A week at the beach

Earlier this month we were not only lucky enough to spend a week at the beach, but we also got to spend it with family who we never get to see often enough.  Here are some of the highlights (and low-lights) of the trip.

Sand sculptures and cousin time. Can you see Elsa and Olaf in the background?

A little evening dip. Just to get our toes wet. (And our nice clothes.)

We may have missed the fireworks at home but we had a pretty nice spot to watch by the beach. The first time the kids got to stay up to watch.

Crowded beach, cold water, finding creatures and building castles in the sand.

A friendly game of barefoot soccer.

Crossing state lines to a quieter beach. Lots of frisbee, windswept hair and lobster and chowder for lunch.

Kaelyn wasn't feeling so great for a couple of days. (Between her getting sick and Brennan leaking during the night or naps I think we washed sheets more times that week than we usually do in a year). So we took a break from the heat to get a closer look, and touch, at some sea creatures and make our own starfish.

And of course some ice cream to keep us cool.

I'm guestimating that between everyone we spent at least $100 at the arcade. But hey, it was worth it for the angry bird pencil topper and crazy light up "frog" thingy we "won" at the prize booth. Brennan's obsession with motorcycles continues.

Jenness Beach. Boogie boarding. And the art of throwing sand.

A beautiful dinner out (with more lobster, seafood and eating flowers) was capped off with dessert (I think Brennan ate the most) and gorgeous walk on the beach.

And it may not be perfect, but after several failed attempts this group picture is as good as it gets. And the only picture you'll find of me.

A day in Portsmouth for a walk in the park, some shopping, a view of the harbor (and Maine) and a yummy lunch.

Brennan "doing his work" at the beach.

And finally, our little surfer girl. Kaelyn fell in love with boogie boarding. This video doesn't do justice to how much fun she had, even after several face-first spills into the 55 degree, ice-cold water.

Speaking of spills...

I think everyone would agree it was a fun vacation. We can't wait to see everyone again and we can't wait to go back to the beach!

June = lupines + strawberries

As we get ready to embark on our July adventures, let me tell you about our June.

Seems like we've been pretty busy since this little girl "graduated" from Kindergarten.

Performing their good-bye song. I got a little choked up.

With her teacher Mrs. L and one of her best friends.

We've just been trying to soak up the summer at the pool and the park. But also, trying to enjoy the beauty and fruits of June in New England.  One of our first missions after school was out was to go and see the lupines which are abundant just an hour north of her in the mountain region.

An old steel furnace where we stopped for a picnic on our way home.

Bren wasn't feeling great that day so this was the only picture I got of him at our picnic.

Jelly Face

We also spent a morning picking strawberries at a nearby farm. We picked about 9 1/2 pounds. We've eaten quite a bit since they are a favorite of everyone's. But we also made jam and froze a whole bunch to use in smoothies. We're already through our first jar of jam.

We may have sampled a few while picking

She chose her outfit wisely that day.

It's a beautiful time of year! Up next, the beach!