Beach Trip 2012

We just returned from Holden Beach last weekend.  There were many "firsts" on this trip: our first vacation with the big kids, our first photographs as a family of five, all of the kids' first time seeing the beach and the ocean, the kids' first ride on a boat, and everyone's first time seeing baby sea turtles make their way into the ocean after hatching.  We stayed in a house that was right on the beach, which was perfect with little ones.  It was a wonderful week, and I am already looking forward to it next year.

When Miles saw "da beach" for the first time, he just kept saying, "Da beach... da beach..." over and over.

The week provided me many opportunities to go for long walks and jogs.  It was so nice to get into the swing of working out again.  Jason also enjoyed morning swims in the ocean.  The kids loved going to "da beach" to see Daddy come out of the water.

The first few mornings, Miles and Vivienne woke up at 6:30 am.  Initially, this was a little frustrating, but I came to appreciate seeing the sun rise and enjoying the brisk mornings on the sand.

We spent lots of time collecting shells.

We buried each other in the sand and wrote in the sand with our fingers.

We enjoyed lots of time with Grandma and Granddad and tons of giggles and snuggles.

We tracked loads of sand into our beach house.

We hung out and just looked cool together.

We enjoyed the surf and tapped into our "inner fishies".

Evelyn spent most of her time inside the house, just being the most beautiful baby alive and charming whoever had the privilege to hang out with her instead of play in the sand and surf.

We finally got pictures of us as a family of five, though it was certainly a challenge!

We enjoyed some beautiful sunsets.

It was an amazing time to spend together and I can't wait to do it again next year.

Miles and Viv did their regular yoga routine among the shells.

We all really enjoyed seeing sea turtles hatch and make their way to the sea.  Volunteers from the Holden Beach Turtle Watch program were there to make sure that all the babies got into the water without being gulped up by birds or washing back onto the shore.  The kids seemed to enjoy it, though I'm sure they won't remember it.

And, of course, no vacation is complete without a chocolate chip cookie as big as your hand... with a s'more stuffed inside.  The Smith clan rarely meets a dessert that we can't conquer, but none of us could finish these things.  Jason just watched us, shaking his head in disapproval.  I know that he secretly wanted one, though.