Nobody told them

about the tidal wave poised to capsize their little family portrait

until it was right upon them.

Brothers-in-law do not make trustworthy photographers.

The jury was divided about whether or not it was fun.

why people really come to see us...

There is no denying that we are simply a delightful bunch of people to be around

(provided that we have all had naps and snacks)   

but I think the promise of sand, sun, and waves 

is also a large enticement to our visitors.

 And we are always happy to oblige.

 Of course, it seems Rebecca may have come down for the sole purpose of 

proving that she sports the cutest bathing ensemble ever worn.

Mission Accomplished.

I hope my next bathing suit comes with a shower cap.

Life is a Beach (Free Florida Fun)

Obviously you can't talk about Free Florida Fun without mentioning the beach.

I am sure I have been to the beach at least twice as many times in the two years since we moved here than I had been in my entire 26 years of previous life. We are a beach loving family. And you can't hardly beat it in the "bang for your buck" department. Especially now that we live only 15 minutes from the beach.

Okay, yes, you do have to buy swimsuits and beach towels somewhere along the road. An umbrella and a few chairs don't hurt either. But when you consider how much you aren't spending on heavy winter coats, boots, hats, scarves, gloves, snow shovels, and ice melt every year, These purchases seem rather small in comparison.

We like to go there an hour or two before sunset when the crowds have thinned and it isn't quite so hot. This also saves money on sunscreen since you don't have to use as much, if any, by this time.

Trekking across the expansive desert to the water's edge.

Jessie is balancing a huge rubbermaid planter 

containing all of our beach toys, towels, and other necessities

on top of the double stroller.

He's  kind of a stud.

(If you are too embarrassed to walk next to us in this getup,
don't worry, the beach is very wide)

"Cheeeese-Peanut Butterrrr!"

is Eliza's mugging phrase of choice.

I'm not sure why. It's actually very unhelpful.

Once there, you can frolic in the waves 

with reckless abandon

or build a sand castle with Daddy

using the rubbermaid planter as a base.

You will probably have to pose for some pictures

before you leave.

And you might be wrangled 

into holding a baby for awhile.

C'mon. You know you wanna.

Total Cost: Well, ok, this beach does have metered parking. $3 (plus gas and blah blah blah).

Beach Bum(bo)

Some people's daddies...

Some people's daddies



are so much

FUN!

Sunset is...

Sunset is

our favorite time to

go to the beach.

When the view

up the sand

is mostly unbroken

by the sight of

umbrellas

and

throngs of

sunbathers.

When the waves lapping the sand

are gentle enough for

little people to

play

without fear

of being knocked over.

When the horizon shows off every shade in God's majestic palette over the space of only two hours. And with the

sun

as a backdrop

you can be sure

to catch

some breathtaking images

with

very little effort.

The Beach

I realized that for someone who lives in Florida, I don't have nearly enough beach pictures on here. And in Theia's opinion, we don't go nearly often enough either. These pictures were taken over a month ago, and we haven't been to the beach since. I do love going to the beach with the girls, but its definitely more fun than it is relaxing, so once a month seems just about my speed. On this particular occasion we went with Jessie's cousin Luke, his wife Lesley, and their girls Josie and Clara. They are such a blessing to us. God was so good to lay the groundwork for us to come down here before it had even been thought of on our part. Luke and Lesley moved down here (also from MI) just last summer. They had already set their roots down in a church (where we have since placed membership) and they have introduced us to everyone there and made our transition so much easier. It means so much to have family within driving distance when you move to an unfamiliar place.

Josie

Ingrid's little toes

Eliza hated the water the first time we went,

now she's a bonafide beach bum.

Ingrid is my little teeny girl

...In which we receive visitors, and have a lovely frolic at the beach.

Last week we had the pleasure of entertaining our first house guests since we moved to Florida. Its lousy that we don't live nearby, but quite fortunate that we actually live somewhere that people would want to visit, especially during these months. They were the best houseguests ever. They even spent a night of their stay babysitting so we could go on a date!

Jessie had to be at a meeting the day John, Penny, and Ethan arrived so I had to pack up

all three girls in our minivan to pick them up from the airport. John had to sit between two carseats for the 45 minute ride. Theia and Eliza were thrilled with this arrangement.

It was fun to add a boy to the lineup for five days.

Ethan is such a delightful little guy to have around.

The girls love to make him laugh, and they're pretty good at it.

We went to the beach on the one day that the weather cooperated with us.

The mean meteorologists went and changed their minds on us again.

(who do they think they are, anyway?)

With my sister Penny (who is a gem among women)

and our babies.

Ethan was diggin' the sand.

Is that a cute nephew or what!

Speaking of really hot mamas and perfect beach shots,

how bout this one? Ingrid's first feel of the ocean. She loved it!

Penny, John, and Ethan