Beach Trip

We went to the beach over the weekend and had an amazing time! We weren't sure what the kids were going to do (it was the girls first time at the beach!), what the weather would be like, how the girls would do without their naps...SO many variables when dealing with kids.

We were amazed at how smoothly the trip went. The kids had so much fun and so did we. We went with some good friends of ours that have 6 kids and that added to the fun! Here are some pictures from the trip - in no particular order!

Oh, yeah baby. This is what I did most of the time - kick my feet up, watch the kids all have a blast and chill. It was awesome. Why haven't we gone to the beach before?
I had been watching the weather because it was supposed to rain. 40% chance from 9am-5pm. Lucky for us, weather.com was wrong. Very wrong. It was beautiful! Look at that blue sky!
My four Mad kids. Gosh, I love those little people!
Toddler feet, don't you love 'em?!
Lily Kate, true to form, really liked the waves and water but was super hesitant. She takes her time to get used to things and absolutely does NOT like to be rushed.
Ella Grace on the other hand is fearless! Unlike her sister she doesn't mind getting dirty and loves adventure.
Little Kate. Isn't she yummy?
Caleb and his best friend AJ. Aren't they cute? They are in the same class at school and rumor has it that the girls chase them in the playground and try to kiss them. Thankfully they haven't caught my boy yet! I have made it clear to him that the only girl that kisses him is his mama!
Luke and his best friend Josh. It really is great being good family friends with the boys best friends.
The girls had watched the other kids pulling each other on the boogie boards, but I don't think they got the memo that you have to be in the water for it to work well!
Little Kate...
...that girl loved running in the sand and chasing the seagulls! She didn't catch one, and I shudder to think about what would have happened if she actually got close to one!
Caleb running in the water. Doesn't that bring back great memories of being a kid at the beach?

Lily Kate
The sisters.


Sitting with their papa, enjoying the little waves.


And this is where the big kids were most of the time. It doesn't look like it, but they are actually pretty far out there. More great memories...
Daddy and his Diva's

Caleb flying his kite
Christian, isn't he cute?! We want to do an arranged marriage for him and one of the twins, but he can't decide which one he wants. And we aren't into polygamy.

Christian being a boy...
...and Lily Kate being a girl. You go, sister, and tell him that's not appropriate!

Ella and Daddy
Poor Ella. The girls didn't get their nap and I wasn't sure how they would do, but they did great. I was shocked when I asked Ella if she wanted to take a nap and she laid down and went right to sleep!! What a great way to fall asleep - ocean breeze and the sound of waves in the background. Unfortunately her wake up wasn't that great. Her sister came over and started messing with her. Silly Sister...
The Collins Fam. I am so thankful for them and their friendship.


The sunset on our way home! It really was an awesome time!!