James Family Vacation

Here we all are.....on the beach of TopSail, NC. We were all together at our yearly vacation for an entire week! It was wonderful to have no responsibilities, time restraints or set schedules. Just total freedom to come and go as we pleased, snack throughout the day, laugh and play and visit. Isn't that what families should be about (besides, of course, the seriousness of "teaching/learning" from one another)? I am a true believer in the fact that vacations and family time really do bring us all closer together. It is soooo important in our own homes, as well as with our extended families. Keeping our children closer to their cousins, aunts and uncles and grandparents is very important to me. If they can't be together on a regular basis, special times, like vacations, become hugely important - at least in my mind. I am so thankful for Marks' parents, who have made it a priority to have as many as their children/grandchildren as possible together every year to reinforce the bond already created. Their message on the importance of family togetherness has obviously been received. We all have a terrific time and look forward to the coming years' trip.