Monday, July 16, 2012

Seaside 2012

We just returned from a week long vacation at the beach.  We stayed in an area called Seaside where I vacationed a lot as a child.  The actual resort where we rented a house is called WaterColor, but I am still a bit biased to Seaside even though we stayed basically next door.  Anyway, this is our third year to vacation in this area with the boys and each year seems to get better.  I think it is more so that each year has been unique and different in various ways, but all our trips have been very memorable. 

The first year was difficult and John and I frequently look back and wonder how in the world we survived a plane trip with two toddlers (2.5 years) and an infant (barely 4.5 months).  Each year the trip gets a little easier and more enjoyable as the boys have become more interested in the beach and MUCH easier to travel with. 

Fast forward to this year and the biggest bonus (at least in my mind) was the BEACH.  Everyone loved it!  Aiden did have his fill of the water and beach by the end of the week as any 2.5 year old would, but overall everyone played so well.  They swam in the water (Luke is very brave and often went pretty far out despite the waves), hunted for shells and crabs, made sandcastles, tried to catch little fish (Liam was so excited to catch two), and rode their wave boards.  We were blessed with warm weather, but actually not overly hot.  Honestly, I think the temps in MN were warmer than Florida while we were gone.  The water was clear and blue/green the entire time we were there. 

We enjoyed many meals outside at some casual outdoor favorites, ice cream, Popsicles, and lots of bike rides.  Bikes are the primary mode of transportation in Seaside so we biked everywhere.  We also had a fabulous time with my parents and my sister and her family including our cousin, Calvin.  When I asked the boys what they would miss most about the beach, they replied-"Calvin, of course."  The boys played very well with Calvin all week with only a few four year old type mishaps.  We fished, played a game with shaving cream and Cheetos, swam in the pool and beach, painted t-shirts, watched a play in the amphitheatre, and played balloon bowling (Calvin's game). 

While my sister is the primary photographer, I did manage to take a few pictures for the blog and hope to add some of her pictures in future posts. 

 
Liam and Daddy catching some crabs or something


Liam loved the beach and really never seems bothered by the heat or water.  He loved all of it. 


Definitely the easiest way to keep up with everyone!  Aiden and Luke, especially loved to be buried in the sand  


Luke, Liam, and Calvin with Grandpa

Working on a craft with the boys

Aiden kissing the ice cream cone

One of Aiden's favorite places to play was this "Little House" as he called it

Ice cream with the Gang

Super Heros:  Superman, Batman, Captain America, and Spiderman

Talking with a Super Hero after the show

Aiden trying out the surf board

Playing football with Grandpa on the sand bar (the sand bar was very helpful for us)


Liam in the sand.  His hair got lighter and lighter all week long

Brothers

Daddy and AJ enjoyed many walks on the beach

Bedtime book with Grandpa

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