The beach

I had so much fun at the beach playing with my camera. Everybody gets beach pictures and we had never done this. This year despite the fact that "getting ready" while we are on vacation is not what I want to do, I really wanted pictures!!! So we got everyone ready. We chose the morning b/c we thought the kids would do better in the AM. Unfortunately, it was too bright. The kids could not keep from squinting. So we had to go for plan B and attempt pictures again in the evening. They turned out much better! Thank you to my dh who had much patience with me and helped me get the kids ready, not once but twice for beach pictures!!!

The Beach

I cannot believe our much anticipated trip to the beach has come and gone. We had a great time and the kids had so much fun playing with their cousins. I hope we are creating fond memories that will last with them forever. I love the beach and am always reminded of the God and His awesome power every time I go. It is so funny to think about how my life has changed in the last 10 years. Comparing an outing to the beach trip 10 years ago to a beach trip now really makes me think...

Ten years ago the list of what to bring down to the beach
beach towel
sunglasses
book

What I take to the beach now
tent
towels
sun screen
swimmies
buggie boards
swim rings
football
kites
sand toys
swim diapers
more sunscreen
snacks
bottled water
a child on my hip that won't walk in the sand
bug spray
a baby doll????
beach chairs
cell phone (to call the condo, to have someone bring what I forgot)
sun glasses this time with tinker bell and spiderman logos
?book--oh I forgot my book, oh well, I will not have time to read anyway!

Oh! and did I mention my husband and 3 great kids!! Ha!!!

After 10 years an outing to the beach is not quite as simple, but I wouldn't trade my "extra stuff" for anything. It is all worth it!

Slow down Summer

Swimming on the 4th!!! Complete with 4th of July tattoos
E at "Mr Jack's" we had a great time!!!!

S and K enjoying some melted snowcones

What says 4th of July better than American Flag tablecloths??

Glad I snagged a picture before the snowcone was all over her shirt.

Wow! I cannot believe it is July the 6th and school starts one month from today!!!! We have had a great summer and are trying to enjoy every second.

We celebrated the 4th with the annual downtown parade and a party with some neighbors. We finished off the night with a swim and fireworks!!!

his week starts VBS!!! We are doing it at night this year, so our schedule has definitely been out of whack!!! That is okay, we are having lots of fun and S is thrilled that I am teaching in her class!