Are you ready for some pictures? We just returned from our annual beach trip to Isle of Palms, South Carolina, so there are plenty to share. I say "beach trip" because, let's face it, it's not much of a "vacation" with a 3 year old and 7 month old! But if I can do my job anywhere, it may as well be the beach.
Samantha was such a big girl this year. She always comes back a little "wiser" after spending time with the Pyle girls, and this year was no exception. We have now given up potty seats, the booster seat, and sippy cups. Big girls simply don't need those things! Her swimming lessons seemed to have paid off as well. Samantha LOVED the ocean this year, maybe a bit too much for my liking. She never went it too far, but she was fearless playing in the surf. Quite a departure from a year ago!
Andrew did not disappoint. Though I've heard some horror stories, he loved the sand and the water. He liked to sit and let the tide wash up around him, and he enjoyed digging his hands into the sand. Everything fascinated him. He was so much fun to watch! And yes, he did eat some sand, though not huge handfuls of it. It came mostly from his beach toys that he decided to chew on. I'm guessing it felt pretty good to his little gums, so we just let him go at it. I hope he'll continue to be a little beach bum.
Crossing over the dune and getting her first glimpse of the Atlantic. This was about an hour after we got to our house. She and Daddy didn't waste any time getting down to the beach!
Steve said the second she saw the water she just took off and ran for it. Don't worry though ... he wasn't far behind, and she never went it too far without one of us.
The first sandcastle of the week.
Andrew and his buddy Kate. Kate was a lifesaver. She loved doting on him, and he loved the attention. Win-win!
Not sure what Andrew thought about all of this, but he found himself the center of attention on numerous occasions. For those of you keeping score, he's surrounded by 3 Pyle girls and 2 Lane boys. Big sister is nowhere to be found. Imagine!
Day 2, back for more!
Wisely observing a dead shark from a distance. This apparently was a baby. Thank goodness we didn't meet Mama!
Samantha and her buddy Lane building a sand castle.
Andrew literally and figuratively digging him some sand.
Happy, happy boy!
Andrew eyeing Samantha's cotton candy slushie at the farmer's market.
Enjoying a picnic lunch with Eli.
Chasing birds.
This is about the best we could do for a picture of both. Samantha is still in her I-don't-wanna-smile-for-the-camera phase, and Andrew was too busy playing with sand to pay attention.
Samantha and Lane playing in the surf.
All he needs is a gold chain ... (That is a reusable swim diaper, by the way, but we loved that it looked like a baby speedo.)
All smiles playing with Daddy.
Pondering the meaning of life.
Love this one!!
Getting braver as the week goes on - she was rolling in the surf by the end of the week.
Daddy and Andrew take a little snooze.
Samantha taking her turn on the makeshift balance beam. This thing kept the kids entertained all week!
Jumping off - her signature move.
Amazing that we got all the kids together for a picture - even more amazing that they lined themselves up shortest to tallest without us saying anything! Kate holding Andrew, Charlie, Harper, Lane, Eli and Samantha.
Strolling Andrew around Charleston before we had to head back to reality.
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