The start to summer

We just returned from spending a few days at the beach. What a great way to start the summer!   

We had wonderful beach weather-- 75 to 80 degrees and sunshine.  After our beach trip last August (quick recap: two five-week old babies, broken air conditioner, washing machine that caught on fire, stomach virus, and rain), we were hoping for a much better vacation this time. 

The water was still pretty cool (way too cold for me, and chilly for the brave children, daddy and PopPop. But they loved swimming and jumping in the pool.   And when they got too cold, they would sit out on the chairs and read or rest to warm up.                                                                

 They always have a hard time deciding whether to go to the pool or the beach. They like swimming in the pool better but playing in the sand at the beach. We often went to the pool while babies were napping and to the beach when babies were up. The babies could crawl around much easier there than at the pool. They loved eating and digging in the sand! And what's the best way to contain two crawling babies on the beach? Dig a big hole and stick them in there!! It took them a little while to figure out how to get out :)

The beach was definitely James's happy place. He was so content the entire week. The only time he fussed was when we took him off the beach. I wasn't sure how Elizabeth would like the sand. She doesn't like to get dirty and she was very curious about sand on her hands, but then she had a lot of fun with it.

We also went on lots of walks and to the plaground that was nearby. The kids loved climbing and sitting on the beautiful tree branches.

Jay also took the big kids to ride bikes one morning. Jay, PopPop, and Will played golf one evening--this was one of Will's favorite events! I got to sit outside on the beach and read a book while kids napped one afternoon. Jay and I got to go on a date one night. We all had a really great time!

We were so thankful to have a few days away to enjoy time together and take a break from the daily routine. It is still a lot of work to take five little ones to the beach (it takes a while to get everyone's sunscreen on for sure!). We really couldn't do it without going with Mimi and PopPop.

We can't wait to go back at the end of the summer!!