Monday, September 6, 2010
Copy Cat
My boys are forever saying "copy catter, copy catter." While EJ was cutting some branches to eventually haul away, the boys got out their tools. Who is the copy cat now?
Kicked to the Curb
When we woke up Thursday morning we were all dreading the weather report. By 8 a.m. there was no news of an evacuation, but by 9 a.m. we were told a mandatory evacuation had been ordered. Within 2 hours all 25 of us were packed up and in our cars heading to the mainland. It was an amazing group effort and a lot of tense moments. I was just relieved that none of the children were injured or went missing during our hectic scramble.
It was so hard to say goodbye. I had just started mentally relaxing the day before (with 3 children, it takes awhile).
We hadn't had our girls night or taken family pictures or a night walk on the beach. There were so many fun dinners still to make, conversations to finish, stories to share and time playing on the beach. The list goes on.
In my sadness and disappointment, I saw a picture into my heart and it wasn't pretty. I have been thinking a lot about my response. I can't quite find the words. I have been stuck somewhere between being majorly disappointed, thankful for the time we had and knowing that fair worse could have happened. Plus, our vacation actually didn't end there. The Cassadas, the Youngs and our family drove to Williamsburg, to the Great Wolf Lodge. When the evacuation was announced I spun around and around in frantic circles, Courtney on the other hand was quick on her feet and called the Lodge. We couldn't bear to call it quits and had no way of knowing exactly how bad traffic would be. We also thought we might return to the beach once the storm was over. Turns out we weren't the only ones with the same idea. The place was booked solid. It was far easier to leave the beach behind knowing we had some place fun to go with friends.
The kids had a great time. I would be happy if I never go again, but it was a fun experience. I am not a huge fan of fast pace water rides or indoor pools. We have always wanted to go, but it just never made much sense to stay in a expensive hotel so close to home. My pictures didn't turn out well, but I stole a few from Courtney.
Mason got to sleep in a bunk bed for the first time. He was thrilled.
We had a funny breakfast of cereal in plastic cups, pineapple and precooked bacon. Between the 3 families we had a very random assortment of food from the beach house.
EJ and I took turns hanging back in our room while Ryan napped. Once the kids were in bed the guys hung out on one balcony and the ladies on the other. I was so thankful for a little more time with these ladies.
Our family decided not to return to the beach. We were already so close to home and I couldn't bear the idea of unpacking and repacking all over again for one more morning on the beach. Plus, we were all exhausted. 2 families, however did go back and enjoyed some beautiful weather.
We also had the privilege of dinner with the Ayers (who live in town) on Sat night. It definitely helped boast our spirits. We combined the food we brought home and had a lovely BBQ chicken dinner. Then, I also had some extra time with the McClures b/c they stayed with us until their flights home on Sunday.
Not a relaxing week, but we made the most of it. And I guarantee, I will not complain about bad weather at the beach for a very long time as long as we are allowed to stay. And we will have Girl's Night on Monday from now on :)
It was so hard to say goodbye. I had just started mentally relaxing the day before (with 3 children, it takes awhile).
We hadn't had our girls night or taken family pictures or a night walk on the beach. There were so many fun dinners still to make, conversations to finish, stories to share and time playing on the beach. The list goes on.
In my sadness and disappointment, I saw a picture into my heart and it wasn't pretty. I have been thinking a lot about my response. I can't quite find the words. I have been stuck somewhere between being majorly disappointed, thankful for the time we had and knowing that fair worse could have happened. Plus, our vacation actually didn't end there. The Cassadas, the Youngs and our family drove to Williamsburg, to the Great Wolf Lodge. When the evacuation was announced I spun around and around in frantic circles, Courtney on the other hand was quick on her feet and called the Lodge. We couldn't bear to call it quits and had no way of knowing exactly how bad traffic would be. We also thought we might return to the beach once the storm was over. Turns out we weren't the only ones with the same idea. The place was booked solid. It was far easier to leave the beach behind knowing we had some place fun to go with friends.
The kids had a great time. I would be happy if I never go again, but it was a fun experience. I am not a huge fan of fast pace water rides or indoor pools. We have always wanted to go, but it just never made much sense to stay in a expensive hotel so close to home. My pictures didn't turn out well, but I stole a few from Courtney.
