LIfe at the Beach

warning: this post has lots of pictures...

For those who might be new to our House of Joy, we like the beach. We live about 30 minutes away, and we go fairly often (although not as often as this momma would like!) The New Year's came in with some wonderful beach weather, so we headed out there on Monday to introduce Cami to the Pacific Ocean - we are pretty sure she likes it! 

 But I don't think any of our children love it as much as Katie - this girl is pure JOY at the beach!!! 

never mind that the water was 60 - didn't bother her at all! 

 The cold water didn't bother Cami either - who decided after watching Vincent boogie board that she wanted to try, so with a little hep from dad - she gave it a go! 

 for having some limited movement in her upper body, she has a fairly good sense of balance....

 ...sort of. This spill shook her up, but after a little lap time with daddy and lunch - she got right back in again (without the boogie board this time!) 

 They love the beach - but they love it even more with dad! 

 Meanwhile, the Princess in training found the water not to her liking, so she busied herself with an alternative activity

 Even brother Matt was not too cool to hang at the beach with his old parents, their friends and his little sisters! 

 Becky and Uncle John have a special relationship - she sat in his lap for a long time while he told her  story. It has been such a blessing to us to have them here with us this week - I think that Becky will miss them most of all

 Paloma & Vincent spend a lot of time with the kids when they are here - and the girls absolutely thrive in it - 

the bathing beauties building their kingdom -  

Days like this, I sometimes sit back in amazement at all the good things that God has given me. Heaven knows I don't deserve them - especially based upon my past performances. But God - in HIs infinite wisdom and unending mercy - has granted me treasures on earth in my husband, my children and my friends. 

Isn't it amazing!