We had such a great relaxing time on our family vacation a couple weeks ago.  The weather was “less than perfect” most of the week, (rain, wind, and 70 for the high is not the best for the beach), but I was determined to make the most of the time away since we had not been on a vacation in 4 years.  We were really in need of some down time, away from the computer, telephone, and being forced just to be together.  As it turned out, it was not hard at all to just chill and enjoy each other. We rented bikes, movies, walked the beach, collected shells, went hiking, went crabbing, made yummilious dinners with fresh seafood, and Brett and I even snagged a date night and drove to Charleston for dinner.  Brett’s Dad and step-mom came on the trip with us, and having them with us made the trip even more FUN!

So here are a few photos to start off my VA-CA photo series.  These are from days 1 and 2.  The second day was nice, and probably the NICEST day….that is until we decided to stay an extra day at the end which was SPECTACULAR!!! More on that to come.

taking photos while riding bikes….we SOOO live on the edge.

The first day we visited the beach it looked very stormy and was windy.  We were not sure what Gabe would think of the sand, but he LOVED it.  He would sit alone and just dig and put sand in his bucket.  So cute.

First (of many) bites of sand.  mmmmmmmm.

Next day, blue skies with patches of SUN!!!  We were thrilled.

Priya was sad because she got “shell-shocked.”  The wave took her and she was covered in shells and sand.

I was lifting Brett’s hat to see the camera just as Gabe jams a giant spoon full of sand in my mouth. Wow.  Thanks for sharing Gabers.

Brett’s Dad and Step-Mom out walking the beach with Adin.

Riah was thrilled.  He has the personality of Tigger. He doesn’t walk, he bounces-and he is happy as could be. I love this photo because it pretty much sums him up.

Adin refueling.  We never let them drink much of anything but water….so they thought this stuff was like “pop.”  :)  Yeah, yeah, we deprive our children.

This is the “stop taking my DANG picture and HOLD ME!!!” face.

I love this shot of Brett out in the water with Gabriel.

More to come.

She is so tall, so strong, so beautiful.  My only daughter. The older sister to three brothers.  She is the best mini-mama in the world.  I can’t believe that 9 years ago I was having my first baby, who stubbornly waited 17 days past her due date.  Not much has changed…she walks to the beat of her own drum, but with a heart so sweet and generous, she brings tears to her Mama’s eyes almost on a daily basis.

These are a couple candid shots I snagged with my point and shoot camera on vacation…

She “modeled” for me (not very happily) at this cool old gas station we found.  :)

Happy birthday to our Priya Bella!!  We love our beautiful girl.  She makes us so proud.