Our first day on the beach, the boys were real curious about this new sand they felt. We pitched our tent in the soft sand and they liked playing with the sticks and seaweed that washed ashore. New beach toys to play with and a pool that we brought, they were very curious about their new surroundings.
Who knew the Dollar Tree would have such great beach toys!
Josiah
G-Pa and Daddy enjoying the beach
They were obsessed with playing with the "sticks" that washed up
They had the best time exploring the beach
Jacob
The first day went well at the beach. We figured out quickly that the soft sand was not their favorite. They liked the sand that was smooth and compact from the water rushing over it. It was less likely to get in their eyes. The long sleeve shirts were PERFECT. (Thanks, Shug) It kept the sun off of them and kept them cool when they got wet. They are my new favorite summer must-have!
Getting them ready each day was quite a challenge. It is not easy with two! Getting one dressed and then applying sunscreen to both was a chore. It took us a good hour each day to make it to the beach. First, Jonathan and his dad would have to go set up the tent on the beach so that the boys had shade. Then they had to take the pool, beach chairs, toys, and our beach bag down. I had to get myself ready to go, and then get them ready. PHEW!!! It was hard work but it was still fun.
Omi and G-Pa had fun playing with the boys. Someone always wanted to be held!
Aunt Jan Jan got these for the boys for Christmas. They loved them! I was shocked that they would sit in them.
A (rough looking) family portrait on the beach. It's hard to catch them smiling.
G-Pa with Jacob
The afternoon time was actually the best time for the boys. I know, I know. They say between 10-5 is the worst time for kids to be in the sun, but they were well covered with their beach clothes, hat, and sunscreen that the sun did not bother them. They liked the afternoon around 2 the best because the water was warmer and I would sit in the sand at the water and play with them. They also were in better moods because of a long nap at lunch. They LOVED playing in our beach chairs.
They enjoyed playing in a water hole I dug and pouring sand on their legs.
Josiah
Jacob
They would dump all of their toys into the pool and then play with them.
Josiah
Jacob always had his right hand covering his eye the entire week when he went on the beach.
I turned 27 when we were there. Wow! I am close to 30...????? Where is time going? My day was made special by Jonathan, even though we didn't get much sleep the night before. Both boys currently have 4 teeth coming in, 2 of them being molars. I don't ever remember wiping so much snot all week and then it made them cough all night because it would just sit in their throats. They were sadly very fussy all week. Understandable, I would be as well if I had those giant things pushing through my gums. We spent the morning on the beach with the boys and then Omi and G-Pa babysat the boys and Jonathan took me downtown for my birthday. We went out to eat that night at one of my favorite places to eat, and then came home and ate a delicious cookie cake. (I ALWAYS have to have a cookie cake.)
After my birthday dinner we went and played on the beach.
YUM!!! I love icing! (Notice the sharks swimming)
One night we went to watch the sun set on the Amelia River after the boys went to bed. Look how pretty this was!
Another morning I was able to catch the sunrise right in front of our beach house!
God is the ultimate artist!
One thing Jonathan's family loves to do is look for shark teeth. They normally find a bunch, but not too many this time. It's so fun to find them. I just found these two while sitting my chair in the water.
That same day, this appeared right in front of where I was sitting. It was swimming around 4 people that were in the water. Scary! (This is one shark, not 2)
We had a great time with family. The boys really enjoyed playing with their cousin, Addison. She is 2 and oh, so cute!
Josiah
Jacob
We took the boys to the marina to play and walk around. It was SO stinkin' HOTTTTTT!!!
Our last day at the beach, it finally rained. We had perfect weather all week. I always love a good beach storm. You can see in the background a storm was coming in. It took power out all around the island for a few minutes.
Our last night was spent with a much needed date night. We don't hardly get any, so we took advantage of it. We went to my favorite place on the island for dinner and sat at the bar so we could watch the sunset. It was gorgeous and the food was fabulous. I really just enjoyed being alone with my husband because that is rare.
He is the love of my life!
Overall, we had a great trip. The boys were much better this year and we were able to enjoy it as well. The older that they get, the easier it gets. Looking forward to our next one next summer in St. Augustine!
