Our Family Vacation, Part 1

Finally, I have a few minutes free to post about our wonderful family vacation. First, a BIG thank you to Matthew's Aunt Elise who allowed us to join them. The home in which we stayed is owned by a friend of hers who allows only 1 or 2 friends to rent it for the week. We were so blessed to have had this opportunity as it was so relaxing and a wonderful time to be with family.

We headed out Friday, June 15 to stay the weekend with Jonathan, Lori, Hannah and Madeline. We were looking forward to seeing them all again and for them to meet Braewyn. Obviously, Hannah and Philip were overjoyed to see each other again, but the love/hate toddler relationship began quite quickly. It was especially funny to see them "fight" over the babies. "She's my sister!" "No, she's my cousin!"


Braewyn and Madeline just bouncing together.

After a great weekend together (we toured the children's museum where Jonathan works, found our "dream" house - just $1.4 million, and attended church), it was time to drive to Oak Island, NC on Sunday afternoon. Matthew drove our car with Philip and Braewyn, but I joined Lori as she and the girls were coming for just half the week without Jonathan. He unfortunately had to work, but I'm so glad Lori decided to come as we had some great times together. Anyway, this is our room in the house. We got the biggest room to fit both kids' beds. It really worked very well.

Monday morning came and we tried to get everything together and head to the beach as soon as possible. It was just a 5 minute (if that) drive to the beach. At first, I thought it would have been nicer to have been right on the beach, but having the view of the Intercoastal Waterway just added to the appeal of the location (pics to come).

Braewyn and Madeline were content on the beach seated in their carseats. My mom reminded me to bring the cabana which we had used on the beach when I was younger. It really made this trip do-able with such small babies. I was SO excited when Lori said she had a bathing suit Braewyn could wear. I hadn't bought her one as a 6-week old really doesn't swim, but isn't she precious?!

Philip was a little hesitant to walk into the ocean alone, but with his daddy, he was fearless!

Making sandcastles was also fun for him. However being the rambunctious toddler which he is, he never let Matthew get too far in building anything too big before kicking it down.