The beach

Oh how I love the beach. We just got back from a week in the Outer Banks and it was fantastic! We rented a house with 4 other families (that Jamie knows from college) and spent an entire week swimming, relaxing and playing. It was amazing. It was our first vacation as a family that didn't involve work or visiting family and Emma had the time of her life. Vacation takes on a whole new meaning with kids and it was so wonderful to watch her experience these firsts. We have so many wonderful memories and Emma made many new friends and can't stop talking about "the beach house!"

Our entire group

The Schwaberow family (us + Chad and Heather)

We each cooked one night and this was our clam bake! Delicious!!!

6 of 8 of the kids

Yeah, Emma wasn't too fond of the sand on her feet at first, so this is her adorable outfit (disclaimer: I DID put a swimsuit on her but she took it off)

Emma, Sophia, Sydney, Lexi, Cole, Izzy and Tessy

Emma and her Uncle Chad (It's REALLY hard to get a *normal* pic of her anymore)

One night the boys left the house and crashed a wedding. I'm so proud.

Emma and Lexi

Daddy and Emma

Another group shot

"Wild" horse in the area just north of our town. (Supposedly they are wild, but I have my doubts)

Are you noticing a trend?

Our beach

Emma and her new friend Sophia... she LOVED playing with all the big kids!

Starting early

Emma is very serious about her swimming lessons ;)