So much fun at the beach I almost forgot to take pictures

We rented a beach house with a bunch of my family in Florida for a little vacation. It was so wonderful--I just love it there. (the BP oil spill was a non-issue. I actually forgot to be concerned once I saw the beach and water.) Between my cousins and us, we had 7 kids there. 2 five year olds, 1 four year old, 1 three year old, 1 two year old, a one year old and a newborn...which I think more than explains why I say I was having so much fun I almost forgot to take pictures.
The boys (Sam, Barrett, and Kyle) enjoyed bunking together in the same room at night. I think the only reason this worked is because they were so exhausted from swimming that they didn't have the energy to be monkeys. Avery (age 2) told me excitedly every morning that she got to sleep on an air mattress. Too cute. It very well may have been the highlight of the trip for her. After the kids went to bed the adults played games. I am not really sure how they slept through the noise we were making.


My aunt and uncle with their grandkids, Sam, Kenley, Ella, and Avery sitting on the front porch of the beach house.


The kids walking down the beach access path


Sandy toes: Ella, Avery, Sam, Barrett (Kyle was not feeling it)


Barrett on the beach. I should have taken more pics that night because it rained every other night after--bummer.


Avery holding a tiny seashell.


I love this picture of Goofball Kyle.


Barrett relaxing in a chair at Seaside.


Kyle called himself a "Scooby Diver" whenever he was wearing goggles.


Miss Annabelle looking glamourous poolside in the tiniest swimsuit anyone has ever seen.


Celebrating! Cody and I renewed our wedding vows on the beach in celebration of our 10th anniversary.
We did not want the occassion to pass us by and we wanted to do something to show our children that we love each other and value our marriage. We plan to get our vows renewed in Vegas by Elvis for our 15th anniversary! (We had a photographer, but I don't have the pics she took yet.)

*Discovery* of the baby girl

The boys and I caught bits and pieces of "Shark Week" and it inspired me to document Annabelle Discovery Channel style.

We have emersed ourselves in her native habitat to observe her more closely. She is the baby girl named Annabelle. Her days are filled eating, sleeping, cooing, and more eating. Her cry is particularly fascinating, soft and sweet and punctuated occasionally with a high pitched squeal which beckons immediate attention...and sometimes laughter. This baby girl tries without success to suck her thumb, so her mother offers a pacifier. She takes the pacifier with gusto only to accidentally spit it out just moments later. This upsets the baby girl. But before long she is squirming around her bed in pursuit of the elusive migrating pacifier. At only 2 months old, she can already turn from side to side with great ease.
She has the affections of her siblings and of course her parents. Strangers, young and old, are drawn to her, captivated by her charms and wooed by her smile. Annabelle has been observed on many outings drawing a small crowd of admirers. Some of her charming qualities we have witnessed include: laughing in her sleep, mimicking sounds, sleeping with her eyes open, laughing at her brothers. She uses all her charms (and sometimes her cry) to lure bystanders into holding her almost incessantly. She is indeed a wonderfully fascinating specimen to observe.

Here is the baby girl herself rolling from side to side and flashing her endearing smile. She is laying on the beautiful quilt her Gigi made for her.

Camp Grandma, Part 2

Last week was Barrett's turn to visit Grandma and Papa while Kyle and I got some quality time. Grandma took the boys on fun adventures like the waterpark and "the beach" on Lake Granbury, and on boat outings. They had a great time at Camp Grandma. I preferred to stay cool by taking them to see Ramona and Beezus and to play at the mall. I also took the opportunity to get some pictures.

Camp Grandma, Part 1

Kyle went to Grandma's last week for a little one-on-one time which meant Barrett and I had a lot of quality time too. Barrett is there now for his turn. He and I had a great time together but we missed Kyle too. When they saw each other this weekend, each told the other that he missed him. And when it was time to part again, they kept hugging each other. Oh, why can't there be more moments like that?

Here's a picture I got of Barrett last week (we worked on how to smile naturally and I think he got it!):


I also got some cute ones of Annabelle showing off her natural smile!