Grayton Beach Vacation

This past week my entire family headed to Grayton Beach, Florida for vacation. My dad had been planning this for 2 years now and we finally were all able to be in one place at once!  

The weather was perfect, the water was warm...couldn't ask for more!

 

This is the very old house we stayed in. It was built in the 1800's and had 2 huge wrap-around porches that we practically lived on when we weren't living on the beach. In my opinion, there is nothing better than drinking coffee, reading, eating dinner and talking with some of your favorite people all while looking at the ocean!

Andrew loved the beach, no surprise there. He tried endlessly to walk on the sand, played in the water and of course his baby pool. There was no shortage of attention with all his aunts and uncles around, that's for sure!

 Erin and I relaxing on the beach:

Andrew trying to walk...he took a few steps on his own here and there but is still working on it!

Aunt Erin was happy to help with the walking too...and Nate built a sandcastle for Drew to play in.

But sometimes he was just as happy in a bucket!

What's a beach vacation without ice cream on the deck? 

As I said before, Andrew got lots of attention from Laura and Erin! I very much enjoyed the extra helping hands too.

The water was perfect for floating. Check out that raft with the sun shade and all...that's the life!

Andrew and Granna

My dad helping him walk around on the deck.

Uncle Mark knows how to make a plastic cup interesting. When he got bored with his toys, we did what we could to keep him busy!

In the evening we took some beach photos...no kaki and white coordinated outfits much to Nate's disappointment:)

One of the best seafood meals I've had...the Red Bar at Grayton Beach. So good!

We walked around Seaside one evening too.

The baby pool sure came in handy!

For adults as well as babies!

Erin, Laura and me

Trying to dig a hole with a shovel about the size of him!

This was one of the best weeks we've had in awhile and my parents are so kind and generous to plan and take us on this trip. It is not often all of us are in one place with no "agenda" other than just hanging out and I think we need to do it more often!

Friends

 Friday I was able to get together with Mary and Amanda...the occasion: meeting Emmylou! Amanda and Matt were in Louisville visiting her family and of course we had to arrange for us all to get together like old times. I know I've written before about my friendship with these two but they are such a blessing. We have seen each other through all the phases of life, good and bad, and have so many memories together. It's crazy to think how we all have kids now and I hope to watch them all grow up together like we did.

 

 We played outside in the water because it was HOT out.

 Angelina and Andrew were best buds.  They got along great and I wish Mary was my neighbor so every day we could all hang out like this:)

 We took everyone on a walk.

Mary shared her lap with two children (and one in utero!) and Angelina shared her baby doll with Drew, who promptly threw it on the floor.

It was so much fun hanging out with my two dearest and oldest friends. It was definitely more chaotic than years past with 3 kids but we had such a great time and I miss them already!

Party # 2

 Saturday Nate and I had friends and family over for birthday party # 2. It was pretty laid back and we enjoyed getting to see friends and family. We started off with a wagon ride around the yard, courtesy of Aunt Laura.

 Yummy food

 Me and the birthday boy

After his "smash cake" demolition on Thursday, I knew he would enjoy the cupcakes.

 ...right down to the last bite!

 My mom and Andrew, after we changed his icing-covered clothes!

 Second wagon ride from my dad this time.

 

 Annie and sweet Lawson

 Annie, Heather and me (my teaching friends)

 It was such a fun weekend and we got to see lots of people we love. Couldn't ask for more!

More of Omi and Opaw's visit

 We went out to eat at Tony Boombozz pizza and it took all 4 of us to keep Drew occupied during dinner.  Sitting still is not his forte!

 Nate and his dad

 This picture cracks me up! Someone is not happy!

 Saturday morning we went to the park and the grandparents needed a phone picture.

Thanks, Omi and Opaw, for making the drive down! We wish you could come visit every weekend.

One Year Old!

 Well, this is a few days late, but happy first birthday Andrew! I can't believe my baby is one!
At one year old...

...he is trying to climb everything in sight.

 He loves to throw and roll his soccer ball around.

 He is into all sorts of mischief:)

But is so cute that I can't be mad for long!

 He loves the park

And being outside

And getting dressed these days is a challenge (so sometimes we just don't!)

And how he went from this...

....to this so quickly is beyond me! He has grown up so incredibly fast. 

Nate and I feel so blessed beyond words to be Andrew's parents. I know everyone with kids says that but it is true. Words can't express how much fun this year has been and how much we love our little guy. Happy birthday Andrew! We love you!