We have wanted to take a family vacation for such a long time. There was always something that came up: work, doctors, weather...the list went on. But as the summer started coming to a close it was apparent that a vacation wasn't just a want any longer we NEEDED to get away. So I started deal searching and with a lot of luck, (and what I am positive was some help from above) we scored an ocean front condo at Virginia Beach. It was a dream. Ideal location, ideal weather and 5 of my very most favorite people.
I wish I could capture completely the serenity that came from sitting on the balcony listening to the waves crash on the ocean and watching as the sun peaked above the horizon turning the sky different shades of red and pink. There will never be words to encompass the sheer joy on Kaden's face as he charges into the waves imprinting his feet in the sand behind him. It was magical. It was also a lot of work and at times extremely stressful, but memories were made that I hope are held for a lifetime.
It was a getting-to-know you time. I know my children well, I can make each individual sandwich exactly to specification before I ever receive the lunch requests. I know where to find the misplaced shoes and the forgotten backpacks, yet sometimes I forget WHO they are. Kaden has such a love for life, everything is bigger and brighter and better through his eyes. Sitting with him on the sand and listening as he told me about "this totally awesome wave I just caught" reminded me of the inherent joy that always exudes from him. He has five new friends every place we go. He doesn't ever bother to learn their names though, they are all just "buddy"or "dude". I used to think he honestly couldn't remember their names but I have come to learn that it is just so inconsequential to him that he doesn't bother storing the information. EVERYONE is a friend to him it doesn't matter your age, gender, size, skin color, and it certainly doesn't matter your name. He always had a new friend and kids were seeking him out the next day to play again. Taycee is such a nurturer, she doesn't want anyone to be sad. She is a second mother to everyone in the family. She was always checking to make sure everyone had sunscreen on had lifejackets before we left the condo. She is my most cautious fearless child. The first day she would not let the water hit her past her knees unless dad had a firm grip on her hand. By day 7 the life guards were blowing their whistles at her for roaming too far out to sea. She is incredibly smart and observes everything in her surroundings, there wasn't a seashell within 50 feet she didn't spot and pick up. Addi and Brie have developed a new relationship that is as equally hilarious as it is obnoxious. They are drawn to each other like magnets and it seems they can't tolerate each other at the same time. Wherever one goes the other is quick to follow and then squabbling is quick to ensue. Brielle has developed this screech she saves for whenever Addi has touched something she deems hers. It is high pitched and ear piercing. The problem is Brie deems pretty much everything as hers and so has Addi. The silver lining in this situation would be that Addi is now talking in sentences... but only to Brie and only when she is mad. Quite often now I hear "No, No Briel-la" "Get off Briel-la" "Dats mine Briel-la" For now I smile and suppress a laugh. Ask me again in a week and it might be a different story. They are such independent little ladies. Neither one had any fear of the crashing waves and made a break for the water every other minute. Luckily they were equally content to be held as the water crashed around them, so we did a lot of water wading with a baby perched on a hip.
It was so good just to be, without appointments and schedules and emails. Life was slower and the only things to focus on were the five people who deserve all my attention. There was a moment as I sat on the warm sand and watched the kids play that I couldn't catch my breath. My babies are changing and growing so quickly, I watched the sand sift through my toes and felt like the seconds of their lives were just the same, so vast yet so impossible to hold. They are kind and smart and good, they are becoming these people that I am so proud of and it is all so heartbreakingly beautiful.
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| The first night they shot fireworks off over the ocean. We sat and watched them from the balcony. It was a pretty good way to kick things off. |
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| When we pulled out swimming things I noticed we ALL had a neon something. Although I had bought the girls suits on purpose the others were coincidental. We had to take a picture. I think I will dub it the "Tennis Ball Family" |
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| I can't explain how thrilled Taycee was to have matching suits. I tried to find Addi one to match but had not luck. I made us all matching turbans but after this picture decided against actually wearing them to the beach. |
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| "A-mon momma. I show you" was a common phrase out of Addi's mouth. She always had something new to show us. Usually it was just a ploy to drag us back into the water. |
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| Our first sand creation was an octopus which Taycee named "Elsa" |
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| Our Sand Castle. It started out with grand design but we pooped out early. Taycee collected approximately 300 shells to cover the front of it. |
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| Our last creation was a whale but we could not get the tail right and the kids were ready to eat dinner. So then we decided it was Finn the goldfish (like the cracker?) but then after we took this picture we decided it was more like a chicken drumstick that was smiling at you. Kinda creepy. |
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| Kaden drew this for me in the sand |
I think in all I came home with 250 pictures on my camera, I sorted and deleted but still couldn't get it down to a reasonable amount so a video was the only way to go.
