Beach Vacation '09

We set off for a whole week at the beach on July 3rd with Heather, John and Ethan and MeMe and Pepper. It was an awesome time away! We are never disappointed when we visit the coast. Our girls are pro beach goers these days.
We were so excited to celebrate the 4th of July by the sea. Had a great day at the beach along with the rest of the 5,000 or so beach-goers! Aunt Bessie made us all matching 4th of July themed tye-died t-shirts! It was too cute! We sat out by the shrimp boats and yachts, watched the sunset and finally after about an hour of waiting we watched the fireworks sparkle over the bay. Just so you know...the kids were exhausted by the this point and barely had enough energy to keep an eyelid open to see the sparkle.

Sunday we visited an old, old cemetery and the old, old tree that is gigantic! The kids loved climbing in one that was next to the really, old historic tree.

We went to the beach alot, swam, ate good food, visited, rested, enjoyed just being away from the norm. (Smores anyone?)
Some of my favorite moments were walking the beach at dusk seeing what kind of treasures we could find. The second night, Landri found this huge Hermit Crab. It was hilarious! I was simply amazed that she picked it up on her own. We traveled to another coastal area nearby and took in the sea there as well. Nothing can quite compare to the beach at dusk!

Paige simply loves all things about the beach - sand, salty water, sun and shells. Her and Landri were so content just hanging out. This year the "chasing of the seagulls" backfired on Paige. They were ravenous and would take food right out of your hand. One afternoon, Paige had a tootsie roll sucker in her hand and was waving it around as she played on the beach. The seagulls eyed it and came in for a steal - swiping it and cutting her finger with their beaks. She was just heartbroken.

We buried John one day in the sand completely up to his chin. Coley along with Paige, Landri and Ethan thought it would be funny to put crackers on his head and let the seagulls have a field day - and they did! It was too funny! Later, Ethan bent down and lifted John's hat off of his head and dumped a bucket of water on his head. John was like "no Ethan, No Ethan" and Ethan just giggled as he poured more water on.

One morning, we got the girls up early and whisked them off to the beach. We did a short devotional in the car and read some scripture out of Genesis about all that God made - land and sea creatures. Then we walked the shore...well actually the girls were up to their knees in water scouring the sandy bottom to find treasures. They loved it! It was a neat family time to take in God's creation and enjoy one another.

Coley will tell you that I love the coast more than he does - but he was the one who pouted all the way home!