It's family time at the beach

Vacation isn't vacation without spending a little time with my family. (Whether we want to or not...ha, ha!) One of our favorite parts of going to Rhode Island is getting to spend so much time with Nana and Grandpa. The fact that we get to do so at the beach and in their amazing house is just an added bonus!

A snack and a drink after the beach is a family tradition. Don't be alarmed...it's a fruit soda...Zack had to have it in "one of those wrapper things."

Nana makes the best salads!

Daddy and Jacob play a game.

Goofing around with Grandpa.

A little love from Nana

My sister's visit went better than any we've had in years, a fact that makes me feel truly blessed. It's been a hard road but I think that we're coming out on the other side with an amazingly good relationship. The boys loved having Aunt Mary come along with her...as I said before, she is one of the best storytellers ever!

One of my all-time favorite pictures

A captivated audience

Later on in our vacation we got to spend an afternoon and evening with my cousin Justin, his wife Kristen, and their two kids. They braved some pretty unwelcoming weather to come see us...and for that we are truly grateful! Jacob was absolutely thrilled to have a playmate his own age and loved the idea of having second cousins...although we're still trying to explain exactly what that means! It was a treat to catch up after too many years without an opportunity to get together. A visit with the "cousins" is definitely on the schedule for next year!

Zachary and Cameron build sand constructions with Grandpa.

Emma and Zack

Jacob really was with us on the beach that day but he and Daddy took advantage of the weather and spent their time at the beach boogie boarding on some pretty good size waves!