Family Vacation Plan "C"

Plan "A"
Goal: Meet up with Nona's side of the family mid-way
Destination: Gulf Shores, Alabama
Result: Deepwater Horizon blow-out. Alabama beaches closed during our vacation week.

Plan "B"
Goal: Gather the Texas Zeiler's for a family vacation.
Destination: South Padre Island, Texas
Result: Hurricane Alex makes landfall in South Padre. 3-5 foot storm surge predicted. I say to Mark, "I'm beginning to think our family vacation is not meant to be."

Plan "C"
Goal: Evacuate to higher ground with the family and find some place nice to "hang out".
Destination: The Menger Hotel on the Riverwalk in San Antonio
Result: Wonderfully relaxing days together seeing the sights in San Antonio, swimming in the pool, eating on the Riverwalk, shopping and "hanging out" together.
Mission Accomplished!

Psalms 133:
1 Behold, how good and pleasant it is
when brothers dwell in unity!
2 It is like the precious oil on the head,
running down on the beard,
on the beard of Aaron,
running down on the collar of his robes!
3 It is like the dew of Hermon,
which falls on the mountains of Zion!
For there the LORD has commanded the blessing,
life forevermore.

There is something refreshing and rejuvenating beyond description to spend extended, uninterupted time with loved ones. Often-times, when families see one another, it's just for a short visit, a meal, an hour or two here and there.

What made Plan "C" so special was it's simplicity. No big events, no exotic destination- just a relaxed, pleasant environment to visit, joke, reminisce, and generally enjoy each other. We had evening sessions together before little Avery was ready for bed. First night Mark and Drew acted out "David and Goliath". Next night it was "Daniel in the Lion's Den". Avery was amazed! The look on her face was priceless. We had three adjoining rooms. That meant when I was out on the balcony drinking my second cup of coffee in the morning, I'd hear, "Hey Pap!" The courtyard around the Alamo is a great place to sit after dinner. This is where we took our customary group pictures. The ones where Mark and Drew make faces. I told them I would publish the ones they ruined. Of course they don't see how these expressions really ruin anything. They add color and personality.

Ro 12: 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.