I have to admit that I was dreading our week at the beach. It just seemed like it was going to be a lot of work hauling a 15 month, 3 1/2 and 5 1/2 year old to and from the beach every day - not to mention coordinating meals and sleeping schedules.
Although the week had its tiring moments, all in all we had a BLAST! I highly recommend the beach for anyone with small kids. They had a blast building sandcastles, running in the surf, riding bikes (Alivia on a tandem, and Will in a cart pulled behind me), swimming at our house pool and bonding with all of their cousins. The beach was a quick and easy 100 yard walk from our house on a paved sidewalk.
Matt's entire family joined us for the week. They included Bob and Ruth (Matt's parents), Rusty and Beth from Baltimore with their 3 boys: Drew (17), Zach (15), and Josh (13). These boys were amazing with my kids and are truly the sweetest and kindest teenagers I have ever met. They were a joy to be around and never failed to entertain and play with the kids who thought they hung the moon. And lastly Rob who has recently moved to Boston with his 2 kids: Sarah (20) and Nick (16). Alivia formed a special bond with Sarah during the week and they played so well together, too.
There was a bit of a surprise addition to the week when Rob announced that he had an 18 month old daughter named Sophie with his girlfriend, Shelley. They currently live in Milwaukee and joined us for 2 days.
We mainly cooked all meals since my kids are on such an early dinner schedule. I am looking forward to the days when we can be a bit more flexible with schedules and meals. We ordered yummy pizza from the Mellow Mushroom one night and went to eat a late lunch at The Salty Dog another day.
Overall, the kids were so good. We all slept in one room with John in a large closet. We were all so tired every night that everyone slept through the night without any problems. And once we figured out how to get a sound machine and night light into the closet with John, he slept like a champion - 2 2-hour naps every day and a full 12 hours of sleep every night. That kid loves to sleep (heck, all of the Texas Risingers love to sleep!)
The plane ride back got a little old simply because the novelty of flying had worn off long ago. That day we had driven 2 1/2 hours from Hilton Head to Charleston, flew from Charleston to Houston, Houston to El Paso and finally El Paso to Austin. Note to self - PAY MORE in the future to get a more direct flight. But as I mentioned, the kids did really well and we sat in the bulk head for the last few legs so John could get down and at least stretch his legs a bit.
Since we have gotten home the reality that summer is almost over has hit me. It is a mixed blessing. I am sort of looking forward to more defined schedules and cooler weather, but dread the chaos that the Fall brings with it.
The walk to the beach
Ahhh. . .the view when you arrive
Sarah and Alivia building sandcastles
John loved the sand and couldn't understand why we did not want him to drink the water
All the cousins (except Sophie)
Matt chillin' in our awesome pool
Alivia formed a special bond with Sarah
We rode bikes almost every day
Will loved riding in the "Bobcat"
Our final destination was always the same place - to get ice cream or Icees!
Eating lunch at The Salty Dog
Check out Sarah's beautiful blue eyes!
The whole gang at The Salty Dog
Rob's girlfriend Shelley and daughter, Sophie (18 mos)
We got Will a pair of sunglasses which he loved to wear - too funny
John had absolutely no fear of the water, which of course freaked me out
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