Fun at the Beach

This past Monday, our little family of four took a day trip to the beach (obviously if you've been reading the posts regarding the the death of my iPhone and the debacle that ensued, you may have already known about the trip). It was a mere 3-1/2 hour drive each way, and was a really easy drive! The kids behaved fantastically, and hubs and I were really excited to be taking Chase to the beach for the very first time!

Just thought I'd share a few pics from our trip with you guys! Enjoy!

Of course you remember the u-haul we took from the parking lot to the beach. Yes, hubs brought shock cords to keep it all in place AND we brought a huge bucket to carry water with so we could create a little mini-pool-type-thing for Chase up by our shade tent. That worked out well (not).

Here's the little man taking it all in. You'll find almost every pic of him includes one or more fingers in his mouth... the joys of teething!

Loved this little one of him looking at mommy. Oh, and for the record, I fully realize his bathing suit doesn't match, and I'm quite distraught about it. The blue/green shorts came with a cute little matching shirt with -- you guessed it -- a monkey on it. Unfortunately, it's a 12 month outfit and he grew out of the shirt weeks ago! The shorts, however, barely stay on him! So I picked up another SPF-type shirt for him, knowing it wouldn't match. It was a painful thing for me to do, but I'm trying not to dwell on it... ;)

All smiles!

We weren't surprised, but he really loved the water! Even when it splashed in his face. Even when he put his salt watery hands in his mouth. This boy loves water!

Contemplating something, I'm sure...

Another cute pic, but those durn fingers!

A close-up of the water!

He was having so much fun!

I HAD to share this one. I swear every time I look at this pic, I think, "Thank you! Thankyouverymuch!" a la Elvis.

Still not sure how he wasn't grossed out by the salty taste of the water on his hands.

Chillin' in his big sister's chair!

LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! this picture!!! There are no words!

And, of course, a glimpse of things to come down the road. Little brother picking on big sister.

I tried to get a cute pic of the two of them together. This is what I ended up with. Not sure what LO's thinking. Chase's face, however, is purely hysterical.

This one's a bit better, but I'm pretty sure LO's forcing that smile. Ever so slightly.

My beautiful, 3-year-old girl.

Wow. What's up with Chase channeling Elvis the whole time we were at the beach?

Smile, buddy! Daddy's gettin' you!

LO conked out on the way home. We stopped for ice cream. I woke her up. She said she didn't want any. Shocking, I know!

This little guy had NO nap plans for the ride home. He had a great time!

Did I mention he had his first taste of ice cream? Dairy Queen, of course. He's looking at me like, "Are you sure I'm allowed to try some of this yummy goodness, mommy?" As you might imagine, he LOVED it.

LO finally woke up enough to realize we really meant business when we talked ice cream. She couldn't miss out on such an opportunity as this! Her eyes look like she'd rather be sleeping, but she sure did enjoy that ice cream!

One last shot of the boy as we got him out of his seat to relax for a few minutes after our ice cream stop. Those eyes of his. They captivate my heart!