guarding the ocean

As protective as she has grown to be, this little lady is the sweetest.  She absolutely loves the beach, and would look at us with such sad eyes whenever we'd open the gate and not let her through to the sand and water.  Granted, it'd let her out to run down there at least once a day, but one day when she came out, she just sat there, as well-behaved as could be, and made me smile.  It was as if she was letting us know that she wasn't going to run, or cause trouble, she just wanted to sit in the sand (not even roll in it like she usually does) and feel the warm sun on her.

Reading this back, it makes no sense, but all the sense to me at the same time.

A no filter kind of sunset. 

One, two, three, jump!

Every time James sees Keegan he has to talk to him, give him a hug and/or kiss, and make sure he's doing OK.  Such a precious big cousin, this one. 

sun hats and mini cars

This was the only hat he would wear and not try to pull off his head.  

And yes, he's working on his waving. 

I couldn't even count the number of naps he took on the beach while we were there. But I loved every one of them. 

The way they all mimic each other makes my heart smile. 

Watching Uncle Casey fly his kite ... and then get it stuck in the dunes. 

beach love

I wish you could see his precious little arm wrapped around my side.  Simply the best.

All this guy needs is a thumb in his mouth and the sound of the ocean in the background.

Second year in a row of tandem truck playing. 

I was taking so many pictures on this trip that D started running up to the camera shouting, "Cheeeeese".

Beautiful sunset. Beautiful family.  (Just missing our youngest.)

happy dad/pops day

What better way to spend Dad's Day then holding your babe and taking a snooze with the ocean as your background? 

Declyn got sand in his eye, so it was Pops to the rescue!  And of course kisses make everything better. 

Even though he's up to four grand babes, this man spreads his love equally and devotes individual time to each and every one of them. 

First time boogie boarding was not a success.  Jessie was able to capture this cool moment, but almost immediately after it was taken he fell off, went under, and I had to pull him out of the water.

A few drinks deep and it's daddy-and-me (and dog) yoga time.

Declyn looks up to Mike more then he can possibly see/know.  Hearing him call "Daddeee" and light up when he walks in the room makes me so proud to call him my man and that my kids get to call him their dad.  He is absolutely amazing. 

six years and two kids later

Our annual family trips to the beach are among my favorite.  Now that we have four little ones who join us it's a little more chaotic, and less relaxing, but I wouldn't change it for the world. 

The newest member is beach bod ready.

Don't mind my crazy leg, I wanted to take a moment and snap a picture of our sixth wedding anniversary.  After six years of marriage, (almost) five on top of that of dating, and two kids, life never has a dull moment and without getting too sappy, every day I love this man I get to call mine more and more.  

fresh, professional cut

D got his first professional haircut (at a Barber) and he couldn't have been a better patron.  He sat on my lap the whole time, answering the stylist's questions and smiling at Mike.  Oh, and he was stoked about the lollipop he got at the end of it all. 

Walking out of the Barber's he looked five, instead of two, but that was inevitable. 

mean muggin' & car drivin'

In a moment of chaos, my mom volunteered to dress Declyn for the sprinkler.  This was the result.  I lost it when he turned around. 

Post-creating Father's Day gifts. 

'Moving cars' is something my brother and I loved to do with our Dad, and now he has passed it onto our kiddos.  And of course they can't get enough. 

This face. Ha.

D loves his girls

There's nothing like watching Daniel Tiger and snuggling with his doggies. As much as they (being Cali) can be a pain in my ass, the way they act towards our kids absolutely melts my heart. You can see the love they have for them. 

CC's glasses may look better on him. kidding. 

everything is under control

Love him. And his onesie rash guard. 

Brent likes to check in on Keegs, make sure all is well. 

This picture of chaos makes me smile.  Nanny is one of the only people I know who allows  her loves to drench her in water, food, whatever they find, and never complain about it. She always just shrugs her shoulders and says, "This is why I didn't wear my nice clothes today."  She's a real gem, that one. 

the best of friends

Meagan's husband tagged us in this picture on Instagram, and it could not be more true.  I couldn't even begin to explain our relationship, but this quote does a pretty great job.

Love how sweet these two are to each other. 

Caden turned two (what?!) and Declyn couldn't get enough of the 'roller coaster' at his party.

Seriously. 

life on the water

I got to spend the day with my love on the water.  It doesn't get much better then this.

Took Keegs to the pool for the first time.  He was a little hesitant when those small toes were submerged in the water, but eventually he came around. 

Kathryn volunteered to take a family photo of us, and this was the result.  Not too bad.

sprinkler season has begun

Declyn was a little hesitant of the sprinkler when it was at his highest, so my mom put it on a setting these little ones could relate to ... and we played a small game of chicken. 

Testing out the water.

Requesting that James steps away from the sprinkler - aka stop hogging it.

Working on their base for the beach.

D requested CC come and drink some water with him.  And what the kids request, CC complies with. 

I've seen that look one too many times.

lawnmowers can swing

Nanny stayed with Keegan while I ran Dec into the Peads for a follow-up.  He is doing well, and Keegs couldn't deny a little siesta in his Nanny's arms. 

He asked Aunt Denise if the lawnmower could swing with them.