Beach Time!

Last week was our much anticipated Barksdale Family beach week over the 4th and it was awesome.  Getting there was hectic, especially since we left right after dropping a wedding cake off and didn't get on the road till 5:30.  I was sure that Isabelle would fall asleep after we stopped for dinner, but no such luck.  She must have been as excited about the beach as we were. 

About 2 minutes before departure I discovered that Izzy had found the snack foods and decided to have fun with them.  Oh, the joy of leaving town with a 2 year old!

 Our first full day at the beach included a first birthday celebration for little Sutton.  Little Princess!

 Party time!  Little did they know they were in for another birthday celebration the next day (Isabelle's).  What a week!

Sutton got to taste a For Goodness Cakes cake for the first time.  I think she approved!

 The beach was SUCH fun this year.  It had been 4 years (3 babies born in July) since we had gone to the beach in the heat of the summer and there is nothing quite like it.  Every day was hot, but the breeze on the beach and the soothing ocean water made it very comfortable.  This is pure heaven for a 2 year old. Isabelle loved jumping in the water and running on the beach.  She was in constant motion.

  Look at my cuties!

 Handsome brothers and their adorable daughters.

 Girls giving high fives!  Isabelle is absolutely OBSESSED with her cousin Betsy Grace.  I think she probably said her name at least 2,000 times that week.  Not exaggerating.  Every morning it was "go see Betsy Grace?" Betsy Grace this., Betsy Grace that.  It came in handy when we needed Izzy to do something she resisted: "Betsy Grace is getting dressed so I think you should too".  BG makes Isabelle laugh hysterically like no other person can.  It is quite a sight to see them together.  Next year Sutton will be in on the action too!

 Caden trying out his new boogie board. 

 First drip castle experience.  Isabelle's other favorite beach activity was "making cakes" using the little sand molds.  But my prissy little girl isn't too into the sand.  She wanted to "wash her hands" in the water frequently in between cake making.  And unlike her ocean drinking, sand eating cousins (Sutton shoved sand into her mouth like it was my cake scraps!), Isabelle couldn't stand to have a grain of sand in a bite of her snack.  I must say that I can relate! 

 Sweet sisters!

 We decided to rent bikes which was a big highlight for Izzy.  She LOVED it and it was a great way to get some exercise in the extreme heat and humidity.

 Cutest bikers ever.

 After our first ride, I decided Isabelle needed to cool off.

Didn't take long for her to go commando.  I think every child should experience running naked on the beach!  It was pure joy for Isabelle. 

 

 Brooks and his mama, Frances.

 Another beach day.  Praise the Lord for the beach!

 I swear this child ran miles every day.  It was like Forrest Gump.

 Take a quick picture with the girls!

 She was runnin....

 (and runnin)

 Happy 4th of July!

 Thanks to Ellie for supplying 4th of July decorations for the whole week!

 And sunglasses too.  My girl loves her shades.  So cool.

 Kiddos ended the fun day with yummy popsicles!  This is what summer is all about.

 Sugar buzz!

And Ellie got the girls matching watermelon dresses.  So cute!

 

 Kisses from Betsy Grace.

 This was Isabelle's cheek kiss.  She doesn't do lips.  I have tried and tried.  If you ask her for a kiss she will just press her cheek up to you.  Oh well, works for me!

 Girly giggles. What a pair!

 The whole gang.  What a fabulous week!!!