Day One

What a glorious day!  Not a cloud in the sky.

The kids had such a blast.  The little ones stayed on shore.  Darryl built them a sand pool and filled it with bait fish he caught in his casting net.  Joseph played in that spot FOR HOURS...

Juliana played their awhile, but wanted to brave the waves with mommy.  She loved to squeal with excitement as the waves approached.  

Nicholas and Matthew used the boogie boards to surf the waves and then explored with their masks down past the sand bar.  They saw tons of fish.  

At lunch time, I brought the littles back to the cottage for showers, lunch and nap tiime.  

I then had some quiet time to knit for awhile.  It was quite lovely to sit on the cozy sofa and watch the Hallmark channel while knitting some fall projects.  

After the boys had their fill of the beach, they came home to yummy smells in the kitchen.  

We all enjoyed some chicken fajitas for dinner.

Then, back to the beach we headed!

We took a sunset walk and then came back for some swim time at the pool.

We all were asleep by 9:15. 

 That moment when you first put your toes in the sand and stand before the beautiful ocean.

All the anticipation and excitement realized as you race to the waves. 

Giggles and squeals trying to beat the waves, but really hoping they catch you.

Exploring for crabs and catching a couple minutes of swim time while the sun sets.

Barely being able to sleep as you dream about all the fun to be had the next morning.

First moments at the beginning of a beach vacation are so precious!

Handpicked for mommy from a sweet 4 year old.

Thanks little Joe (:

My baby with her baby.

 Ah, summer days.

  Long days, cool evenings watching fireflies. 

 Waterlogged from days at the pool and on the lake.  These summer days are what I dreamed of as a child.  Honestly, I feel so grateful for these sweet summer days spent with my kids.  

If I'm being honest, I've been so busy with my hobby business and homeschool planning for the fall (two 8th graders...ahhhh!!!), I've only now realized summer is half way over.  I won't get this time back.

  I NEED to slow down and savor.  

To stop and play that game.

To say o.k. to *almost* everything they want to do.

To say yes...

More Smoky Mountain Fun!

Our favorite days  on the vacation were those spent in nature enjoying the beautiful spring weather.
 We loved visiting Cades Cove and found the most beautiful waterfall along the way.

We hoped we would see bears. 
It's really all Joseph could talk about.

Then, JACKPOT!!

We spotted a mama bear and her baby bears.

It was the best!!!

Another bear sighting!

To me, a day spent in nature is such a treasure, especially with those I love most.

 After a morning spent watering and tending to the vegetable garden,  we decided to have an impromptu sprinkler party!

In our clothes?

Sure, why not?!

They were all so excited! 

It's the simple pleasures of summer that make it so sweet.