WW: Gifts (the free kind)


“Each day comes bearing its own gifts. Untie the ribbons.” -Ruth Ann Schabacker


Photobucket

Interestingly enough, we took the three hour drive in search of the Georgetown Lighthouse only to learn upon our arrival that it could only be seen by boat. A 4 hour boat ride to be exact, 2 out and 2 back. And there were not enough hours of light left in the day. Disappointment immediately set in.

Photobucket

But we continued on until we made our way to Pawleys Island. An island that has been around since the 1700s, making it one of the oldest seaside resorts in America.

Photobucket

We happened on a quiet, picturesque beach. And the kids immediately set out to explore.

Photobucket

We found treasures galore.

Photobucket

Photobucket

We breathed in the salty air. We walked. We listened to the waves as the sun lowered behind the horizon.

Photobucket

Photobucket

We had a beautiful day.

It definitely was not the picture I imagined in my head as we started south that morning.

Pawleys Island has reminded me that although life is bound to have disappointing twists and turns, the outcome could be better than we had even imagined if we just untie the ribbons.

...life's gifts just waiting to be unwrapped.



It's not too late to join WHITE week for the Shades of Autumn Photo Challenge. It's open through midnight Wed, Nov 23rd. And with our amazing sponsor lineup you will NOT want to miss the Finale next week, Nov 25th. Just link up a favorite autumn photo for a chance to win some fab prizes.
-------------------------------------


If you would like to participate in WW, just grab a photo and come link up. Wordless, Not So Wordless, and Wordful posts are all welcome here at project alicia. And make sure to check out a few of my favs...

Wordish WednesdayLive and Love...Out Loudseven clown circusBetter in Bulk
The Paper Mama NapTime MomTogand then, she {snapped}



Pin It

59 comments

  1. Lish,your pictures are very beautiful! I love the picture of the two of you!
    I hope all is well and you are enjoying you the new area where you live.
    Happy WW!
    Verena

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh how beautiful! I love the last photo of all of you :)

    That quote at the top is just perfect.

    ReplyDelete
  3. What beautiful pictures! I want to go there, it looks so calm and peaceful.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Each week I look forward to seeing the pics you'll post, because they're always beautiful! Thanks for sharing, I'm glad your trip turned out well for you :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. beautiful post.. I hope you have a wonderful holiday. :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Unexpected adventures (beaches) are the best! I'm glad you're settling in to South Carolina life. Happy Thanksgiving!

    Gillian from Baby Talk without the Babble

    ReplyDelete
  7. What a lovely family pic, that last one!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Always look forward to seeing your ww!!! Great pictures as usual!!! :)

    Please stop by and link up At http://africasblog.com/2011/11/22/ww-puppies

    ReplyDelete
  9. Beautiful! Both the photos and the sentiments! And I am so glad you are finding new critters there in your new neck of the woods! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Please tell me you are going to use that family shot for your holiday card. Stunning photos!!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I love these so much. Gorgeous!! Sad it wasn't the day you wanted but sounds like you had a great time.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Leave it to kids to help pull us out of the funk we sometimes find ourselves in. "Look! Creepy, Crawley CRITTERS!"

    Have a Happy WW and Thanksgiving!

    ~EdT.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Sorry, ended up with two links! Love that close up of the crab! Looks like it turned out to be a beautiful day even though it wasn't what you'd expected. I love those days!

    ~Mimi

    ReplyDelete
  14. I'm so glad you're enjoying SC! Stunning pictures, as every week :-)

    ReplyDelete
  15. You never know what you're going to get! Be grateful for the proximity to the ocean.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Lovely pictures. I never realized how weird crabs look.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Beautiful Photos! I'm glad your day turned out great and that family photo was worth the trip!

    ReplyDelete
  18. So sorry you didn't get to see the lighthouse, but Pawley's is a fabulous place to spend an afternoon. Love the crab photos.

    ReplyDelete
  19. It really does look like a beautiful day and you have such a beautiful family!
    Hugs,
    Genny

    ReplyDelete
  20. The crabs, the starfish, and the seashells are so beautiful! Amazing photos. I have never seen a crab in real life.

    I love the family picture as well. Happy Thanksgiving!

    ReplyDelete
  21. I'm glad you all got to have an adventure after all.

    ReplyDelete
  22. was going to say i loved the crab photo.. but that family pic is great

    ReplyDelete
  23. What an inspirational quote! I really love it! Each day is truly a gift, especially the days and time we have with our family. I'm glad you had a great day despite the disappointment. We've had a few of those as well, but they do end up being some of the most memorable. Incredible photos as always. The beach is my favorite, so I will never tire of shells, crabs, sand and water! (Love your jeans by the way...one of my favorites). :D
    Happy Thanksgiving!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Gorgeous shots! Thanks for linking up at Momma T and Baby E!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Great shots. I see Christmas card potential here. Happy Thanksgiving!

