Summer's Better at the Beach

Ahhh. This is the sound of the relief my body feels from spending almost a week at the beach. Just in time too. School starts tomorrow!

We went camping at Doheny State Beach and seriously had the best time. The kids played and played and played some more.
But even better than the beach was spending time with family :)
It was a little windy the first couple days.


All the kids got to meet their new cousin. He was definitely the star of the show.
This was my family's site (001). We only got it for 2 nights though and then did 2 nights at a nearby Best Western.
We roasted marshmallows and I got to try my first roasted Starburst which actually did kind of burst...mmmm. Both are GF too!
Cute baby boy.

Sadie was in heaven.
She and Campbell played together for endless hours.

Thursday we rented a couple paddle boards which the kids (and adults) had fun on.
Dana and the kids went over to the nearby jetty and spent hours catching crabs with a fishing line and some bait. I'm so grateful I have a husband who loves doing things like this. I guess that explains why my kids love that stuff so much too :)

All the kids around had to come take a look too.

Later they returned them to their homes.
James had his first beach experience.
Miranda had to leave Wednesday and Thursday Jeff and Carrie came. They had a little castle building contest with Tatum and Jane. Dana helped out at the end drawing a crab and making it "Crab Castle".
Here's the mascot.
Here's "Star Castle" :)
Jeff and Carrie also planned some relay games. That was so much fun!



The joy of victory and the pain of defeat.
The 3 boys
Jeff and Carrie even brought medals for all the kids.
7 grandkids and 2 robots.
Family pic sans Miranda.
Our last day there my family walked out along a little cove.

The last 2 nights were spent with everyone at moms. It was a little busy but fun. We tie-dyed, the boys went to a movie, the girls went shopping, the kids went in the jacoozi and then they all slept in a gigantic "bed" (blanket) on the floor at night.
The kids were all smitten by James. Especially since he kept giving out big smiles. Sally said she felt like the Pied Piper walking around the house :)

The last day, Sunday, we drove down to San Diego for James' blessing. My camera card was basically full so I have no baby blessing pictures.

Then right after the luncheon we had to make the trek home.

Here's the kids in their tie-dyed glory.
Here's the other Arizonans behind us.
Here's a dust storm awaiting our return.
Even with the heat and coming back to a house with one AC unit not working, it's nice to be home. I'm so thankful for family and cameras that help us remember all the fun we had!

Life is good :) :)