One Last Summer Beach Trip

It's hard to believe that the summer is over, and I'm a little sad about it! This has been by far the best summer I have had so far with the kids.  Everyone is getting older, able to do more, communicate more.  Last summer we were still drowning in diapers, speech therapy, and double strollers.  

This summer doing anything is still really difficult but I'm starting to see the light at the end of a very long tunnel.  One thing that has helped tremendously this summer is that all kids have enjoyed the beach (last summer and the summer before were nightmares with the beach) Now don't get me wrong- just getting everyone changed into bathing suits, sunscreen on, and onto the beach still feels like running a marathon but we are making progress!  On this last trip of the beach season we actually made it a solid two hours on the beach with everyone happy.  It has also taken a whole summer but Andrew finally likes the pool! I ended up meeting Sara and mom for a few days and then Ryan came after finishing work that week for a long weekend. It was a great way to end the summer!

My mom took this picture without us knowing. Sara and I were sitting and talking and all the kids were happily playing in this tidal pool WITHOUT any assistance from me 😃

My sweet baby boy! 

Playing a little bocci ball 

Swimming off the dock 

"Bye Mom!"

Ready for pictures!

Love this sweet friend!

Nothing like a relaxing dinner out with six kids ages 8, 5, 3. 2. 2. and 10 months 😃

Kate was cracking me up, she kept "washing" Andrew's back 

"Motor boat motor boat" with Nene 

This girl is all about the accessories 

Water fun

I was impressed with this helicopter James made 

"Mom take a picture of me with this Lego" 

Daddy is here!

What could be better than a boat cruise with oreos? 

Searching for crabs

We took the boat for a ride and anchored by a little island.  This days are always "special" because by the time we go through all the effort to get there we only stay maybe an hour before we have to pack up and leave bc someone is either melting down, it's meal time, or nap time lol. 

Helping Daddy drive back 

During nap time Ryan and the boys went to do a little putt putt 

And even got to stop for a treat 

Lego time. I walked by and saw them in there building together. Such an ordinary moment but one I want to remember! 

Hooray for babysitters and date night! 

Double rainbow 

Morning hugs 

These two love play dough

Shell decorating 

Perfect day for waterfront soccer 

One last beach walk

Special morning with just the big boys 

We had the pool all to ourselves!

Thanks Nene and Pappy for a wonderful weekend!

The grand finale of the trip- having to stop at the random Taco Bell for a bathroom/water break and realizing that somehow Andrew didn't even have pants on.  Welcome to life with the Hollands!