All Good Things Must Come to an End

 Alas, all good things must come to an end.  Even family reunions.  Us grown ups are more used to saying good-bye, but the kids still found it pretty tough.  Well, the big girls did.  (Juliana still got plenty of cuddle-time in with Uncle Shawn so she was happy.)

Poor Reagan and Emily...they love and miss each other so.

 Even Kaylee and Kaden got in on the hugging action.

Britta and Gma

 And the last few pictures of the cars pulling out...

 A final view from our cabin...

Until next time!

Beach Day {Two}

Beach day two was awesome!  After the babies' morning naps, everyone packed lunches (and all of the million other things that you need when you take your family to the beach for a day) and we headed out!

Payton was upset that her hat wouldn't fit over her ponytail.  (Just kidding--she just hadn't gotten used to the sand yet.)

 Here's our little set up for the day.

Reagan helping George dig.  So cute!

 Juliana and Kari loved the sand and water--beach bunnies!

 Emily and Reagan broke out the raft.

 More cousin fun!

Ripples in the water/sand.  So cool!

 Christian loved skipping rocks.

 Britta also loved the sand and water!  Look at those chubby cheeks, legs, arms, and toes!!

My two favorite guys!

Me and my baby in my happy place

Toes, sand, and water--is there anything better?!

 Eventually, it was naptime again.  Now, Britta had never gone to sleep without nursing and had never transferred either.  Today was the first time she did both!

 Grandpa rented a jet ski for everyone to play on for the afternoon (pictures below) and so while I was on it, Grandma held Britta for me and she fell asleep!

When I got back, Tessa wanted Gma to hold Payton so she would fall asleep and so I very carefully transferred Britta to our little sun shade tent.  And she stayed asleep!  It was awesome.

 Jet ski time!  I'd forgotten how much FUN a jet ski really was.  Wow.  Flying across the water at 50 mph--blissful.  Everyone loved it!

Grandpa's as big a waterbug as the kids!

 A little while later, Britta woke up!  She was just so happy!  I just love her face and her chubby tummy!!

 Christian just loved lying in the sand!

Happy girl, Kari, in her happy place!

 Juliana had been very reluctant to try out the jet ski.  (For as spunky as she is, Juliana is surprisingly timid about water, heights, and other "big" things.)  Finally, at the end of the day she decided to give it a try--and had a great time!

 And THIS is what the end of a great day looks like!

 They conked out within minutes!

S'More of What?

What outdoor summer evening would be complete without s'mores?  Another gorgeous evening and the great outdoors were calling!

 Family fun at its finest

 Berkley gives us a sticky demonstration

 Juliana and Sovie show us how it's done

Amy and Eloise--

 Mommy teases her--Ellie wanted a s'more too!

 What a pretty smile!

 More of our Miss Ju Ju

 Will's a old pro at this

 Kari tried a s'more too!  (But, alas, she didn't like it.  Crazy girl!)  Britta just enjoyed her new-found mobility.  No, not crawling...walking!

 Lots' of people, lots' of s'mores!

 More happy Britta

 The kids were also obsessed with the little pond(?) by the cabin.  Give a kid rocks and a little water!

 Kari liked playing on the giant rock.

 And Emily liked both the pond and the rock.

 And this, folks, is my all-time favorite picture of Berkley.  If Gollum was ever a child...

Ready for S'MORE??