Happy! – On The Road

“It might seem crazy what I am ’bout to say
Sunshine, she’s here, you can take a break
I’m a hot air balloon that could go to space
With the air, like I don’t care, baby by the way

Huh (Because I’m happy)
Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof
(Because I’m happy)
Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth
(Because I’m happy)
Clap along if you know what happiness is to you
(Because I’m happy)
Clap along if you feel like that’s what you wanna do… Pharrell Williams 2014

Everyone’s lives have ups and downs, good times and bad. There are times when we feel like we are moving forward, and other moments like we are stuck in reverse. Anyone reading our travel blog will recognize that Betty & I have experienced all of the above.

But this week Pharrell Williams’ song best captures our mood: Happiness is the truth!

Over a year ago we pitched our kids and grandkids on the idea of coming to South Padre Island for a week to celebrate a late Christmas, our daughter and her husband’s tenth wedding anniversary, our other daughter and her husband’s twentieth wedding anniversary, our fiftieth wedding anniversary, numerous birthdays, and whatever anyone felt like celebrating. It has been a most happy time!

The following are just a few of the pictures that attempt to capture our shared experience. But they don’t do justice to the exhilarating feelings of elation that have surrounded us on South Padre Island this week!

Aurora, Isabella, James & Pat join me as birthday celebrants on South Padre Island .

Adam & Lisa congratulate Graham on making it through another year.

Georgia keeps an eye on her Nana’s meatball during our festive feast.

James, Betty, Georgia, Kevin, Lisa, Adam, Valerie, Andrew, Isabella, Annie, Aurora, and I met at the South Padre Island sign for a group photo to celebrate our time together.

The 9 bedroom home we rented is a short block from the beach. It came with second and third floor decks, a basketball court, soccer pitch, and swing set, among other features.

The Gulf Of Mexico is clearly visible from our decks.

But one of the most popular features is the hot tub, with an adjustable thermostat and water fall to the pool.

The home includes a couple of parking areas, with one large enough for our motorhome and Smart car.

Andrew is rarely seen without his guitar. Here he serenades his mom and our friend Pat, as they chat over someone’s famous margaritas.

There is no shortage of shared activities at the home, including Legs Up The Wall Yoga with our very own yoga instructor.

Very talented Annie & daughter Aurora are completing some craft work on the patio.

But our time together hasn’t been limited to just the home. We also visited the plaque honouring our own Queen Isabella. lol

And stopped at the South Padre Island Sea Turtle Rescue with Kevin & Valerie.

Where James had a chance to talk turtle.

Sunday morning saw us filling a pew at our local Chapel By The Sea.

With lots of time spent finding shells on the beach,

And visiting our old puppy Charlie’s final resting place.

Hugs are regularly shared by all. Here Annie & Andrew enjoy a sunny beach day together.

Most evenings see gatherings in the hot tub, with glorious sunsets in the background.

Our week together isn’t over yet, but my camera is full, and my heart is overflowing with happiness that we can share this special time together!

Here’s one more pic at the South Padre Island sign, taken by our good friend Gordie from Town & Country, with potentially more happiness to share in another post.

Betty & I know from experience that life on this earth isn’t always easy. But we hope and pray that you can join Pharrell Williams and us in recognizing times when we are filled with joy!

“Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof
(Because I’m happy)
Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth
(Because I’m happy)
Clap along if you know what happiness is to you
(Because I’m happy)
Clap along if you feel like that’s what you wanna do.”

Cheers!

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