Florida was just beautiful at that time of year (I'm sure it's lovely all the time, but a Jersey girl like me loved it in June). Julia was just about 5 months old and traveling on the plane with her was nerve wracking for me, but she did fine.
Aunt Kat is known for her cooking! Oh man, can this woman cook! Anything she touches turns to gold, and her whole family helps with either setting the table or chopping veggies for her.
Aunt Kat really spent time with me, and made me feel so special. I'll never forget the way she prayed for me at the dinner table saying that she was so thankful that I was born, and she kept reminding John how blessed he was to find me. I will never forget how great I felt at her home. At ease, comfortable, loved, and taken care of.
And she was a dream with Julia! She just exudes love and compassion and warmth! Look at her smile! She is just a sweetheart. It doesn't surprise me that everyone calls her in John's family for advice or prayer because she is a wonderful, godly woman.
And she is crafty too! She makes her own jewlery, cards, and she made this "Julia" blanket as a baby gift for Julia! We use it all the time when we go to the park for a picnic! I love how bright and colorful it is, and I love that is handmade by someone who loves us.
Uncle Philip was wonderful to us as well, he told us police stories from Hoboken and just enjoyed our company. He is a great husband and father. I couldn't believe how sweet he was to Julia. Sometimes men don't know what to do with little ones, but Uncle Philip was a pro!
And Julia enjoyed every minute.
Whenever we went to the beach, Julia would pass out asleep within minutes, the waves, the warmth, the sun, was so good for her. And the family time was wonderful. I miss Florida and our family!
This is John's younger cousin, Philip, he is currently volunteering as a Firefighter! Oh, the stories he tells us. It is so awesome to see his passion for serving other people. He has great parents who have raised him well!
Ingredients: 2 cans of black beans, 1 small onion minced, 2tbsp cilantro, 1/2 cup chopped mango, 2tbsp diced red pepper, 2tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tbsp lite evoo/ pepper to taste, 1/2 tsp cumin, allow flavors to merge, chill before serving.
Enjoy! Now you can have a little bit of something from Aunt Kat's Kitchen!
Your trip looks like it was wonderful, and that black bean salad sounds amazing! I love black beans! =)
ReplyDeleteLoved this!! What precious family members!! Julia still has that ADORABLE look of intrigue!! hehe!
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