Up, Up and Away, One More Adventure, May 19, 2026

It was the rest day at the end of the road trip with my daughters. We had planned a trip to the beach, but Katey wanted to sleep in. Cheryl was worn out!

Ellen went to the beach by herself and found an opportunity for just one more adventure… parasailing. Ellen sent me these photos of her great adventure to share on my blog. I hope you enjoy them. I know I did!

A small boat carries a very excited Ellen out into the Gulf of Mexico.
Let’s go!
Up, up, and away!
This is so cool!
This is great!
A beautiful view!
We’re losing altitude!
We’re gonna splash down…
Wow! What an incredible experience!

A Confession

Katey and Ellen with a dolphin.

Life with empathy…

mindful, purposeful, content.

Moments of pure joy!

A spirit of adventure,

not a single moment lost!


Copyright© 2026 by Cheryl Batavia

29 Comments

  1. Unknown's avatar

    Fantastic adventure experienced by Ellen! She is really fearless to undertake such arduous feat…… Feel sad to know you got blisters. Still the experience of the roadtrip will truly remain memorable for you Cheryl 💓

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    1. Unknown's avatar

      Ellen was so excited to go parasailing! She sent me photos right away. Usually, Katey is the one who sends photos! 🤣

      Thank you for your kind words, Ingrid. Hope you and your family are enjoying the summer. ❤️

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  2. Unknown's avatar

    This is wonderful, Cheryl. I especially appreciate your ‘confession’. It reveals the depth of your relationship with your daughters, though I’m sorry you were in pain there at the end of your celebratory trip. Katey & Ellen what a pair! 🙂

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    1. Unknown's avatar

      Thank you, Laura, for your persceptive and empathetic comment. My discomfort was far outweighed by the pleasure of my daughters’ company and the wonderful experiences we enjoyed.

      Have a great week! ❤️

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    1. Unknown's avatar

      Thank you, Jay.💕 Since I am diabetic, injuries to the feet are serious. Due to my daughters’ care, I had no infection, and my feet are doing great!

      Glad you enjoyed the photos. My daughter Ellen was very ecited!

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    1. Unknown's avatar

      Thank you, Cindy. 💕 I am delighted to share the photos. I know Ellen was as excited as she looked. She sent parasailing photos to me right away. Usually, Katey is the one who emails photos.

      I am always inspired by your family stories and photos, Cindy. Three beautiful, bright and engaging grandaughters! How wonderful!

      Enjoy your week! 😊

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      1. Unknown's avatar

        Oh, it’s so lovely that she kept you in the loop right away. I remember doing that once and when they landed me, they missed the dock and as they pulled me up my legs scratched the wood, which was miserable, and I never wanted to do it again. I’m glad she had such a great experience.

        Oh you’re so welcome thanks for coming along on the journey with me with so many tales to tell. With this many people in the family, there’s always something as you well know.
        ❤️

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  3. Unknown's avatar

    The smile on her face in those photos says everything – just pure joy, no filter. And your confession got me. Blisters bad enough to stay behind, but still no regrets about making the trip at all. That’s love.
    What a trip this was. You really did squeeze every bit of beauty out of it. 💕

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    1. Unknown's avatar

      Thank you, Ritish, for your kind reflections. 💕Glad you liked the posts.

      I am grateful to my daughters for taking care of my feet. As a diabetic, feet are slow to heal and vulnerable to infection, but my feet healed without complications. Several of the blisters were deep enough to leave scars, a reminder to be more cautious next time.

      My daughters want to return to the Keys to swim with the seals. I think I am up for that.

      Have a great week, Ritish! 😊

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    1. Unknown's avatar

      Hi Kate, thank you for your kind words; it’s nice to hear from you. Hope all is well. Robert and I have been through some health challenges, but we are continuing to enjoy life as best we can. 💕 Life is a gift.

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