Last weekend my husband swept me away for a weekend in St. Augustine to celebrate our sixth anniversary (we went there for our honeymoon).
After a scramble to pack with two little ones underfoot (note to self: next time pack when they’re sleeping) including tears when I couldn’t figure out how to fold up the maddening pack n’play (why do they make them so impossible?), we were off with this cute little stowaway while big brother began his big weekend with the grandparents.
It was perfect. Two nights at the pirate-themed hotel in the historic district that we stayed in for our honeymoon, same room, even. (Yes, we are the sort of people who honeymoon at pirate-themed hotels, why do you ask?)
There was breezy, sunny weather, a darling baby girl in tow and hours to explore the ancient city and enjoy each other.
Our pirate hotel was just a block away from the Cathedral so we followed the sound of the bells to morning Mass.
It’s gorgeous inside, but I felt weird taking photographs inside a church, so you’ll just have to go visit yourself.
I did snap one of the stunning altarpiece, though.
Then we walked to the harbor to a little breakfast place before a longer walk to the Mission Nombre de Dios.
During our last visit six years ago, we weren’t Catholic yet, and we didn’t know that the very first Mass said in the New World was on the shore of St. Augustine in 1565. This giant cross marks the spot.
Nearby is a pilgrimage site: the Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche, the oldest devotional site dedicated to Our Lady in the New World.
I’ve been dying to go there and it was so special. We knelt and prayed and then I followed the Blessed Virgin’s example and nursed my hungry baby girl before the statue of Our Lady nursing Our Lord.
It was just beautiful and I won’t ever forget it. Little did I know that while I was praying that a dear friend might be blessed with a second child, she was finding out she was pregnant! Filled with joy!
We wandered all around the ancient city and ate gelato at the same spot we did as newlyweds. Forgive my flyaway beachy hair.
It was just bliss. I’m so grateful to have shared six years of marriage with Daniel.
But we were so glad to see this little guy after being away two nights…don’t feel bad for him, though, he had a rip roarin’ time with his grandparents.
I love that the shrine to our Lady is that of her doing the most basic and humble act of caring for a baby; it’s a very powerful message. Looks like a lovely trip!
I love that, too! Beautiful.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen that statue of Our Lady before! I love it! I love that she’s sitting, you just don’t see that in statues. And of course nursing, its beautiful and motherly. I’m going to try and track down an image or something! And sweet little Lucy looks so sweet in all these pictures!
It’s so lovely! Knowing Our Lady really is one of my favorite things about being Catholic. And thank you. She is SUCH a sweet little gal. I just want to gobble her up.