we went to the beach

when adam found out he unexpectedly had a 3 day weekend on his 34th birthday (truly a rare luxury for a resident), he decided he wanted to go to the beach. who was i to argue? the kiddos have never been to the ocean at a time warm enough to swim and we knew they would just love to run and swim and catch things and dig. they did. we loved doing it with them. it is not "restful" really to vacation with small people, but it can be refreshing anyway...especially when you get to do it with dear friends and family and you have no internet and little cell-phone reception and just a whole lot more quiet and sweet conversation. the cousins had not seen each other since Christmas so they had a blast. Katie and Jeremy recently moved away and we have been missing them so much.

handsome brother

precious niece

adam likes catching things as much as they do

night-time crabbing

to prove i was on this trip and did spend some time with the kiddos:) we did not even get a family picture or one of me and adam together.  oh well!

one way to use the boogie board

this castle was a serious undertaking

the boys went to the serpentarium

just holding a boa (i think). no big deal

snakes in trees=creepiness

morning snuggles and watching the fish jump

crazy 8s

it was so good to catch up with these dear ones

jeremy took the role of fun "uncle" seriously

men working hard

so thankful for this sister-friend

tiddly wink

miss this precious friend!

cutie pie