Priceless Family Vacay

When Nonnie passed away, we couldn't help but see God's hand in her last week and the week to follow. First of all, as I mentioned in my previous post, Nonnie and Pops were able to spend her last week together in the same room. We also had our annual beach trip scheduled for June 5. You see, Nonnie and Pops have taken us to the beach for over 25 years. They have a time share in Panama City Beach. When asked if they wanted to sell one of their weeks, Nonnie said, "No. This way at least for one week out of the year, our family can be together." She loved our beach trip! And, she would have been upset if we had missed it. So after the funeral, we all left for our Smith/Coon vacation. It was a time when Nonnie's family could be together for a week without distractions and enjoy each other. Laugh at our family memories. Smile as we talk about Nonnie. And even shed some tears as we imagine her walking through the waves.


If you know us well, you know that these last two years have been difficult. More difficult for some than others, but we all needed this time away. Everyone really made a conscious decision to do whatever they wanted and enjoy our trip. For most of our trip, the cousins spent the most time on the beach.

Me and Clancy in our matching swimsuits

When you put us "older kids" together, there is never an idea of what will happen. The boys aren't big fans of laying out. They were dying to bury someone in the sand. Not sure what possessed me, but I quickly obliged. So, we started our vacation full force!

Jack and Russ digging a hole

Thank you, Lee! I was parched!

Help! I was buried and couldn't get up alone!

A man watching the scene gave me beads for my performance! Ha!

The cousins and cousin-in-laws (minus Dustin...he had school)

There really is not much to say about our trip because all we did was sit out in the sun. All day. Every day! I was usually the first one out. I would go out around 10 in the morning and have my alone time as I watched the waves crash on the shore. By noon, the whole crew was lined up and conversation was lively!

Aunt Patsy, Clancy, Kristin, and me

Party of Two soaking in the sun!

Most of you know what a big deal it was when Russ would actually get out in the sun. He doesn't do that! But, on occasion he would sit out in the sun and talk or study. My sweet little nerd man!

Russ, posing a goofy study pose, and Lee

The rest of the time, though, he sat in the shade. Bless him! We set up an umbrella behind our massive line of family tanners. There he sat or stood while we listened to the music, read, or talked about life.

Lee and Russ in the shade

Of course, the boys can't sit still for long. That's when it was time for football!

Jack, Russ, and Lee playing ball

...or fishing for minnows by hand! Ha!

Russ and Lee trying to catch minnows in their hands

The Coon family never goes on a normal vacation! This has been proven for the last 50+ years. So, while eating lunch on the balcony one afternoon, we look to our right to see this....

A waterspout!

Of course, the intercom asked everyone to take cover. But, as I looked around...everyone was doing just as we were. Standing on the balcony taking pictures and watching! Ha!

Yep, we stayed out on the beach all day. Until sunset most days....

The only worry in the world was if the tide was gonna reach my chair!

Lee, Kristin, and Rhonda

Soaking in the sun

Trust him. He's a doctor! Ha!

Each year, we celebrate a few things while on our beach vacation. First, we all celebrate my parents', our, and Kristin and Lee's anniversaries. We also celebrate Uncle Howard's birthday each year!

Our Big Energizer Bunny! He works harder than anyone I know!

We stayed in and cooked every night except one. For our nightly entertainment, Russ brought his guitar. Not everyone can sit around a guitar and have family sing-a-longs! Ha! We requested he learn some of our favorites including "Dirt Road Anthem" and Zac Brown Band songs. We had the best time!

Take a look/listen for yourself! Don't forget to mute my playlist.

Of course, we took some beach portraits before leaving too!

Clancy and Jack

Russ and me

Oh, how I miss the sand between my toes and tide reaching my chair!


And, who knows! Next year we could be carrying a new little member of the family! I certainly hope to carry on these happy memories for our children as they grow up.

Priceless family vacation!