    ReplyDelete
  26. gorgeous! it must be an adventure every day. Wow, your little guy actually grabbed a crag! I love the close up too, so cool. and the family portrait is beautiful. have a blessed Thanksgiving! ~Faythe @ GMT~

    ReplyDelete
  27. I feel like a world away when I compare your pics to mine....LOL!

    ReplyDelete
  28. What a beautiful day. I can just about smell the salt in the air.

    ReplyDelete
  29. beautiful photos and sentiment <3

    ReplyDelete
  30. This is a beautiful post! And your pictures are gorgeous as always! I often have to remind myself that things don't always turn out as planned, but we need to make the best of how things turn out.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Wow, what a trip! Looks like you still found an amazing place :)

    ReplyDelete
  32. JEALOUS that you guys are in shorts & tshirts!

    ReplyDelete
  33. You make me want to move to SC. With you I'm discovering new places that someday I hope to visit. There is truly so much to see here in our own country. Your photos are BEAUTIFUL and so is your family. Have a happy Thanksgiving.

    ReplyDelete
  34. That is a great lesson to revisit. That just as things don't go as planned doesn't mean there aren't gifts to be found. I'm awful with that. If something doesn't go as planned it's ruined in my eyes. I've been actively working against that but it's hard. Good for you. LOVE the pics of you and Haldan holding hands and the family pic. Was that a self timer????

    ReplyDelete
  35. Those perfect days happen when you least expect it, don't they? Absolutely beautiful shots enhanced by your beautiful family! :)


    Princess Nagger's 9th Birthday - Part 1

    ReplyDelete
  36. It may not have worked out the way you planned, but these photos are stunning nonetheless!

    ReplyDelete
  37. You take incredible photos.
    I'm not good like you but I do have a weekend photo blog hop called In Search of Beauty. I'd love to have you link up sometime,
    www.shandaoakleyinspires.com

    ReplyDelete
  38. These are gorgeous Alicia! I love your processing and your family shot is lovely :)

    ReplyDelete
  39. Isn't it great when things go "wrong" only to turn out so much better. Lovely day caught with a camera. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours x

    ReplyDelete
  40. I just have to say, your fair color is beautiful!!!

    ReplyDelete
  41. Well it looks like a good day nonetheless.

    ReplyDelete
  42. You look so adorable and what a special family! I changed it up today and instead posted a holiday recipe linky. Share any recipe through the weekend and I'll cookbook winner giveaways on Monday. Happy Thanksgiving in the South!

    ReplyDelete
  43. Beautiful photos. Love the family photo.

    ReplyDelete
  44. amazing photos...that crab one is crazy. can't believe he actually stood still for the shot =D

    ReplyDelete
  45. Nice to hear that you still had a nice time. Beautiful family picture.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Beautiful photos as always, & great commentary. You have one of the best-looking blogs on the Net! Thanks very for sharing with us, & a very happy, safe, & healthy Thanksgiving to you & yours.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Gorgeous family!!! Happy WW & Turkey Day to you & yours!

    http://thegreenhouseboutique.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  48. Now you are going to gets lots of complaints as you tease so many with your gorgeous weather vs most of the rest of the country this winter! Ha! Happy Thanksgiving, Alicia!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Those are some pretty amazing gifts you've got. I'm so glad you're enjoying your beach house.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Oh it looks like it did turn out to be a delightful day. Sometimes those are the best kind- when you expect one thing but something you never thought about happens instead. Those creatures are fabulous- I know my kids would be so thrilled to come across those. Love how you always make a point to get a whole family shot (do you use the timer or the remote?)- so important & those will certainly be the ones that you treasure when the kids get older. Some great childhood memories they will have- all documented beautifully.

    Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! You & the family will be in my thoughts.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Wow! LOVE the photos and what happened, it is such a great example of life. I love it!!

    ReplyDelete
  52. Gorgeous, gorgeous photos! Love the family shot and the one of you and your husband walking....so lovely!

    ReplyDelete
  53. Alicia, you always make life look so beautiful - you have such a gift .. and a beautiful family! Happy Thanksgving to you and yours and thank you for this wonderful meme you run every week and sharing a glimpse into your life ... most appreciated!

    ReplyDelete
  54. Love your pictures!
    I followed you and would love a follow back.
    Thanks, http://mimilovesall8.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete