I can't remember another time in my life where I so desperately needed a vacation than this time. I'm a huge believer in refreshment, however it must happen for you. No one is happier than me with how well Wish Photo Company has taken off and how many people have done me the honor and asked me to take their picture. But working full time, being a Mom and wife, the pic company has turned into another full time job, and whoa, these eyes were so tired and weary. So off we went, me and my little tribe...off to the place where my original wish was made. What a great time to turn back the page...

Back in the summer of 2002 - Nick and I went to North Myrtle Beach on vacation with our dear friend Nada and her then fiancé Jeff and had the time of our lives. We were, however, in the midst of many failed fertility treatments. Emotionally and physically, I was not in the best place. I appreciate that break in so many ways...that stretch of ocean will always be a place where I seek clarity and strength. That stretch of ocean will always be the exact place where I made my very special wish, where I waited for my real life to begin. That moment where I held my husband's hand and looked out into the horizon and imagined that one day we would have hands to hold other than our own. We've been bringing our girls here since they were 5, 3, 3, and 1. Having them run around and splash and play on this beach year after year has helped heal me. With two years having passed since our last visit, it was mind blowing to realize how the girls have grown and changed, now at 10, 9, 9, and 7. This time, we were able to sit down with them and explain our history here and have them recognize this very important part of our family's foundation. This beautiful stretch of ocean...it is the one place I can silently express my gratitude for my wish being heard and honored. So this year, the six of us, we each made a wish on a seashell and threw it out into the ocean...on that very spot I made my first wish 12 years ago. My wish this year? That we could be together forever...

This slideshow is a gift I made for my family to celebrate our trip together and showed them when we arrived home yesterday. It was the one and only time I picked up my camera the whole week - if you have a bit, check it out!

http://vimeo.com/100001552