Sunday, August 11, 2019

Family Beach Vacation 2019



The first week of August brings our family together at the beach.  It has been our tradition for many, many years.  This year was no different.

 
The difference is the children are no longer little ones.  I still have a difficult time seeing my grandchildren all taller than their grandparents.  The middle grand has joined the eldest grand in obtaining a driver license and drove his Dad and brother to the beach.  This all should not surprise me, but somehow it does. 


These grands love the waves and riding them into shore on their Boogie Boards.  We had great weather to enjoy the water and the beach.


Our beach paraphernalia is set up each morning by the strong guys along the tide line for a front row seat to enjoy the view.




We all don our hats and sunscreen to enjoy our days on the beach.


Grayden and I both took early morning walks before breakfast.  When we returned to our condo, Noel and Peter had breakfast cooking and soon ready to enjoy.  They also packed lunches for us to enjoy on the beach.  This was so nice for me as I tend to be the Mom who does way more than I should.  Our son grilled the evening meal a few times.  On the other days a roast with vegetables were cooking in the crockpot for dinner.  I cooked a ham for the first evening and the rest was used for sandwiches.  All easy meals so not too much time or trouble was spent on cooking.  

I'm so thankful that our family has continued with this tradition for so many years.  

"Every time I slip into the ocean, it's like going home."

Sylvia Earle



 



39 comments:

  1. You're so lucky that your family still gathers at the same place. My siblings and me used to gather at the lake but my DIL decided that our grandson couldn't go anymore as he's allergic to bee stings. I guess we need to pick a place that she'll approve of. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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    1. Teresa, I do hope you can find a spot that's agreeable to your family. Times together are so important.

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  2. I love these happy smiles. Looks like you're having a fun summer.
    Amalia
    xo

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    1. We all have smiles when we are at the beach. It's our happy place. xo

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  3. Lovely fun days making wonderful memories. I know how much you love your days at the beach.

    ~~~Waving~~~From Across the Pond~~~Deb in Wales xoxo

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    1. The beach beckons me like none other, Deb. Of course memories made over the years are what is important. xoxo

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  4. What a lovely tradition. I used to do this with my parents and sadly it stopped when they both passed away. It sounds like the perfect get away. I know what you mean about tall grandchildren, they grow so fast don’t they. Lovely happy photos.

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    1. FB, this tradition began way before I was born. My parents and her siblings (all in heaven) passed this wonderful tradition on to us. Thank you for stopping by. Yes, the grands seem to grow much faster than my own children.

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  5. What a great tradition! Looks like a fun time was had by all 🏖

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    1. Liz, the beach is a great place to gather with family. I hope my grands remember it always.

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  6. Beautiful!
    I love the beach, and love even more the memories you and your loved ones make year after year.
    There is something about being all together for that week, right?
    Have a cozy day!

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    1. Billie Jo, spending time with our family is so precious to us. My own memories of beach vacations swell up every time we visit. Enjoy your day!

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  7. Martha Ellen, it is lovely to see photos and hear stories of your wonderful family beach vacation! I love that you continue to keep this family tradition and that your whole family makes it a priority! Such a thoughtful family you have who jump in and share the workload!

    My goodness, your grandsons are growing so tall and looking so much older. I was a little startled to hear that the middle grandson is driving . . . although I'm not sure why that surprised me because my own grandson got his learner's permit a couple of weeks ago. I have to admit, that makes me feel a little old, but I am so excited for him.

    I hope you enjoy the rest of your summer! Are you ready for autumn now?

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    1. Cheryl, I am really ready for autumn to begin! The older I get the less this heat and humidity appeal to me.
      We allowed Alex to drive our car when he and Miles visited in July. I'll say that took an act of faith on our parts! Our son said the same on this trip to the beach. It's hard letting go sometimes, but oh so necessary.
      Sending you best wishes for these last days of summer as we look forward to autumn.

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  8. That really is a wonderful tradition to have. Our family had the tradition of a "day" at the beach. I don't know if I could handle a week of beach days, but your family seems to have truly enjoyed it. Speaking of which, I have not seen the ocean in over a year. It is time. I mean, really, what's my excuse living this close?

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    1. Vee, going to the beach must be in my blood. I do hope you take a drive soon to view the majesty of the mighty ocean. To me, it's nothing like it.

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  9. Children grow so fast! mine one is going to middle school!!!

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  10. What a wonderful tradition! How nice that many hands are ready to cook so the matriarch isn't exhausted. Glad you had good weather. It will be interesting to see what traditions in vacations we establish. So far they are more random.

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    1. Ellen, I haven't thought of myself as the matriarch, but I like the sound of it! I know you will have wonderful traditions through the years with your grands.

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  11. Oh, what wonderful memories you must make. How happy everyone looks! Yay for family traditions!

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    1. If we aren't happy at the beach, we aren't happy. I will have to visit your new blog soon.

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  12. Sweet family you have there Martha Ellen and how nice that they pitch in with the meals. Lovely photos!

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    1. Thank you, Denise. I wouldn't be able to do it all without the help of my children. It certainly allows us to get together easier.

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  13. It sounds like a perfect getaway and great time for all of you -- and what wonderful memories for the grands!

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    1. Jeanie, the beach will always be a perfect spot for our family. I guess you could say we could be beach bums.

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  14. What a wonderful beach vacation, Martha Ellen. I really like the picture of your grandsons on their boogie boards, as I am from a family of surfers and can relate. The rainbow umbrella is delightful and perfect for Summer. And I'm glad you got help with the meals this time around. ; ) Can't believe Summer is coming to an end.

    ~Sheri

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    1. Sheri, our two younger grands love the water and catching waves on their Boogie Boards just like their Dad used to do. The older I get the more help I need. Summer is fleeting, but I for one will be glad to see the heat and humidity leave. Have a great week.

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  15. Looks like a fun family outing. Beach time is always fun, especially with family. So glad you are using sunblock. Add a colorful umbrella, picnic foods and you are set. A beautiful family tradition.

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    1. Linda, we are diligent about using sunscreen and hats in our family. Thanks for stopping by.

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  16. So nice to be with family at the beach. My husband loves the beach as do I. We didn't do a family beach time this year and after seeing all of you photos, I miss not doing so. You captured the grands in the waves just right. Love your photos and seeing your happy times at the beach. Curious, do you ever find shells at Va. Beach. I never have but my youngest grand daughter does fine teensy ones digging really deep. I love looking for them.

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    1. Betsy, since Va Beach uses reclaimed sand to widen the beach we only find small shells there. Most shells get battered between the barrier islands and the shoreline. If you go to Assateague Beach we always find many shells there. I too love it when we are at a beach with shells. The shells I have collected through the years are resting in my garden and are in jars and lamps I have made with them.

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  17. What a grand time, Martha Ellen! Glad you were able to take a bit of a break from being the Mom who does way more than she should!

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    1. Jean, it's my own fault. I guess I should admit to being a control freak.

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  18. Love that water...looks like you guys had a great time. AWESOME. The sun and the sand, the water and the breeze, love it.

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    1. Thanks, Pam. Time at the beach is always special to us. Have a great day!

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  19. Family gatherings and reunions are so precious in the memoirs of time... How wonderful that you have made this a yearly vacation. The grandchcildren will reminise to their future children with alot of " I remember when " stories.... Thanks for sharing ..Hugs

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    1. Zaa, you hit the nail on the head--I want our children and our grands to "remember when". ♥

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  20. I think it's wonderful that your family has continued with this tradition for so many years, and long may it continue.

    Lovely to see all of your photographs, and I agree the grandchildren grow so quickly.

    All the best Jan

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