Summer Fun #5 ~ The Beach!

Trips to the beach are just an essential part of any good summer...well at least if you live close enough to the coast.  A trip to the beach with the cousins was just what the boys needed.  My brother and his family have a place at Ocean Isle Beach, NC where Aunt Jessica's family have been enjoying beach trips for many years.  OIB is one of those quaint little beach communities where the pace is a lot slower.  The island is filled with colorful beach houses, and the beach has those lovely sand dunes covered with sea oats that help protect our delicate seashore from eroding. Part of this island is actually quickly disappearing into the ocean, and some of the beach houses on that end of the island will not be able to be saved.  There are only a few shops and restaurants on the island itself, but the neighboring towns of Sunset Beach, Shallotte, and Calabash offer many more options for beach shopping and eating.  Living on beach time is definitely a different way to live.  We slept in, ate a late breakfast/early lunch, spent the day at the pool or on the beach, came in to wash up, and then went out for a late dinner.  By dinnertime, the kids would be starving and would all eat like champs.  Beach food is always better too.  Lots of local joints with fresh seafood and other yummy fare.  Of course, I had to snap lots of pictures of the kids on the beach.  While this was just a short trip, it was a good trip with family, and the kids had a lot of fun.  It definitely made Evan long for our upcoming trip to Myrtle Beach.  He actually got to spend one day in Myrtle as the boys enjoyed spending a rainy day playing indoor putt putt and laser tag.  The girls joined them for dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe and walked around Broadway at the Beach in the evening.

The cousins wearing their colorful beach t-shirts together on an evening stroll on the beach.  Ms. Millie, the kids' nanny, enjoyed walking the dogs on the beach in the evening so we all joined her.  

Crazy kids striking poses. 

The kids wanted to show off their new beach t-shirts from a local restaurant in Sunset Beach called Twin Lakes.  Collecting t-shirts has become a bit of a hobby! 

Brody enjoyed walking in the sand. 

Off they go. 

Brody enjoying walking with Daddy. 

Daddy and his boys

Mommy and her little man

Just enjoying the cool water on our toes. 

His face says it all.  He's a happy boy in the water.  

Photogenic baby.  

Trying to keep his balance in the waves. 

He's a beach bum. 

And there's another beach bum. 

Swimsuit model?  Haha!

He is always on the move.  

It was a beautiful evening for a stroll on the beach. 

Just hanging out in the water. 

Beach baby. 

When did he get so big? 

Sweet brothers. 

Yes, Brody enjoys throwing muddy sand. 

Cousin Cate was sporting a great tan. 

She's another beach bum. 

Beautiful baby girl. 

Beach babies playing together. 

A walk on the beach quickly turned into playing in the water. 

Evan cheesing

And Brody cheesing. 

This is how Brody feels about leaving the beach.  Haha!  Actually, this was the next day when he was ready for his nap on the beach.  Mommy enjoyed holding him while he napped. 

The boys enjoyed playing at Broadway at the Beach after dinner. 

Brody enjoyed riding on Daddy's shoulders just like Evan used to.  Now, Evan is terrified to do it! 

A salesperson blew some bubbles for Brody, and he loved it. 

Bubbles are amazing when you are 2!

Lanny wanted to try his rock climbing skills. 

He made it to the top!

The kids all tried to win a prize at one of the games. 

Daddy and Brody fed the giant carp. 

Cate and Brody enjoyed playing in this little park. 

Sweet Cate

Happy Brody 

And this is how he feels about leaving the park!