Packing, traveling, and the first day...

Gary had to work Tuesday so we planned to leave when he got home. I agreed to drive the first few hours so he could nap. I told him that he kids would probably not be asleep or quiet until about 10 pm and he'd have a hard time getting rest. It was really nice to have all day to finish packing. I got a lot packed and organized over the weekend, Monday began packing the van,and by the time Gary got home Tuesday, I was pretty much ready to go. It was nice to pack, organize and clean as I went so that the house was not left in shambles. I even got the beds stripped and the sheets all washed so we came home to clean sheets. It took us about an hour to get everything finalized and get on the road. I drove about 3.5 hours and those kids were still wide awake! They were not quiet at all for Gary which concerned me. After I drove I went right to sleep for about an hour, then rested on and off till about 2AM. From that point on I stayed awake to help keep Gary awake. Plus, with the kids finally sleeping, I have his undivided attention so we can talk! We got to the beach house just after 4:30. We made only 2 stops I believe, but now it's all a blur so I'm not sure. maybe it was 3. Anyways, we made it in 10 hours! Makes a difference staying in a house further south, you aren't crossing the bridge and heading north for a half hour. My mom had two twin beds made and we quickly got the kids into those beds and she moved to the couch (THANKS MOM!) so we should not have to dig out kids sheets. Gary set up the playpen and Esther went right down. While he did that I found our sheets and pj's and we went to bed.

Wednesday

We got up to rain so we did some things inside and the pool in the morning. It was disappointing, but it was so nice to have the time to relax and not rush right out. We did early naps (which was easy since we were all tired) and then out to the ocean. It was gorgeous!!! I just LOVE the ocean. I know if you think about it too hard, it's gross, but it's just amazing and beautiful to me. It's a place I connect with God- I can't explain it. We went back later in the afternoon and I realized very quickly that we'd have to have baths. We managed to all get bathed and dressed before dinner- Spaghetti night! It was so good! I have no idea what else we did that evening... After the kids went to bed we watched a movie, Gary worked on his speech (he had to re-write it so he could read it), and I did a puzzle with Paula, Sue, Deneal and Kyle. I love puzzles! It was fun to get one completely done in one night too.

Grandma Stephanie and Esther

Steph & Heahter

Sandra & Heather

Grace & Tyler

Esther

Esther's first time in the Ocean!

Grace was not interested in touching the water so she and Grandma Sandra sat in their chairs. They scooted closer and closer, but Grace never got wet!

They LOVED playing in the sand this year!

Our Family Feet

Watching a show before bed