Long walks on the beach . . .

Early fall met our family with something we don't really do: 

 Two weekends in a row at the beach!

First, we spent time at Wrightsville Beach. 

My gut reaction was to tell the girls NOT to jump on the bed, but then we figured, isn't that what a hotel stay is for? 

 The air was a bit chilly, and we had some rain off and on . . . 

 cooler temps than are typical for here in September . . . 

 but we still had an enjoyable time together, and enjoyed the ocean at our fingertips . . . 

 even if it was for only a few days. 

......

Then, we were able to join friends at North Topsail Beach, and enjoy great food . . .

 (we did a shrimp boil with local shrimp and clams, as well as yummy sausage and oh yeah, veggies too. . .  Poured the food on the table just like Bestefar, and really enjoyed the meal, just not the heat marks on the table!)

Beautiful Sunrises . . . 

 Listening closely to General Conference . . . 

 Taking in the waves . . . even if it was to just watch them . . . 

 Temps hovered in the mid 70s, and I admit getting soft, I like it to be at least 90 to swim outside, but the kids didn't seem to mind too much . . . and I did get at least my feet/legs wet . . . 

 building sand castles, digging holes . . . 

 getting buried (trust me, this was a highlight ;)

 watching the dolphins and the surf . . . seeing more jelly fish on the sand and in the water than we ever have before . . . Jeff even got stung on his arm a little bit that later showed a bruise, but he didn't seem to mind too much.  

 seeing this boy smile his beautiful smile, and enjoy hanging out with friends who have moved away . . . 

 Lil being our daredevil . . . 

And Goose enjoying playing in the sand with the ocean a comfortable distance away.  She always talks about wanting to "move to the beach again"  but then doesn't really want to get in the waves, even if they're little.  She prefers the pool water, and dancing to the music in her head in the sand. 

Thanks for letting us join the house for a few days, and for the chance to visit, relax, and enjoy!