On a Family Trip to the Beach

This year, Tom, Colleen and I joined Mom, Dad, Kara, Andy, Sophie, Owen, and James on a trip to Ocean Isle Beach, NC.  (Unfortunately, Kyle wasn't able to join us as he is working an internship in San Francisco this summer).We stayed in a beach house that belongs to one of our assistant principals where Tom and I work.  Having four children ages three and under made the trip crazy at times...but in a good way.  I'm so glad Colleen got to spend time with her grandparents, Aunt, Uncle, and cousins.

Colleen did great on the car ride to the beach-sleeping most of the way!

View off the bridge on the way to the island.

Since we did have young kids with us, we spent some time in the house as well as underneath and on the two porches.

Colleen had her three month birthday while on the trip.  She also learned how to roll over from her back to her front!  

One day, a fort was built!

Colleen had lots of time to get to know her cousins.  I loved when Sophie would gently put her hand on Colleen's tummy and say, "hey girl" and then try to figure out if there was a toy Colleen wanted to play with.  The twins were interested in Colleen as well.  However, they found her to be a useful climbing obstacle and I think Kara even has a picture of Owen poking Colleen in the eye!  

Getting ready for and going to the beach was eventful. Our list of items to take included:  diapers, wipes, backup outfit(s), swim wear, sunscreen, beach tent,beach chairs, towels, sunglasses, and bouncer chair for Colleen.  But it was worth seeing all the kids enjoy their first trip to the ocean. 

Mom made each grandchild a sun hat.  Here is Sophie with her bee suit and hat.  Too cute!

Here is Colleen with her hat.  And it's reversible!

This is how the boys typically enjoyed the beach!

Even though it took all six adults to help the kids, both the children and adults enjoyed time at the pool.

On Wednesday morning, we woke up to rain.  So we piled everyone into cars and drove to Wilmington to go out to eat for lunch and check out the historic part of town.

Lots of car seats!

Owen and James enjoyed goldfish crackers while many of the adults enjoyed fresh seafood!

When we left Wilmington, Colleen was "blowing raspberries" in the car!

It was a great trip!  Still wishing we were there and hoping we can all go back again soon!