Beachin' with the Besties...

For as long as I can remember the beach means spending time with Mom, Dee, Jenni and her sisters. We traveled to Port A every summer from the time I was in 7th grade until I was a junior in college. And since then we have been back as often as we could get there. We are now officially part of the "adult club" and the baby oil has been replaced with SPF70, but there is really no place I'd rather be than here. 

We had the best week at the beach with these sweet kiddos - the weather was perfect, the beach was seaweed free and the smiles were endless! It was actually, dare I say, even a bit RELAXING which was a reason to celebrate in itself. The kids did a great job entertaining themselves, Kenly was a HUGE help with the littles and the fussing and fighting was kept to a minimum.

I know. CRAZY talk.

I also gave myself permission to just sit and rest. To enjoy these moments without the added pressure of capturing every last one on film. So I only took my camera to the beach one morning. 

I know. CRAZY talk.

I didn't need much more than 5 whole minutes to capture their joy of being at the beach.

The sun, the sand and the shore are enough to bring a smile to their face instantly.

And their joy is enough to bring one to mine. 

There just something about the ocean and beach - endless possibilities of discovery and imagination. Hidden creatures, lost treasure, and beauty in every nook and cranny. Items small enough to fit in the palm of their hand, tickling and wiggling to life as their giggles erupt freely from within.  

We spent two-and-a-half days building castles, jumping waves and finding treasures so by the last night we were ready for a delicious dinner out.  If haven't tried Virginia's On the Bay in Port A, then make plans to next time you are there. Seriously the best fish I have tasted and their tartar sauce was so stinking good. The kids ate so much we had to order and extra basket.  

After dinner we headed to the park by the ferry dock to watch the dolphins and we were not disappointed. At one point there was an adorable family of 5 swimming around - I just wasn't quick enough to get them all. 

We even spotted some sea turtles on the way out and I thought the kids were going to jump off that pier from excitement. 

And I would have let them if we weren't on our way to take some of the cutest beach pics you'll ever see...