Beach Vacation: Part 2

Our week of crazy, family fun continued.  We were blessed with 7 days of gorgeous sunshine and a constant breeze that makes it enjoyable to be outside all day.  I still think the beach is the only place to be during the hazy, hot, humid days of summer in the South.

The pool on our deck was a great place for the kids to practice their new swimming skills.  Julia's got her sit dives down now and learned cannonballs and can openers.

There were lots of group jumps, too...

And Carter can now dive from sitting and standing, do can-openers and cannonballs.  He also learned to do back and front flips! I never expected to turn around and see him flipping into the pool. 

After a few safety guidelines, he was off and flipping. Oh my!

Baby Liz preferred her seat in the shade where she could take in all the action.  She just loves those boys!

We were so proud of her big brother James, who went from only putting his toes in the water to swimming on his own with the puddle-jumper. He was so proud of himself he even turned down popsicles so he could swim more :) Way to go, kiddo!

Mimi and Grandpa got all the kids new fishing nets.  They actually became quite good at catching them.  Anderson would carry them around in his bucket for awhile until Julia insisted it was time to let them go find their friends again...

They also had fun playing with their big cousins (my second cousins' kids- this is where it gets complicated.  let's just stick to cousins :)  Brianna, Bryce, Kirsten, and Kelsey...

They are all baseball lovers and played a fun game one afternoon.  The wind was whipping, but they made it work...

The week was so relaxing, there was even time for date night!! I know, crazy! Here's a picture for proof. We all got our four kids in bed and went to catch a movie (Thanks Mom and Dad.).  The conversation and laughter was healing to the soul.  Thanks Lauren and Kenny! I wish TX and NC were closer so we could double date more often...

After a wonderful week with our toes in the sand...

the sun set on our week at the shore...

No better way to end the week than and ice cream sundae party...

some games...

and a dance party in the dark!

Already looking forward to seeing everyone at Christmas and heading back to the beach next year.  Thanks for the fun and memories everyone!!

Beach Vacation: Part 1

You're probably wondering what we've been up to.  Last week we all headed to the coast for our annual family beach vacation.  We all look forward to this all year.  The kids have been counting down the days.  They couldn't wait to see the fam, hit the beach, swim in the pool, and have fun all day every day.  The country was broiling in a week of triple-digit temps, there was no better place to be than on the beach enjoying the breeze.  We all wish we were still there

Here's a look at what we've been up to...

It didn't take long before everyone was relaxing and enjoying the view and company...

Carter and Grandpa were hittin' the waves...

Carter is fearless these days when it come to the ocean.  No amount of heavy surf or high waves can keep him out of the water...

And of course with these two we always have to relive each wave...

play by play :)

Sandcastles are still a favorite for all ages...

and digging for sandcrabs...

When they weren't swimming in the ocean, they were swimming in the pool. They are all little fish these days and have become quite confident and proficient in their skills...

Daddy and JuJu warming up in the sun on the patio...

There was lots of time for reading (we had 4 kindles in our house!)...

and quiet conversations...

Once the kids are in bed, it's time for games and music.  Rummikub and Sequence were favorites this year...

Billy took the "3 Amigos" to the aquarium...

A great morning topped off with free ice cream when they left!

We all love collecting shells, too.  We read some great books about shells before our trip and the kids were so excited to put all their new knowledge to work.  The treasures were everywhere.  It still makes me feel like a kid at Christmas every time the tide goes out to see all that awaits on the shore.  We have such a creative and powerful God.  I can't help but think about the countless gifts He gives us each day.  His mercies and blessings are new every morning, just like the endless supply of intricate shells that line the beaches.

Grandpa and Carter are like two peas in a pod!

Carter's been working on his body surfing skills this year and is doing well.  He found his favorite way to ride though... on Grandpa's back! His own personal dolphin!

Mommy's turn with the boogie board.  The waves were great this year...

Daddy and Carter had fun on their bikes this year...

A favorite tradition... putt-putt with Grandpa...

We were excited to finally meet the youngest member of our extended family, baby Liz.  The kids loved doting on her and I think the feelings were mutual...

A fun morning in Morehead City at the Maritime Museum...

and enjoying the docks...

We surprised my Gramma with a birthday party.  It's not often we have this much of the family in one place...

Her five great-grandchildren... Anderson, James, Carter, Liz, and Julia... (number 6 is due any minute, we can't wait to hear the news, Erin!!!)

We welcomed Gramma to the kindle-club for her birthday...

Then it was time for some beach volleyball.  The kids played first....

Then the adults.  It was so much fun! Where we were lacking in the skills department we made up for in effort and laughter...

Then it was time to cool off with some night swimming. The kids loved it...

Are you tired yet? And the week is only halfway done.  It was a great week with lots of relaxation and fun, but the kids were going nonstop from the time they woke up until they crashed....

One night Julia was even asleep before dinner at 5:30, and we didn't hear a peep until the next morning!

Stay tuned for more........