The Beach

We were blessed again this year to get to spend a week at the beach in an amazing beach house that provides all of the space an amenities we could ask for, with a family we are really glad to call friends.

This year we didn't plan food as thoroughly, so we both overpurchased snacks, but we took turns making dinners and we both choose easier meals that were either made and frozen ahead or that didn't require much work. This year we also weren't as tied to Hanna's nap schedule. Hanna again slept in the master bedroom closet, she enjoyed calling it her room and was interested in sleeping on the nap mat that we brought instead of a pack and play. The first few nights Hanna woke up in pain and after a few night I realized it was heartburn. We paid better attention  to what she was eating and gave her tums and there was no more crying. Hanna did still climb up into the amazing king size bed with luxurious linens every night. She fell right back to sleep and it was really sweet having her snuggle with me.

The big girls were all very comfortable in the house and settled right into playing and relaxing and exploring the island. Emma and Rachael were also excited to find out that friends were staying just a few streets over and they got together to bike and watch movies throughout the week.

The beach and ocean was exciting and exhausting as usual. Megan was again fearless in the waves and this year had more strength to last longer and not get knocked down as easily. Bridget again found her happy balance of riding waves and playing on the shore. Hanna was mostly interested in the sand this year, digging, dumping, making imprints, doing head stands. She did spend time getting chased by waves and playing in the surf with her sisters. Emma and Rachael were out on boards and soaked up the sun. This year there were a lot more people on the beach and there tended to be a collection of young men near by our girls when they were in the water. Jim and Wendell were usually nearby so the collection dispersed. It made me feel protective in a different way.

We played lots of cards and dominoes and came home with great memories. We played family games and also got time as adults. We weren't hurried or scheduled and it was very relaxing. The Shumakers were also at the ocean the same week so we had they over for dinner and cards one night. Then Sarah had a sleep over with the girls in the bunk room on the 4th floor. Bridget was beside herself with joy.

Jim and Wendell went to the movies one day and we couldn't help teasing them when they both came down in the same outfit and sandals. One night they also went to a local brewpub while the girls stayed home for a movie night. Shari and I took the girls (minus Hanna) out for miniature golf. We split into two teams and the older 4 girls (Em, Rae, Meg,and Savannah) did the harder course while Shari, Bridget, Sierra and I did the easier course. This worked really well and both of our teams finished about the same time and just as it began to rain. It was perfect timing. We ended the evening by baking cookies.

On our last night together the weather was gray and the kids were a little antsy as we were trying to decide how to spend our time, when Shari came up with the idea to do a Scavenger Hunt on the island. She and I came up with a list of things for them to find and document with their phones. We divided the kids and the neighbor friends (Patrick, Adele and Marissa) into teams and sent them out together. they had so much fun and really got into it. This was such a good idea we will definitely do it again if we go back.

We were sad to have to go at the end of the week, but we were all so peaceful and soaked in the blessings that it was a great lead into our next adventure.