As an irregular tradition, we and our extended family (Mommy's side)have rented a beach house at the Outer Banks for a week. We skipped the last two years, so were happy to gather there once again. This year we rented a house on the beach which was much more convenient than having to crowd into cars to and from the beach when we're wet, sandy, and hot. Also it allowed much more flexibility between families (ours usually takes the longest to get going). Some other nice features of the house were a swimming pool, hot tub, and pool table. We enjoyed the additions of Uncle Paul (Nana's brother), Mrs. Mills(Aunt Becky's mother-in-law who has the same name and birthday as Julia), and Brandon (the Hall's foster boy).
For family devotions Grandpa encouraged each member of the family to choose five favorite Bible verses. In the evenings we took turns sharing the verses and what they meant to us. We also sang Psalms together. It is such a blessing to have Christian family.
Some people wonder how 23 people feed themselves. For breakfast and lunch, each family provided for themselves. (Grandpa introduced us to a delicious type of sandwich... Onion!) Each family took turns making dinner for the whole group. YUM!Lots of mouths to feed!
Most days we spent playing games, taking walks, relaxing on the beach, and swimming in the pool.
Joanna burying Russell in the hot sand
Jeannine and Julia building a sand castle with Grandpa
Grandpa, Jeannine, and Adam returning from an early morning walk
On Wednesday each family had some time by themselves. We and Uncle Paul headed to Cape Hatteras lighthouse. Daddy, Joanna, Jason, and Jeannine climbed to the top.
- On Thursday June fourth, Mommy had her birthday. We love you Mommy and are so grateful for your committed service to us all! Proverbs 31
Julia, Mommy, and Brandon on Mommy's B-day
Crab catching after dark became a favorite activity for the cousins. Procedure: Run around shining flashlights on the sand until you spot a sand crab. Throw a t-shirt over it and if it escapes, jump around and scream! Once you catch it, dump it into a bucket with all the others.
Where is it under there?
Examining the catch
While running to catch a ball someone had lost, Jason stepped on a cactus.
Ouch!
More pictures
Bonfire on the beach
A view of the path to the beach from the back of the house
Nana and Grandpa
Janelle, Jeannine, and Joanna
Daddy and Mommy
Our family by the ocean
A video for your entertainment.
No comments:
Post a Comment