Checking in from Florida.............

I've never been to Florida before now. I've always wanted to visit and just never have had the opportunity until now, so all that I've seen the last 24 hours has been totally new to me. Keep in mind too that the last time I was at a beach, was fifteen years ago in California, as a senior in high school.

That all being said...I have just been in awe today at all the beautiful scenery that God has bestowed upon this earth. It's hard to put into words. I'm just amazed at the beauty of the endless ocean, of the sand on the beach that hasn't been disturbed, at the design left in the sand after the water rushes back out, at the wildlife that God has put on this earth....the list could go on and on. I've also noticed too how people seem to be more friendly and relaxed when they are on or near the beach. There have been many times today that I have lifted up a prayer of thanks to God for all the beauty around us and I've confessed on more than one occassion to taking it all for granted.

This afternoon after class, we drove around to find where The Cheesecake Factory (where we're eating tomorrow night!!) is located. We then came back here to the hotel and just chilled out. We changed clothes and went downstairs and out to the beach. I got to stand in the Atlantic Ocean and feel it brush up against my legs! It was such an awesome feeling! I'm sure I sounded like a little kid at Christmas when I squealed at the fact that I was in the ocean! It was so awesome!! I also took a walk down the beach. There was a pier in the distance and I thought for sure I could walk to it. Yea, I was WRONG! It kept moving farther and farther away! On my journey though, I was able to collect shells to take back to Tanner. She's going to love them! I enjoyed my peace and quiet time on the beach today. I wish everyone had the chance to experience what I did today.

On a totally differnt note: Tanner told me tonight that she is one of three kids in her class that get to maybe test out of Pre-Algebra!! I got all teary when she told me! She will take a test next month and based on that test, they may let her skip Pre-Algebra and go straight to regular Algebra. I hope she does great, but I also don't want to her to think she's a failure if she doesn't make it. Nonethesless, I told her to try her hardest and that's all we ask. As long as she does that, we'll be proud no matter what.

I think I'm going to go read a book my sister sent with me by Jodi Piccoult. It's called "My Sister's Keeper." I started it yesterday on the plane and think I'll read another chapter before bed.

G'night!