish that the boys were trying to catch in the lagoon. We found out quickly that if you held still long enough, the fish would bump into you and tickle you. lol
That night was the parents night out. Our volunteers that had been cleaning up after us, cooking for us, and watching our kids while we were there took the boys to a big "Un-Birthday Party" while all the parents went into town to have dinner together at a nice restaurant. I think that was my favorite part of the whole trip. We had so much fun talking, laughing, and getting to know the other parents. We formed friendships that I will always cherish. When we got back to our condo, our volunteers had put our boys to bed and finished washing all our laundry. It was so nice not having to do anything! They are truly angels that have touched our lives!
The next morning, we woke up and were sent off by our volunteers with presents and a nice breakfast so we could catch our plane home. I was glad to be heading home a day early so I could get ready for my flight to Denver for my Jin Shin Jyutsu seminar the next day. But, we were sad to miss out on one more day to get to know the amazing people we met at our retreat. They really made it a special experience!
On the plane on our way!
This was on the boat of the Dolphin Cruise.
Sam loved the hat at the luau
All the kids were feeding the seagulls on the boat.
This is a picture of our delicious dinner at the Parent's night out.
Max and Sam at the Unbirthday party
We met a pirate on our way off the boat that was making balloon swords. He was such a cute old guy!
Our topless mermaid that was a decoration in one of our bathrooms. We can't forget her! lol
We loved the beautiful, powdery white sand!
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