For Laughs

He loves to get a laugh. 

Man, have I missed that about him the past 12 days.

So glad he showed up yesterday ;)

I am VERY excited his word count has surpassed 15. It has been SLOW going, but just in the last 3 weeks his list has tripled. He has started repeating words we say, so it's only a matter of time. Phew! His temper has been flaring for lack of words. I am hopeful it will simmer down. He is two, who am I kidding ;)

Last Ones

These photos were taken with my phone.

I had to capture my "teenager."

 

 My shell collector and Sandcastle King

 

with Lissa's help ;)

Off the Beach

When we weren't at the beach or pool we were looking for ways to keep these boys busy. Phew!

We tried Monopoly for the first time. Several games of Chinese Checkers. A 513 piece puzzle. Some movie watching. One lousy bike ride. Yes. I managed the bike rack and it was not worth the hassle. Not to mention the roof rack top opened while on the highway and we lost Mason's helmet forever. Oops!! Thankfully no one was behind us. On Wed. we drove 40 minutes "into town" for a Walmart to get a new helmet. Only to go riding 1 time (there was no place to ride safely). Live and learn :)

Found a playground

The older 2 slept together the whole week. It was a bunk bed with a double underneath. And they insisted on sleeping together. Good to know they can ;)

On the Beach

My favorite part was the view from our condo. 

That's the boys and me down along the dunes.

 

 We stayed bundled most of the week. Thank goodness for the indoor pool.
Especially when one day was a high of 55. Burr!

There was a lot ball playing! I had to represent ;)

 So did Aunt Lissa. Thank goodness she gave my arm a rest.

 Notice anything similar in the photos above and below?

 He is watching their every move!

 Almost hit my camera with the ball!

 

Owen was not too thrilled to waste time with baby throws ;)

 They did play well on their own, occasionally.

We spent most of our days between the beach and the pool. Mom and Lissa managed to squeeze in time at the fitness center and went on some walks and runs (Lissa).
It was definitely hard not having EJ with us. No relaxing for this mama. I found myself being thankful that I have had 8 years worth of vacationing traveling with children to know that vacationing with small children isn't so much a vacation. God was SO gracious to allow me to be good with that. He provided the physical strength it required of my body and He provided the grace and patience I needed and allowed me to be JOYful (not perfectly) at the same time.
My mom and sister definitely did their share to help, but the boys and I also had time alone which was nice too.

1st Full Day

So our family went their separate ways this spring break. I am very blessed to have had 2 helpers while EJ was in Nicaragua. My mom and sister and my crew arrived to the beach late in the day on Easter Sunday.

Monday morning was spent exploring our surroundings. Thankfully I brought my camera along on the walk b/c it's the only one we all 6 went on together. There was lots of tag teaming during the week ;)

Ryan spent most of the day being held.
He was pathetic!
He did muster enough energy for a little exploring.

We stayed in the condo in the background with the red roof.

SO thankful, for my helpful family.