Beach Trip 2012

Back to Oak Island for fun in the sun at the beach.  Although lots of fun, this year we didn't have the greatest weather.  We only had one excellent day of beach weather and the others were mostly cloudy (which is actually pretty good if you have 2 small kids) and one day was completely rained out (thanks Hurricane Issac).  Remember those days when you used to go to the beach and set up your towel and turn on your music and drink your beer and read your book?  I remember those days, but they are long gone for me now.  Now, it takes multiple trips to and from the car to drag out all your beach gear.  You've got to have the tent, the towels, the boogie board, the blankets, the baby pool (yes, it's essential), the sand toys, the chairs, the cooler (now filled with sippy cups and fruit packs-  and a few beers too, you need those to make it through it), the diaper bag, the bag for things that can't get wet (i.e. phones, keys, etc.), and am I forgetting something?  Probably, but I think you get the idea.  Cool relaxing beach day has turned into super stressful workout.  But still fun once everything is settled.  Here's our highlights:

Daddy and Sam-a-lam chillin' at the beach

A little bright out here Mommy for a photo-op

Nana and Sam-a-lam chillin' at the beach

Grandmama and Grandaddy even made an appearance this year!

Tyler was beyond excited to have so many grandparents around.

Here is Sam holding court for all adoring onlookers.

Beginning to eat solid foods-  well, puffs kinda count.

He still hasn't mastered the pincher grasp yet, but he's getting there.

Although using his right hand here, I'm pretty sure he's going to be left handed  :)

The Bar

Sippy cup, margarita supplies, infant formula, wine- you know, the basics

Feeding the seagulls on the Fort Fisher ferry

Thanks for looking at the camera Sam

Mommy and her boys

Spending quality time with Uncle Michael

Nana and Poppa

Nana still has to wear her back brace since her lumbar surgery in July.

Extra bonus points for Nana's excellent use of the top of her brace as a place to stuff supplies

Poppa, whatcha lookin' at?

Face to face with the alligator at the aquarium

Our annual picnic lunch at the gazebo

Clapping, happy boy

Who needs the whole Atlantic Ocean when you've got this awesome baby pool?!?

Making sure the tide doesn't wash us away

Thanks for your help taking care of Sam Poppa

Oh, OK, that's better...

Model Tyler Head