2012 Beach Trip #1

Because marcus is super busy with work lately and grad school, we were only able to squeeze in a short vacation to the beach this year. We were able to stay at my parents condo at Carolina Beach, which has got to be one of my most favorite spots in all the world.

We were only there for three nights, but we had SO. MUCH. FUN.

We ate and laughed and danced and acted silly. We swam and played tag and watched movies and made cookies. We let the kids choose what fun things they wanted to do each day and didn't have to say 'no' to them hardly at all. Marcus was able to be fully present with us without the added stress of looming assignments and deadlines for school, and no work emergencies came up while we were away, either.

This was probably the best vacation we have ever taken together. I LOVE being the wife of this amazing man and the momma to these crazy kids. It's exhausting, but worth every minute.

Getting all of our gear down to the beach was a major feat in and of itself!

This is one of my most favorite pictures ever.

We have a pic of K in this same bucket each year at the beach. Just a few years ago that same bucket went up to her chest. How is she getting so big so fast?!

Mack wanted his pic made in the bucket too. This was the foot washing bucket before they got into their little pool.

Hearing the ocean in Grammie's shells on the porch.

My favorite view!

Or maybe this would be my favorite view?

No trip to CB is complete without a walk on the pier to look for pelicans.

And a trip to Squigglys!

This was a late night pajama party on the porch.

We are so thankful for the few days that we had to get away together as a family. For as long as I can remember, it was my parents dream to have a little place at the beach. They worked hard and saved for many years, and now we are all so blessed to get to enjoy their little piece of paradise. Thanks, Mom and Dad for letting us go, and for watching Josie while we were away! We made such wonderful memories!