Didn't do a whole lot of shooting on Day Three (because that was the day we had our family photos taken) but here's what I did manage to get...
Playing cards.
Getting ready to go surfing. (He wore my wetsuit even though it was big on him.)
And no, we didn't realize our wetsuits were on backwards until we were already in them on our final day of surfing.
And then the kiddos played with sidewalk chalk.
The chalk set even came with 3-D glasses.
And then my friend Tanya showed up to take our family photos.
And then, after we were done with photos, the kids hopped into the hot tub with Tanya's daughters. (Coley was feeling horrifically outnumbered.)
Not quite sure what the face is all about but it's kind of sweet and somber at the same time.
I know what that face is all about though.
It's about her brand-new puppy.
And while I was working on dinner (Ok, I was actually mixing a vodka and sprite with a bit of cranberry juice and a slice of lime.) I saw this little face peaking through the window.
And while I was busy mixing drinks, Josh Downs was busy barbecuing steak, corn on the cob and baked potatoes.
And then Tanya and her little clan of girls packed up to head home.
Shortly before they left though, Coley said, "You guys should stay the night because I've actually began to take quite a liking to your girls."
Quite a liking?
Apparently, someone's been watching too much Little House on the Prairie because I don't think anyone in the 21st century says 'quite a liking.'
That said, I hope he never quits using the expression because I happen to think it's the sweetest thing ever.
And then us sleepyheads called it a night.
These photos are just breathtaking-- alll of them!!! You are just always such a blessing and inspiration-- and I want to be YOU when I grow up--- as a photographer!!
Posted by: Colette | July 28, 2011 at 10:23 AM
Okay, next time Josh grills steak you have to make this http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2007/07/fresh_corn_cass/
it is the best corn I have ever tasted and keep in mind that I live right next to Iowa so corn is kind of a staple. Love the puppy by the way. That last picture of Annie melts me(like butter on corn)
Posted by: Monica | July 28, 2011 at 11:09 AM
Karen all of your pictures are just precious as always! I really enjoy living vicariously through your family photos and all of the trips and day to day life photos you create. I can't wait to see your family photos taken by your friend - hope those are coming soon! :) P.S. Thanks for the vodka drink recipe - sounds YUMMY! *GRIN*
Posted by: Tracy | July 28, 2011 at 11:23 AM
I'm dying over that last picture of Annie and the pup . . . her sweet cooing, his contented face, far-too-big paws. Be still my heart.
Posted by: K | July 28, 2011 at 11:58 AM
Coley's comment - oh I love it. I laughed our loud on how you explained it! Love seeing your vacation photos - great memories for y'all!
Posted by: lori | July 28, 2011 at 12:12 PM
That last shot is T-H-E sweetest photo. Love it!
Posted by: Deb | July 28, 2011 at 12:19 PM
that Coley sure is dreamy! And these photos are all fantastic, but the last one is oh so very very sweet! Karen - you teach us how to be better photographers and moms - your kids are all adorable and sweet.
Posted by: Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita | July 28, 2011 at 01:38 PM
Loved this post..so cute!And the quite a liking thing made me laugh! And your kids are pretty adorable too!
Posted by: Roberta | July 28, 2011 at 01:55 PM
Loving your trip so far, and that last picture of Annie and her puppy is unbearably adorable.
Posted by: Cyndi | July 28, 2011 at 02:38 PM
Love that hot tub pic with everyone lined up. These pictures are awesome - I really like Annie looking through the window! Can't wait to see your family pics :)
Posted by: Sharla | July 28, 2011 at 02:49 PM
"Quite a liking"!! so funny...I laughed out loud! Wait a few years, he'll really take "quite a liking" to those girls...totally cute! Love Annie with her puppy in the last shot. And the shots of the kids playing with sidewalk chalk...so colorful and Courtney is just a beautiful girl!
Posted by: Tracy | July 28, 2011 at 03:42 PM
I have taken 'quite a liking' to you and your family over the years and just when I think it's not possible to like and love you more, I just do! :) The kids are so beautiful and Annie and the new pup- be still my heart! That picture!!! So glad you have had this time together.. so deserved, so important. XO
Posted by: Tammy Mellish | July 28, 2011 at 07:04 PM
LOL...Coley's so cute using that expression. You got me with that last shot of Annie and her pup. That is absolutely precious!
Posted by: Ann S | July 28, 2011 at 07:43 PM
I am STILL craving that drink by the way....I need to know what vodka you used in it.... :)
and you should be honest about the fact that you WERE in fact making the most amazing tomato salad things for us to eat so you were in fact; cooking :)
and my girls took "quite a liking" to you kiddos as well....Cant wait to do it again and yes, I PROMISE it will be a sleepover get together (Coley made me swear to it) :)
XOXOXOXOXO
Posted by: twebster | July 28, 2011 at 10:43 PM
Gorgeous photos! But my favorite is the last one of Annie and her puppy. It's the sweetest thing! Maybe not as sweet as Coley taking quite a liking to the girls. He is just adorable. :)
Posted by: Alby | July 28, 2011 at 11:44 PM
I have taken "quite a liking" to that last picture of Annie and the dog! LOL!!! It is an adorable, ADORABLE! photo!!!!!
Posted by: Theresa Grdina | July 29, 2011 at 06:37 AM
Must tell you about the best summer drink - use the flavored vodka's! Pinnacle makes a line that is delish- the whipped cream vodka, sprite and cranberry juice ! YUMMY. They also make one called Gummy that tastes like Swedish Fish and Cotton Candy - I have just mixed them with sprite and they are equally fab! Love the vacation shots - looks like a nice place!
Posted by: anne | July 29, 2011 at 07:34 AM
Of course I love all the pictures, the one of Cole levitating as he is drawing is great! But the last one was so sweet I got teary! Annie and her puppy!
Posted by: Kelli | July 29, 2011 at 08:03 AM
That last picture is to die for.
Please keep us informed how you keep that adorable furball from chewing up all your furniture.
Posted by: nancy in ks | July 29, 2011 at 12:42 PM
I love how Annie's toes are curled in the last photo... and it goes unsaid that the rest of the photos are amazing!!!
Posted by: Robin | August 01, 2011 at 07:44 AM