Seven Days at the Beach (Day Two)

Annie was the first one up on Day Two so she and I went for a walk around Seabrook in our pajamas.

And when we got back, the kids read.

And played games.

And then we got dressed and went to breakfast.

Courtney Lee and I had Cornflake crusted french toast and it was delicious. (So delicious that everyone else wanted a bite.)

And then Annie and I took Shelby for a walk while Cole & Courtney rode their bikes around Seabrook.

Annie's the animal-lover in the house.

And then we went grocery shopping and rented three wetsuits so Josh, Ross and I could all try surfing for the first time.

The rain couldn't even stop us die-hard surfers. (Please ignore the fact that us first-timers put our wetsuits on backwards.)

That's me. (I never managed to get up.)

That's Annie in the background with my backpack over her head, trying to stay dry.

And when the kids could stand the rain no more (and I could stand their complaining about the rain no more) I took them home to make cookies while Ross and Josh continued surfing.

I'm slightly neurotic about germs and cleanliness and since my kids know this about me, they knew that any licking of the fingers would have led to their termination from dough preparation.

So they kept rubbing their forearms in the sugar that had spilled on the counter and licking their forearms instead. (They're clever little twerps.)

And when it wasn't their turn to stir the dough, they punched each other.

And wrestled with each other.

And had spoon-fights.

And huffed the chocolate chip bag.

And fought over who was going to huff the chocolate chip bag next.

And welcomed their dad who had just returned from surfing.

And then they ate dough. (The best part of cookie making in my opinion.)

Hey, your wet-suit is on backwards Josh Downs.

And then they got in the hot tub while their cookies baked.

And then Cole and Annie ate cookies, straight out of the oven. (Courtney Lee of course, wanted to save hers until right before bedtime because she loves having something to look forward to.)

And then this one begged for more cookies. (Would can resist a face like that?)

And then Josh Downs read Annie a story while he barbacued Bratwurst (Yuck.)

And then we watched Little House on the Prairie while we ate dinner. (Josh bought me season one last Christmas.)

And in this episode, Laura and her dog, Jack got bit by a raccoon who was suspected of having rabies. (Nothing beats the suspenseful, tear-jerking, wholesomeness of Little House.)

And then we called it a night.

Comments

[holly]

i am so utterly in love with you and your blog...thank you for sharing your photos and the charming, inspiring details of your beautiful, intentional life. you are a blessing, karen. love,love,love every single tidbit you post. thanks!!!

[Patricia]

Such a fun post Karen!! I'm going to try and blog my vacation photos this way next time. I never get to them because there are so many!! And I am thinking those men of yours wore those wet suits backwards to show those chests of theirs:) And you went along thinking those men were just smart! The children are beautiful and so happy Ross joined you for what looks likes a great family vacation! I've got to get to the West Coast. It's on my bucket list! xx

[Rachelle S]

Wonderful photos! LOVE the wetsuits on backwards~ Whoops! : )

[jadell]

I LOVE Josh Downs' face in the last picture. I am still giggling thinking about his pursed lips and furled forehead! :) HILARIOUS!

[Judy Webb]

My favorites....Annie and Shelby!! So glad your family now has a dog!

[Stephanie B.]

Oh Ilove Little house on the Prairie.. need to tell my husband that he has to bought me....;o) In Germany its called "unsere kleine Farm"
Thanks for sharing you holiday.... It felt like I have been there too....

[Kelli]

Seriously, where do I start?
I, of course, love the ones of Annie and Shelby!
AND I almost died when I saw the wet suits on backwards! Love the 3 of you with the boards!
The backpack over the head! And the frowning Courtney Lee stirring cookie dough! Love them all.

[Kim]

I can tell this is SO not California, where I am from, since your dog was actually able to enjoy the beach with you.

[DebZorn]

I just want to say that your photography just keeps getting better and better! (I took your class and loved it. But, I'm still working on being a photographer, not just a "picture taker.")

I am so very thankful that you share your life and your talent with all of us.

[{vicki}]

so funny! Annie with that backpack.

My son who's 12 tried surfing for the ast time this year when we went to the beach. He got up the very 1st time!!!!
and then that's all he wanted to do the rest of the week!

Thanks for sharing with us!

[mandy friend]

have you seen the new hallmark Little House? I was pleasently surprised at how good it was (though Michael Landon shall always be Pa). Annie's swimsuit is adorable! i have always wanted to try surfing...but fat girls with no coordination probably wouldn't bode well:D looks like a beautiful little spot you found!

[HeatherB]

So glad all of the kids made it on this vacation with you. Looks like a delightful getaway!

[Cindy]

The wetsuits made me LOL. My husband went clamming this past weekend. I did take pictures too. He asked me to zip his suit. I asked him why he was putting it on backwards. He said I was a knucklehead and that it zips in the back. I like the way the Josh Down's family wears their wetsuits!!

[J. McC.]

Love that everyone is sitting on the floor eating and Ross has the whole couch to himself. That cracked me up! Great pictures.

[Rachel Wright]

How? How? HOW????? do you get your people to behave as if you are NOT there? I am always saying QUIT looking at me, If I wanted you to pose I would ASK! :)

[amanda]

wow-they're really rivited by little house,eh? awesome :)

[Melanie]

The wetsuits on backwards cracked me up! The last picture of everyone intently watching Little House on the Prairie while Ross looks completely uninterested in the background also made me laugh. :-)

[Kathy]

love the photos and the wet suits on back the front cracked me up.......... oh how I know how that cooking goes, she got 2 more stirs with the spoon than I did, it's my turn etc. etc.... the one of Josh through the window and then back at home is so cute. Hey they are all cute, and Annie and the dog.....

[Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita]

love these! can't wait for more... looks like a great trip! (and yes, Little House was the best, and I totally cried when Michael Landon died. )

[Trenda]

first-you're my hero for trying to surf (even if you never managed to get up), i've always wanted to but the fear of the ocean (probably from watching Jaws a million times) and the fact that i couldn't really swim until 2 years ago when i forced myself to learn so i could do a triathlon, anyway, i ramble. oh, and, i'm not super coordinated with "balancing" things-still, i've always wanted to try.

second, we love Little House and my daughter got the first season for Christmas too:)

[Tracy]

love Annie with the backpack on her head...too funny! All you shots are great!!

[Olivia]

Courtney Lee is such a gorgeous little girl... prepare yourselves.

[Lori]

Ok I have to say it . . . You ROCK! Your blog rocks. Love this post. Thanks for sharing your family and life with all of us. Lori

[Linda]

You appear to have a happy joyful family. I never tire of pictures of your family, do they? Are they good subjects? And that Josh Downs, adorable !

[♥ Debbie]

I ♥ seeing photos of your dog!! I'm with ya on the Bratwurst (Ick) and I ♥ Little House!! Looks like you all had a wonderful time....backward wetsuits and all!!