Mason got to sleep in a bunk bed for the first time. He was thrilled.
We had a funny breakfast of cereal in plastic cups, pineapple and precooked bacon. Between the 3 families we had a very random assortment of food from the beach house.
EJ and I took turns hanging back in our room while Ryan napped. Once the kids were in bed the guys hung out on one balcony and the ladies on the other. I was so thankful for a little more time with these ladies.Our family decided not to return to the beach. We were already so close to home and I couldn't bear the idea of unpacking and repacking all over again for one more morning on the beach. Plus, we were all exhausted. 2 families, however did go back and enjoyed some beautiful weather.
We also had the privilege of dinner with the Ayers (who live in town) on Sat night. It definitely helped boast our spirits. We combined the food we brought home and had a lovely BBQ chicken dinner. Then, I also had some extra time with the McClures b/c they stayed with us until their flights home on Sunday.
Not a relaxing week, but we made the most of it. And I guarantee, I will not complain about bad weather at the beach for a very long time as long as we are allowed to stay. And we will have Girl's Night on Monday from now on :)
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Poolside
We also enjoyed time by the pool. The amount of time at the beach is very limited with napping children, but we did make great use of the pool.
Cheri (in the background) Mike with Owen, Joshua and Mason
Sweetness
Rebekah's 9th birthday was Tuesday. Almost the entire group walked/rode bikes to the nearby doughnut shop to celebrate. It was a sweet celebration.
Rebekah is such a great big "sister" to the whole group. She especially loved on Ryan and I loved having her help. Courtney and Pat announced they were pregnant with Rebekah shortly before EJ and I got married. How is it possible that she is 9?
Caleb
Caroline
Jacob, Bailey, Mason, Joshua and Owen
These 2 were inseparable. I hated watching them say goodbye.
Mason and Ellery
Rebekah, we loved celebrating with you!
Rebekah is such a great big "sister" to the whole group. She especially loved on Ryan and I loved having her help. Courtney and Pat announced they were pregnant with Rebekah shortly before EJ and I got married. How is it possible that she is 9?
Caleb
Caroline
Jacob, Bailey, Mason, Joshua and Owen
These 2 were inseparable. I hated watching them say goodbye.
Mason and Ellery
Rebekah, we loved celebrating with you!Beach Bums
We enjoyed 3 glorious days. I am trying very hard to dwell on those days and not the 3.5 we missed. The kids have so much fun together.
We are so blessed by each of these families. They truly have become like family to us. I can't explain how the week works so well. I think quite frankly, it is by God's grace. We have His grace and therefore His peace allows us to enjoy one another. Throughout the noise level, the bumping into one another and the exchange of parental duties, He allows us to love one another and enjoy one another.
Asleep on the beach! The BEST!
Most days we weren't allowed to swim in the ocean. Earl was started giving us trouble even earlier in the week. It didn't bother me, but I know the older 3 would have enjoyed being out on their boogie boards.
Rebekah and Owen
Bailey and Mason (almost always together)
Rebekah, Owen and Joshua
Courtney and Ryan (he got so much love)
Enjoying a moment by himself
Our "camp" and a few of our smallest kids were almost washed out to sea, so the guys built a trench. It worked really well. The beach seemed smaller this year and more crowded than in past years.
I love how busy kids stay in the sand.
We are so blessed by each of these families. They truly have become like family to us. I can't explain how the week works so well. I think quite frankly, it is by God's grace. We have His grace and therefore His peace allows us to enjoy one another. Throughout the noise level, the bumping into one another and the exchange of parental duties, He allows us to love one another and enjoy one another.
Asleep on the beach! The BEST!
Most days we weren't allowed to swim in the ocean. Earl was started giving us trouble even earlier in the week. It didn't bother me, but I know the older 3 would have enjoyed being out on their boogie boards.
Rebekah and Owen
Bailey and Mason (almost always together)
Rebekah, Owen and Joshua
Courtney and Ryan (he got so much love)
Enjoying a moment by himself
Our "camp" and a few of our smallest kids were almost washed out to sea, so the guys built a trench. It worked really well. The beach seemed smaller this year and more crowded than in past years.
I love how busy kids stay in the sand.
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