Ocean Isle 2013

We look forward to the O'Neill family beach trip every year.  We love seeing cousins that we only get to see at the beach!

This year the big kids had so much fun together.  The age ranging from 4-12.  They did crafts, body surfed together, watched movies and played endless games.  Whitney had an absolute blast!  Then we had the 4 little kids.  Gavin and Colin are only 2 days apart and MaKenna is 6 months older. Zac showed them the ropes as the big 2 year old. They all had fun playing in the sand and wading in the water.  Colin is pretty fearless in the water and loves getting his face splashed.

It was a pretty relaxing trip for Tim and me.  During nap time we were able to spend time on the beach or sit in the gazebo and talk.

We also got to celebrate the marriage of Brady and Niki.  They got married on June 14th and we were all so happy to toast them to a wonderful life together!

A fun time had by all!

Beach Pictures

 

Hanging out at the House

Cheers to Brady and Niki

Go Carting 

Bible Study with Cousin Lisa

Family Photos

4th of July

We were traveling so much this summer, we decided we were going to stay home for 4th of July.  Tim took Friday off too, so we had a nice 4 day weekend together.  We had a leisurely time at home, playing outside, walking downtown to the parade and just having no agenda.

The evening of the 4th we headed over to the recreation center and outside hundreds of people gathered to listen to live music and lounged on blankets while waiting on the fireworks.  We had fun eating all the junky food that comes along with events like this and the kids danced to the music.  We headed home at 7:30 for bedtime but we told Whitney she could stay up to watch the fireworks.  The last few years she was not a fan of the loud fireworks but this year was different.  Around 9:30pm, Tim got Whitney out of bed and showed her the fireworks that were going off.  We could see a few over the tree tops from our house.  She was totally on board so they drove closer for a better look.  She loved it!

Williamsburg

In June my mom and I took the kids down to Williamsburg.  We stayed with my Mom's sister, Helen and got to visit with my cousin Kristi and her hubby Mike and son Joey.  Whitney and Joey are the best of buddies.  Months can pass without seeing each other but they don't miss a beat.  They love playing cars, hide and seek and swimming at the pool.  I got to take Kristi and Mike out to dinner for Kristi's 40th birthday.  We had a great time with everyone! Thanks Helen for the warm hospitality!

Boating

My dad and Tim did their first long boat trip in June.  They drove from Occuoquan, Va to Arnold, MD where Tim's Aunt, Uncle and cousins, the McDermotts live.  Sue and John came up for the adventure. My Dad and Tim drove a few hours on Friday night and they arrived on Saturday after lunch. We all boarded the boat and headed out for about an hour boat ride to Annapolis and enjoyed dinner out.

 Whitney is a little captain and loves to help drive the boat or just make her social rounds.  Colin on the other hand, did not have so much fun.  On deck he had to where his super stiff and uncomfortable life jacket that was hard to even stand in and below deck I don't know if he was sea sick or didn't like confined spaces but he pretty much cried the whole time.  Overall, it was a very fun time with family and we look forward to doing it again!

Sorry didn't get any pics of the real captain.  Next time Dad!

Kiawah with Friends

I am WAY behind on my blogging.  We have been so busy this summer.  Seems like we have been gone half of every month!  But we have been having lots of fun and there is a lot to document!

First up is our annual trip to Kiawah with close friends.  We used to go in the winter (why we ever thought that was a good idea I don't know) but we have moved it to June and being able to start the summer off this way is great.

This year we were joined by the Bowlins and Joneses for a long 5 day vacation.  The McKnights and Wrights came in for the weekend.  We had a super full house with 8 kids!  We were non-stop at the pool and the ocean, while still managing some fun adult time.  The guys played golf, the girls went to the spa.  With all the kids taking naps we were able to enjoy a nice few hours out at the pool ourselves.  Here are a few pictures that captured all of the fun we had!

Fun at the new water park near by!

 Fun ocean time

Pool time

 Colin was obsessed with Allie.  Saying Babay and trying to climb in with her!

 Sam and Tim hosting a dance party

Fabulous picture by Brian