Cousins

On our last full day at the beach, the girls got to spend the day with their cousins from Arizona, Felix and Theo.  They loved showing the boys "their" beach, playing in the water, exploring on the rocks and playing in the sand.  The following day, they spent the day together again, at the family reunion at Grammy and Grampy's house.  It was a wonderful two days for our girls and hopefully, for Felix and Theo as well!

Emily, Felix and Elizabeth in the water.

Theo and Elizabeth

Cousins

Family at the Beach

During our week, we were lucky enough to have visits from Aunt Denise, Grammy and Grandp, Grammy and Grampy, Uncle Peter and Auntie Kathy, as well as Uncle Mike, Auntie Kelly, Felix and Theo.  Other than holidays, we don't get the chance to see so many family members, so it was really exciting for the girls to spend so much time with their family.

Uncle Peter and Emily playing in the waves.

Elizabeth and Auntie Kathy boogie boarding.

Aunt Denise with Elizabeth and Emily.

Elizabeth, Felix and Emily running down the beach.

Theo

Theo

Lee, Felix and Uncle Mike.

Uncle Mike dives right in, much to Felix's delight!

Theo and Auntie Kelly.

Theo touches a baby crab.

Uncle Mike shows Felix how to hold a crab without getting pinched.

The ultimate crabber.  We had kids from all over crowding our stash of sea creatures and all of the dads were simply amazing at Lee's crabbing prowess.

Lee and Felix.

Love this picture!

Emily holds a starfish that Lee found, just for her.

Love this face!

Mornings on the Beach

We spent many early mornings on the rocks and in the tidal pools.  For the first time, I was able to spend a little bit of time each morning sitting on the rocks, reading and enjoying my coffee, while Lee and the girls explored the rocks looking for crabs, lobsters, star fish and other creatures.

Looking for sea glass in the rocks.

Low tide brings the best tidal pools.

Crabs, lobsters, star fish and sea urchins - oh my!!

Friends at the Beach

Each year during our vacation, my friend Janet and her two boys spend a day at the beach with us.  This year, their visit was expanded to include Sheila, Clint and Jen, and their kids.  Sheila and her family were in New Hampshire for their annual summer vacation and while we were unable to visit with everyone at Braggalope Bay, we were all able to get together for a great day at the beach.  Weather-wise, it might have been the best beach day we've had in six years; and you just couldn't beat the company.  The kids played together in varying groups during the day and the adults caught up and reconnected.  It was just a great day all around!!

Elizabeth and Ethan boogie boarding!

Owen wanted to drag the boogie board around, but he wasn't into actually riding it.

Splashing in the water was more his style!

The kids, digging the sand.

Travis takes a turn on the boogie board.

Nothing makes a sand castle shine like a little sea weed.

Juliet

Travis and Clint.

Owen being goofy.

Bathing beauty.

Elizabeth and Ethan

Jen and Juliet, going for a swim.

Travis

Sheila and Janet

More boogie boarding.

Emily loves playing in the waves.

Ages 2 to 8: Annabelle, Owen, Juliet, Travis, Emily, Elizabeth, and Ethan

Sheila, Janet, Jen and Maureen - what other high school best friends have the chance to get together so often?  We are so lucky!