QT in Siesta Key

Any time spent with family on vacation in Florida is quality time (QT). For Chad's parents, simply being with their children is QT. For us, QT involves long walks with Kathi asking Chad to feel the baby kicking and Chad asking what body part of the fetus he just felt. For the newlyweds, Chad's brother Jeff and his bride, Shawna, QT is a work in progress.

After reading "The Five Love Languages," they have at least agreed on one thing - that they both need QT. They are still working out the details, though, as they each have their own needs. Shawna needs to cuddle while watching the karaoke version of "Mamma Mia" every so often, while Jeff needs to watch basketball and reruns of "The Office." Shawna needs to shop, while Jeff needs to work out. Shawna needs to dance everyday, while Jeff needs to clip his toenails everyday.

Since Jeff and Shawna are not a couple to ask for help, its good that they had two other established couples around from which they could model. Our QT may not be perfect either, though. We all have QT issues to work out. Chad's dad's QT involved waking up right after dawn every morning and pacing around the condo (not so) quietly waiting for the prescribed time at which he could get the others out of bed (not so different from a little kid on Christmas morn).

Chad's mom's QT involved persistently asking the expecting parents (us) how quickly she will receive the phone call that will allow her to drink from her "World's Best Grandma" coffee mug.

Kathi's QT involved her complaining about pregnancy making her skin more susceptible to sunburn. It also involved her asking her support person (Chad) to bathe her in aloe and rub her back.

Chad's QT involved him telling everyone about the world-changing work he is doing on play and games - while digging holes in the sand for no apparent reason.

We all have our quirks, and the newlyweds seem to be adapting just fine. In fact, by the end of our week on the Siesta Key Shores most of our T was very Q. We all find common ground in people watching along the beach. We had a great time making fun of the speedo-clad, acne-faced high school guys and the old codger that was so intently walking backwards down the beach that he was sweating through his jeans. (We rationalized this cruel behavior by acknowledging that what goes around comes around - there is plenty to make fun of under our visors.)