Wednesday was one of those days where everyone tried to cram their entire vacation into one day. Our weather apps told us this was the one promised day of sunshine sandwiched in-between four “keep your chin up” days so we wanted to really make the most of it. And we did. We got to the beach at nine-thirty in the morning and left at two in the afternoon, our was our longest beach day to date with the littles. And they did great! 
M loves Nanny so much! “Let me see your tummy!”
We are still getting used to how his cute his little bottom looks sans diapers. 🙂
Eating strawberries and making faces! Nanny is the coolest.
Boys and their balls.
More strawberries.
More balls.
On the path to the beach there are bushes of flowers that literally buzz… This is why! Cute little bees!
The cousins always bring the new games. I can’t remember what this was called but it was fun to watch!
The water was so cold (it’s always cold up here!) But everyone goes in regardless, which I think is so fun. I prefer to stay on the sand, thank you very much.
When the kids looked like they had just about had enough of the beach we bought ourselves another hour in the sun by walking down to the snack shack. This snack shack is a new addition to the Shelter Harbor beach, and already it’s added so much fun and memories to our beach trips!
Getting tired:
Daddy feeding M leftover brisket. It’s delicious even when it’s cold. How does he do it?
A Michael sandwich!
We left tired and ready for a nap. After naps we met the rest of the family for dinner at the pond house. M was amazed by the boats immediately. He’s seen them all this week, bobbing up and down in the water, but it was like his mind just registered what they were and suddenly he said: “I want to ride a boat!” and no amount of “we’ll do it tomorrow.” swayed him. Our amazing cousins said “why not??” And the search was on to find a tiny life vest.
Walking back from the cabin where we found the vest. Ready to go!
Grammy and Brielle waiting for the show, safe on dry land:
Boarding the boat with the cousins!
Have fun guys!
Brielle loves the floating tire dock. Last year she wouldn’t go near it!
Inside footage of the trip:)
I just love how serious he is. He didn’t get that from me!
Cousin David puttered them around, and then they picked up speed for a while! Perfect first boat ride for this little guy. He was very proud of himself. Off with the vest.
Such a nice evening. M was sitting inside looking at us through the window stuffing turkey in his mouth as this picture was taken. Not much trumps food for that guy.
I love the houses up here. The blue grey weather beaten shingles are so beautiful!
Another fun vacation day in the books!
Thursday Morning we woke up to the smell of this smoking outside our cabin:
Two pork butts!
We are having a family dinner and all the houses will get together up at Nanny’s place so Brenden got up at 3AM to put this in the smoker, he will let it smoke all morning and then will put in some ribs around one.
I love getting up early before the rest of the family on vacation. It’s so nice to sit and have my coffee in peace and do my Entrusted Bible study and write!
I love that I’ve been able to take the time to get all our adventures up on my blog before they leave my mind, and all the thousands of pictures I take. Brielle has started to ask to read “momma much” and we sit together and look at all the pictures and read together. She loves it. That’s a perk to writing I didn’t even think about, and it makes it even more special and a priority.
When the kids got up they went outside and colored sea-scapes on the walkway.
Then Grammy took them on a walk to the pond while I straightened up the cabin. They came back sweaty and happy.
We went to the store to get stuff for the family dinner and stopped by Manfredi farm. It’s a great place to go see/feed the animals and get fresh amazing corn and pies, and etc!
“Come here ducky ducky” (to the chicken)
I mean, the softest nose ever.
I can’t help but grit my teeth and act all weird when I get near this kind of cuteness! I named this one Monty. 🙂
Brielle was having a blast until Daddy told her to get down.
After our Manfredi adventure the girls went to get our nails done, what a treat! Even though she looks genuinely concerned here.
And the boys went to the dock to “catch” crabs using a hot dog on a string. They caught nothing, but look at the joy on M’s face! We’ll have to try again (successfully) today.
The family dinner was a blast! The ribs were perfect, the pulled pork divine, and it was so so fun to have all the cousins and family together. Well, almost all, we are always missing a few dear people here and there!
He looks like such a big boy here in his big boy jeans and big boy underwear! (Can you tell I’m still a little amazed that he’s actually potty trained?? Yay Michael!)
It was such a fun evening.
I extracted the kids right before they got over-tired and grumpy, and we went straight to baths. Oh Michael James, how I love your sweet face.
Then some popcorn and a show before bed. All played-out and clean and ready for sleeeeep.
Wow, that was a long post! Now I’m off to refresh my coffee and do my Bible Study. Kids are still asleep, the cabin is quiet, I see sun peeking through the trees.
Happy Friday.
XOXO
