beach week.sand n' surf edition

we had loads of fun at the beach last week. 

i laughed harder than i've laughed in a long time, ate THE MOST delicious pancakes on earth (thanks steph!), dug my toes in the sand, and watched my boys' and their cousins enjoy the sand n' surf.

this is one of my favorite weeks of the year. it's not just the being at the beach (even though it's is definitely my most favorite place to be) but it's the time we get to spend together. it's unique to any other time spent. the only problem is it's not long enough.

life moves too fast. but for one week, we get to move a little slower and have conversation. i get to know family a little better. and love them more where they are. because i get to know where they are.  i value quality time more than anything else. and this week provides that and then some. i am so grateful for this time which was evidenced by me crying like a baby when it was time to hug everyone goodbye.

thank you to barry and cheryl who make this all possible for us each summer. we appreciate it more than you could ever know.

and i have far too many pictures. as usual. just embrace it.

boogie boogie-ing, fishing for minnows, and digging were some of the favorite beach past-times

will even enjoyed a nap on the beach!

with papa's masterpiece of a dolphin!