Family Vacation at Topsail Beach, NC

September 10, 2020

The Critzer Family

Not only did we get to spend our family vacation at Topsail Beach, NC with the Temple family, but our daughter, Kiersten and her family were there as well! This is the 3rd year that we were able to go with both our children and their families. That means grandkids!! We now have 4 total.

I love watching our two youngest grandkids enjoy the beach! Sawyer is 3 and Sully is 17 months. We are fortunate that these two are in the Richmond area so we can visit when we like (for the most part).

Sawyer is the quiet reserved one and is a momma’s boy all the way! He is slow to warm up to people but I think the person (other than his parents) he had the most fun with is Aunt Corky. He hadn’t seen her in quite a while but after a day or two he was happy to be with her. (I’m not sure what it is about Courtney but kids love her.) Sawyer is remarkably tenderhearted and kind with a gentle and easy going spirit. He also loves to explore and create. Kiersten says he is joyful, although you can’t tell in his pictures. We tried so hard to get him to smile but nothing doing!

Sawyer also loves animals and nothing makes me happier than for him to come to our house so he can see the horses! He calls them the neigh neighs. I’m hoping in the very near future he will get his first pony ride, if his mom is agreeable that is. I’ve got high hopes he will be coming with me on trail rides someday.

Sully, on the other hand, is rambunctious and just started walking! You have to watch him as he is into everything. He laughs easily and it doesn’t take much to entertain him. But, if he doesn’t get what he wants, he lets you know he isn’t happy about it. He is energetic and curious. Sully lives up to his middle name (Wilder) and is full throttle. He’s bright and excitable, as well as, smart and snuggly. And he loooves his puppies, Ruger and Lemon. Kiersten and Trey are going to have their hands full with this kid!

Both Sawyer and Sully love being in the water, picking shells, rolling in the sand, and playing with their sand toys. When they aren’t at the beach, they like playing outside and mud is an extra bonus (when they can find it). I’ll be sure to remember that when they come to visit!

The real blessing of these two boys is that Kiersten and Trey were told they might not be able to have children so both are miracles! I know the miracle for me is that I married Michael and got two children, their spouses and four grandchildren. Spending time with them is truly a blessing and I’m so thankful to be a part of this family.

I asked Kiersten and Trey to fill out a questionnaire for me about our time together and I would be remiss if I didn’t add their comments about each other! Kiersten says: “Trey has the most contagious joy out of anyone I know, he’s compassionate, patient, humble and adventurous! I love the way that He leads our family and the dad that he is.” It’s super sweet to hear her to speak her heart. Trey’s comments bring a smile to my face – He says: “Kiersten has the most beautiful smile, is a smokin hot wife, and is the most loving mom to our boys.” Yep, she is quite beautiful (of course I wouldn’t be prejudiced or anything)!

I know that going on vacation with two young children doesn’t really feel like a vacation and it take lots of work. But, I’m really glad Kiersten and Trey are up for the challenge and made it happen! I’m hoping soon they will want some couple time and will ask us to babysit for the weekend. I’m worn out by the time Sawyer and Sully go home but I love taking care of them. And, I’m training Sawyer to be an excellent barn boy when he is on the farm with me!