Birthday Fun in the Sun

 

Three days after we returned home from our fabulous cruise around the Mediterranean, the children and I flew to the States to start part one of our 5 week holiday at home with our families.  We flew into Atlanta where we were surprised upon arrival by my sweet sister-in-law, Sandy, who drove two hours to see us, well, see the kids.. who am I kidding?  She was an angel in disguise helping me with luggage and taking care of the kids while I got the rental car. She spent the night with us in a hotel and then we had to say our goodbyes the next morning as we left for South Georgia to visit my Mom and brothers.  Stop #1 along the route?  Chick Fil A for a chicken biscuit and american coffee.. Yum!  The kids were very well behaved and the trip to Mom's was without a hitch.  We stayed at her house for a few days then we drove a short 2 hours to St. George Island on the Florida Gulf Coast... home to my favorite beaches in the whole world.. and, yes, I say that even after visiting beaches in the Mediterranean and France's Atlantic Coast.  Our darling Joshua turned 7 while we were there and we had a birthday bash to celebrate him.  It was special because it was only the second birthday where his Uncle Matthew and Aunt Jackie have been able to celebrate with us.  We also had some friends, who are like family, there with us, as well. 

This week spent at the beach was incredible... favorite beaches, most of my favorite people in the whole word, hot weather, refreshingly lukewarm water, sun, pool, good food... a little slice of heaven.

 

 Introducing.. Abigail Grace.. she is my niece, my youngest brother's daughter and the only cousin of my children on my side of the family.. she also happens to be only two days older than Sophia.  They had fun getting to know each other over the week.

She and Josh really enjoyed playing together, as well.. together they made quite a mischievous team. :)

 Such beautiful water.. such gorgeous and silky sand.. did I tell you that I love these beaches?

 Every day we went to the beach and after every hot and sandy beach session we took showers outside and jumped directly into the refreshingly cool (80 degrees F.. but who's counting?) pool.  We played marco polo, categories and practiced underwater handstands for hours.  Lots of fun introducing my kids to the games I used to play as a child. I am really enjoying the ages of our children now... we had a fun summer together.

 Happy Birthday celebration for our sensitive, kind, inquisitive, handsome, super hero and Pokemon loving son - Joshua Bryant.

 Meme and the Crew

 The guns.. Joshua, I couldn't not get a picture of this adorable Josh'ism.. for memory's sake.  You may not love it now or at 16 when I show your first girlfriend but it will be fun to look back at 30. :)