Most relaxing place on Earth?

My aunt and uncle have had this beach house in their family for years and over the years we have been SO grateful for the invitation to come spend some time there.  There have been times where we have spent almost a week and other times when we only spend a day.  This year we were able to stay for about 24 hours.  I've decided that this is not quite enough time!  :)  But, we were very happy to have been able to visit at all as it has been a couple of years since we've been there.  

Jessalyn remembered some things about it and Ethan remembered once we were there.  Luke and Owen don't remember a thing, but it has quickly become on of their favorite places.  

The best thing about this beach house is that it's not right on the public beach.  It's a short walk to the actual beach but if you choose not to, you can just sit on the porch with a PERFECT view of the ocean and the beach.  The sound of the waves crashing and the ocean breeze makes the porch the most relaxing place to sit and visit with friends and family.  The kids enjoy running around the house, jumping on rocks and playing wiffle ball and hide and seek...when they aren't begging to head to the beach!  

The moon was absolutely beautiful one night...but unfortunately my camera battery charger was MIA (ironically..I JUST found it today...in the VAN...so I had it with me the WHOLE TIME).  I missed out on many photo ops...but nothing that I won't have a picture of in my own memory.  

Jessalyn

Ethan and Luke playing scrabble....

Nana missing her Truett...as she spent almost a week there!

A snack on the rock..

Owen checking things out..

LOVE...the view from the porch

The view from the porch

Tru..chillin under and apple tree in the shade.

Luke jumping rocks

Ethan jumping rocks

Jessalyn made this

Josh and Tru.  I have a picture JUST like this here with him and Ethan...Ethan was 5 months old or so.  

My aunt has several toys to play with...proof that EVERYTHING is fun at the beach house:)

Truett taking a nap

I was showing Truett the ocean.

Jessalyn wearing Amy's shoes.  I kept telling her that Coach Nick would KILL her if she broke her ankle right before Districts!

Ahhhh....the ocean...

Loving the waves...Ethan and Luke

The beach house from the beach

wave jumping

Truett LOVES the waves.

Tru also liked tasting the sea weed

They are looking for us....

Owen..

Got him some new trunks today:)

Luke..

I love beach reflections

Two of me?

I can't remember how many times during parenthood when I've thought about how nice it would be to have 'two of me'.  I've thought about how handy it would be to have an extra set of hands and eyes and whatever else two of me might be able to do!

I feel like lately this concept has been becoming a reality as Jessalyn grows and matures into a completely awesome young lady.  It's not like she's constantly required to be cooking and cleaning and changing diapers but during times when I could use an extra hand she is usually more than willing to step in (often without me asking) to help with a task or two.  Whether it's getting Truett in his swimming clothes while I sunscreen the three other boys, or switch a load of laundry, or bake cookies for the "Calvary Cafe" (snacks between Sunday School and Church), or keep an eye on Tru while I shower quickly (or not so quickly!)....the list could go on and on.

She has a servants heart (more often than not) and has just been a joy to be around.

I say all of this because I'm proud of who she is and who she's becoming....and while I do hope that we can continue to foster these qualities, I am well aware that it is not us who is instilling them in her!  I am thankful that we were blessed with our girl!

Papa's 65th

Papa's 65th birthday happened last week...while we were all at camp and he was in Maine.  Shara had the great idea of getting together for an impromptu bbq at the beach tonight to celebrate.  It was actually a perfect night...until it started thundering and lightning:)  It was good timing though, as we had all gotten some beach time, were able to eat and were back to just hanging around in the sand.  We finished the party (ie: ate  cake) back at our place.  It was a nice night.

Owen found this "giant" rock at the bottom of the lake.  He's saving it to use for a future VBS project, as suggested by Granny (the VBS coordinator).



Shara, Emma and baby boy Jameson.


Still haven't gotten this boy new trunks:)


Luke and his abs.


More of Shara and baby:)


The kids were trying to get me to take pics of their footprints...but we had to act fast as the water was washing them away quickly.


Love this one of Ethan and Owen...mirrored pose:)


Truett's working hard on a sand castle:)


Sorry Michelle:)  I love this of the two SIL's....both due to have baby boys soon!


Scuba Steve??  (don't know who this guy is, but I couldn't resist the pic)


He's a regular beach bum.


Noah.


Owen.


Cute, messy, goopy eyed smile from Tru.


This is what it's like to try to get a nice pic of the birthday boy and Granny...lots of photo bombing:)








I think Owen was trying to photobomb this...but I snapped just as he ducked behind them!




Cutie Noah.


Luke..working on growing in some new teeth!


I shall blame any duck itch on you...


Winnipesaukee


Papa's cake.


Emma's ready.


Joel and Papa.


Great Nana.


Noah enjoying a cupcake.


Super Emma!


Super Shara!


Truett loving on Papa.


Super Truett!