We Are Going to the Beach, Beach, Beach!

At the beginning of June we went to Surf City, NC (near Topsail Island) for a week-long family vacation.  Last year, before our trip to the beach my dad started a little chant to get the kids excited.  Needless to say, it worked.  At random times, when I least expect it, Ethan will call out, "WE ARE GOING TO THE BEACH, BEACH, BEACH!"

Last year we also came across a wonderful little BBQ place 

in Pembroke, NC called Papa Bill's Ribs.  

They have a little playground outside for the kids, 

so we played while we waited for our food. 

My favorite thing to do at the beach (besides taking lots of pictures)

is to sit and watch the kids play in the sand

Tim and Ethan swimming in cold, cold water

Owen poured the bag of goldfish into the bucket full sand & ocean water,

but the kids didn't seem to care.  

They just ate the soggy goldfish right out of the bucket.

Another of my favorite beach activities - being buried in the sand.

Most important job of the adults during the week

was keeping the buckets filled with water for the kids.

One of Ethan's favorite activities - going out for ice cream!

Cara getting a pedicure from Aunt Terre

For some reason, Owen thought the fingernail polish should go in his nose.

Watching Funniest Home Videos with Pop

Owen got to stay up late one night and watch a movie in bed with Yaya.  

Even though he only lasted a few minutes in front of the TV, 

he was very excited about his special time with her.

We decided to bring Ethan's walker onto the beach so he could have some independence and he LOVED it!  It was the first time I really saw him smile on the beach.  

Cara fixing Ethan's hair

While we were shopping for groceries at Food Lion, we decided to buy a kite for Ethan and Cara to play with on the beach.  We didn't realize we had bought a kite with two strings, which is much harder to fly.  Finally, Tim was able to get the thing in the air and the kids ended up loving it!  They each got a turn flying the kite (with Tim's help).

Owen helping daddy fly the kite

Aunt Jenny, Uncle Kevin & Tristan live about 45 minutes from Surf City, 

so they came for a visit one day!   

the kids playing in a little "fort" made out of blankets

watching Elmo with Pop

Owen -- up before the sun

out to eat lunch in North Topsail

Yaya and Owen dancing

I think Ethan's favorite part about being in the ocean

is getting sprayed off with the hose when it's time to go inside.

Here he's eagerly anticipating his turn to get sprayed.

Yes, Owen is sitting in the cooler drinking his milk

being silly with Pop

Ethan's turn flying the kite

Pop getting tangled in the kite