The End of Our First Vacay

Unfortunately, our 10 days had to come to an end. We thoroughly enjoyed our last few days together and at the beach. It was a great time to be there because kids were back in school and this beach is usually never busy anyway. We had to get some family pics. This seemed like the perfect spot and perfect time.

Beautiful.

We ate some of the best burgers, took pictures, then played putt-putt right next to the beach. Coach was more than thrilled to teach Grady, and Grady has been playing nearly every day since!

The boys loved being creative.

Family picture time! Tiff and Mike up first!

Aunt T and her boys.

Our little family.

Everybody now.

One more.

The 'Rents.

Cute little boys.

Our last day...soaking it all in.

Some of our old neighbors when I was growing up now living at this beach, and we get to see them every time we go down there. They also have the cutest little dogs. The boys absolutely loved seeing them and getting to pet them.

This almost makes me want a dog. Then I remember allergies and lack of time to take care of one.

Grady had a little more trouble holding them, but he tried nonetheless.

Last time in our 'ocean pools.'

Love this video of ending our time at the beach.

The boys went in for naps and I requested the last few moments by myself to enjoy the view and soak up as much sun as I possibly could. It's gonna be a while til this happens again.

Bye bye beach. Oh, hello Chick-fil-A. You always make us happy :o)

First Vacay - Part 3

We had beautiful sunny days all but two days we were there. It was time anyway for a rainy day forcing us indoors. We started the morning off with a family date at Dunkin' Donuts. Oh, these photos are making me hungry and want the pumpkin spice latte I thoroughly enjoyed. Mmmmm. We should have family dates more often.

 After breakfast, we met my parents, grandparents, sister, and bro-in-law at a cute little diner before we head downtown to do some shopping. I thoroughly enjoyed the bookstore. My top three favorite smells: fire, leather, and books.

 We eventually got back and just enjoyed bumming out and watching TV while listening to the rain.

 Caden didn't nap, so we created a 'cubby' for him to sit in while he watched his own movie. Grady joined him when he got up. Yes, please!

 That night we went to the docks to eat dinner. My meal was awesome, but I was constantly pulled away from my dinner to see the views outside. The view was spectacular and breathtaking. There's nothing like the calm after a storm.

 Proud to be an American.

 This one is my favorite. Gorgeous sunset ahead with day still in the sky.

 Sorry, I was enamored.

 We walked a little downtown and headed back. I love the old Coke sign.

 We headed back home and watched some TV. I love that my dad and husband got the exact same shoes. Too funny for words.

 I love this cute video. So very funny. Grady loved (and I do mean LOVED) walking in my parents room and getting scared by my dad. My mom loved it because he would run to her.

Back out the next day to the beautiful beach and wonderful sun. I'm sad to say I haven't read my kindle since this photo. Maybe one day.

First Vacay - Part 2

We continued our blissful beach visit with all things wonderful, including chocolate chip cookies over chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream!

 A storm was-a-brewing, so we headed in. It was time for a break anyway :o)

 Speaking of breaks, Britton and I got to go out on a date. We enjoyed a local pizza place (tradition for us) then went to the movies. We saw 'The Giver'...awesome movie by the way; definitely worth seeing!

 The storm left the next day and let us get back out! This is how we announced Grady's name...in the sand at the beach in Thailand.

 I think my favorite part was the wide open spaces the boys could run in. It was wonderful just to let them run and run. We all attempted a little frisbee too.

 playing for days...

 We found several of these washed up from the storms. In case you're wondering what this is like we were, it's a horseshoe crab!

 sweet Gray-Gray

 Mommyo and Pawpaw came to visit! My sister also arrived the day before. Going to downtown Amelia is always fun.

 BEST ice cream I've ever tasted!! Salted caramel fudgetastic. And it was.

 After full bellies (and just ask my family how I devoured a bowl of white cheese dip like a kid eating candy), we went for a carriage ride.

 About to tour the town.

 Boomer, the horse. He wasn't much for pictures.

 We enjoyed a day at the beach building sand castles.

 My mom worked so hard with the boys.

 Grady enjoyed watering the moat. Mischievous little face.

 There's that happy sweet face.

Here's 2 short videos of some beach time. The first one might appear boring but notice Grady's reaction to the incoming bird. At first, he's taken back then he notices the bird stops so he turns around to check it out. He then wonders what the bird is looking at and loses interest. Ha. Sorry for a little plumber's smile at the end :o)

 Mommyo wanted a family pic.

 Coach and his boys.