Family Vacation 2016, Part 5: Sand Dunes & the Aquarium

We're coming down to the final days of our vacation. Saturday after the family photos we had Abigail's birthday party and hung around a little. BJ was meeting Jacob for the first time, so I had to get a photo.

Elena and Jacob mostly enjoyed playing together.

After church Sunday, we went to Kitty Hawk Kites store and decided, reluctantly (at least the adults were reluctant-- the kids were eager) to climb a little way up Jockey's Ridge. The sun was setting, which made for some cool photos. The kids loved running around the dunes and didn't once complain of being tired. They made sand angels. They pretended to be movie stars. Even Jacob enjoyed laying in the giant sandbox. And we were glad we went.

Monday we headed to the NC Aquarium. (Add more science to our school lessons on vacation!) We have been to this Aquarium when each of our kids was small, I think. They have improved it a lot since the last time we went, but the older kids remembered the giant tank with the sharks and they were so excited.

I can't remember what we're learning about here, but there sure was a lot of educational opportunities. We even incorporated some of the things we learned in science at home about ecology and what animals live where and how they work together in their environment.

They were a little hesitant to touch the manta rays in the touch tank.

Jacob was happy as long as he could crawl around. He kept saying "wow, wow" at the big tanks.

Andrew's favorite part by far was the Turtle Rescue Center. They got to take a pretend turtle, diagnose it's disease and then watch a video about how to help it get better. They were able to give it medicine or whatever it needed, and then release it again into the wild. They wanted to do it over and over.

It was another nice day, so we spent some time walking around outside. Jacob of course loved digging for shark's teeth.

There was a little trail with different exercises and activities to try, like climbing on a fallen tree or crawling through tunnels, or over bridges. (Add P.E. to our school subjects covered!)

And after the aquarium, we enjoyed our last night with Mom & Dad. These two have a sort of love/ hate relationship that is interesting to see develop. They love each other as long as they are being nice and gentle. But sometimes they aren't too sure what "gentle" really means.

Abigail Turns 4!

Oh, my precious Abigail. What can I say about this little girl? I believe Shakespeare wrote "though she be but small, she is fierce." I believe that may describe our little firecracker. As the third born Abigail seems to always crave attention, negative or otherwise. She can be stubborn and often quite persistent when she wants something. She is usually my shadow around the house-- loves to watch me cook, or just sit next to me, and she still sometimes cries when I leave her in the nursery or at preschool (although I know she is loving going to our little public preschool this year, and her teacher is amazing at getting her involved in activities so she won't be upset as I leave).

Up until about 3 or 4 weeks ago, she still wanted me to rock her to sleep in her bed at night, and she still likes to snuggle when she's tired. She does sleep more than all her brothers and sister, and often falls asleep on the couch in the afternoon, although she gave up a formal nap time awhile ago. She is finally starting to learn some preschool things, just beginning to recognize some letters and numbers. She still doesn't know all the colors or shapes-- or at least doesn't claim to. Usually if she learns something, it has to be her own idea.She still doesn't pronounce a lot of words correctly, but her vocabulary is greatly increasing every day and she continues to amaze me when she tells stories in complete sentences or re-tells me something she did during the day. She hates to be told to do anything. She longs to be included in whatever Leah or Andrew are playing, but often plays by her own rules.

She is extremely shy when it comes to new situations and will cower behind my leg until she's comfortable. She won't even speak to people if they say something to her. Still, she can be adventurous and is not afraid to try new things as long as I'm there with her. She is really good at athletic things, like climbing and kicking and running. We tried dance class and she was just too shy to get out onto the dance floor, although she loves to dance at home, and is quite funny with the dances she can make up. This silly little girl tries my patience nearly every day and frustrates me usually more than any other kid, but she is also so sweet and funny and I can't imagine what it would be like around here without her!

We had a little 4-year-old birthday party for Abi on Saturday at Grandma & Grandpa's house. Her only request for her birthday was a Dora cake. We weren't sure exactly how to execute that, so we found a Dora plate, cut her out & put a popsicle stick on her and stuck her in the cake. Voila! A Dora Cake. She really doesn't even watch Dora that much at home, and she's not even really one of her favorites, but that's what she got for her party, and she liked it.

She was being a little shy as we sang the Birthday song to her. But she certainly wasn't shy about opening her gifts. She tore into them one after another.  She showed excitement over every one of them.

Yes, she asked for a Whoopie Cushion. This kid loves potty humor.

We had such a good time with family and friends celebrating our soon-to-be four-year-old, and I think she will remember it for awhile!

Family Vacation 2016, Part 4: Family Beach Photos

On the 2nd Saturday of our vacation, my brother & family came to visit. It was the first time I've seen him since we moved to Vermont. And the first time we'd all been together in a long while. So we attempted to get some professional photos taken on the beach. We tried not to have high expectations, with 2 one-year-olds and three other kids. Actually it ended up being the other kids that were more difficult than the babies. The bright sun was a factor and most pictures have kids with squinty eyes. It was also nap time after a long morning. Jacob sees the beach as a big sandbox, so he really just wanted to play. So after lots of funny noises to get kids to laugh and lots of whining, here's the results:

This may be my favorite of our family:

Grandkids and grandparents:

It's a little easier to do just grown ups:

Once he was allowed to play, Jacob had some great shots. I mean, come on, how cute is this kid, drool and all?!

As long as he has his glasses on, he'll smile:

I actually got this one on my camera. There may or may not have been some bribes involved to get this one to cooperate. But she willingly let me put her hair in a ponytail.

Ah, another good one!

Quick, get Elena in there! :-)

And some pictures with my sweetheart:

Let's try one more thing! Jumping. Turned out pretty cute.

All the people I love, together in one place. What a fun day!