The whole gang.

I know, more beach pics...but I dont want to forget this week.

You don't get many chances to take a break from reality and just enjoy those closest to you very often. And this trip was just what we needed!

I spent a lot of the beach time sitting in my chair, feet in the sand, snapping pictures.

Just taking them all in!

Something about this picture just makes my heart stop.

Our walk to the beach...took about 2 minutes from our room.

Just silly.

She never wants to be left out...but always ends up

just a little bit behind her siblings...but that wont last long I am sure.

Lauren on the beach

And this one...well suddenly she is 12 years old.

She told us thank you so many times on this trip that it was almost comical.

She is a constant joy.

She makes me feel like the luckiest mom in the world.

Her early morning shot...she loved the time with Jordan.

She is a true Daddy's girl.

She is also the best big sister.

She'd do anything for them.

A little mom in training.

And always the protector...on her guard and looking out for the little ones.

And I love that, but sometimes I'd just like to tell her to be 8 for awhile!

And she's meticulous.

JUST LIKE HER DAD!

Their sandcastle was pretty cool.

Oh my heart...

Avery on the beach

Avery has changed so much in the last year its doesn't even seem possible.

She is no longer my silly, wild child.

She's much more serious and I can tell sometimes she just sits back and watches us...trying to figure out her place and probably figure the rest of us out too.

She spent a lot of time on the beach off by herself.

And I just watched...

She is an outside girl.

Jordan got Lauren and Avery up one morning to watch the sunrise and go on a walk.

They enjoyed it even though they were tired!

ALWAYS wanting to hold hands and be touching. Always!

She is so good to Tess. Will do anything Tess wants!

Also, always running, dancing and moving!

And she has the best giggle.

Sully up close...

Just love these pictures of Sully that Jordan captured...and I wish he'd stay little...most days...

Sully on the beach

Sully was in 'boy paradise' on the beach.

Lots to explore and plenty of sand to build with and dig in!

I just love these pictures of him...total joy!

One of the best parts of our trip was that Jordan got take each of the older kids out for 'daddy time'. I wish 'real life' allowed for that a little more often.

Here's Sully ready to head out for his afternoon with dad.

Walkin' to the beach...

They found some rocks to climb on and explore and found salamanders, snakes and turtles!

Looking for more treasures....

Tess on the beach - Part 1

Tess LOVED the beach.

Born for the sun...

A little lounge time.

She also loves her daddy.

Time with her thoughts...

'Jumping' over the waves was her FAVORITE. She just squealed.

And calling the seagulls...here she is giving the 'come here' signal and saying, 'Mere bird. Mere!'

Just adorable...

And we had spaghetti one night...she kind of liked that too.

And she liked spending time in the girls' bedroom...acting so grown up!

One of my favorite pictures of the whole trip.