Our Beach Photos 2021

Hi friends! I’m back today to share a special post, that always feels so special to share with y’all. The first year I took Madeline to New Smyrna Beach, I found this pretty little beach spot. For some reason, everything just seems quieter there. It’s beside the boardwalk, the dunes in the background and the ocean as well. Each year I go back there, wondering if it will still feel the same, and sure enough it does. I am so thankful that all but one year since being Madeline’s Mama, I’ve gotten to go back here and take some special photos with her. I’m excited to share them with y’all again this year!

Beach Photos 2021 - Something Delightful Blog #beachphotos #motherdaughter #lifeofasinglemom #newsmyrnabeach

They’re so special to me because I am able to look back at them as I’m suddenly filled with so many joyful memories made on our time at NSB (not to mention look on how much my sweet girl has grown, how far we’ve come just me and her). But as I mentioned above, this place never seems to change. I have to admit, I’m not big on change. Yes, change can so many times be a good thing. At times be a blessing, and I’ve even found myself praying for change at times. But for the most part, I’m such a creature of habit. Especially when it comes to New Smyrna Beach. I think it’s because it holds so many special memories for me.

It’s so much more than a vacation spot. It’s where my grandmother 70+ years ago started visiting her uncle who had moved there. It’s where over 30 years ago my family decided to take my sister there again to just see what it was like. It’s memories of playing with my sister and brothers. My granddad teaching us to swim there. Beach walks with my mom and grandmother, looking for shells. Playing with my Uncle Doug, watching his love for the beach shine like no other. Having coffee on the porch with my dad. And now so many special memories with my own daughter there. Overall, I always come back to the conclusion, even though our family has certainly changed over the years, New Smyrna Beach never does. I think that’s why the creature of habit in me loves it so much. I think that’s why I year after year, find it to be a place where I can truly free my mind and loose all sense of time (if you’ve heard the song coastline by Hollow Coves then you know what I’m talking about).

It’s so crazy to come back to this same spot and think I once stood here holding Madeline as a baby…a tiny two month old! And look at her now. I think most of all, it can’t believe that we sat there with my Uncle Doug just two years ago. Those photos with him are probably the most special of all! Y’all see, we almost didn’t take them. It had been such a rainy day! It was also our last day there. But we decided to go for it and take the photos anyways, even if it meant getting rained on. And we did! Doug and Madeline giggled the entire time. As we were taking them, I couldn’t help but think are these even going to turn out?! But now I see them as the last time my Uncle Doug got to step foot in the sand and one of my best last memories with him. I look at our photos with him and smile because I can’t imagine with Heaven’s seashore looks like to him right now. When we were taking them this year, it was like I could just see him! I felt extra close to him. And the most brilliant sunset appeared.

All of this to say, if you ever find yourself in a moment where it seems like things won’t work out. Where the weather may not cooperate, if you’re pressed for time, life is too busy, forget all of that and take the time! Take the time to make than phone call, to stop by and say hi, give one more hug, take that photo to capture a memory, say I love you, whatever it may be. Push those thoughts aside, even if it means you just need to dance in the rain. You may just end up with a memory you’ll hold onto forever and you’ll be SO thankful you have. It’s SO worth it!

I’m so thankful to have special photos again with Madeline this year. Do you have a special place that means so much more to you? At the beach, the lake, the mountains, etc.?

This year at the beach also seemed a little extra special because (and if you follow me on IG, you know) I ended up writing a children’s book! It was based off an idea of something we love to do. Madeline and I ended up putting a fun twist on it and focused our imaginations on it each day. We told my mom and she told me I needed to turn it into a children’s book. I thought about the idea for a little, decided to play around with the wording some and it was so crazy, y’all! It’s like the words just came to me. I really can’t explain it. In two days I had the book pretty much written. It feels so special to me. I really don’t know what I’ll do with it next. Asking God to open doors and help me find what I need to bring the book to life. I’m excited to share the journey with y’all, if it does work out 🙂

Thanks for stopping by, friends!

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