We spend the minute after we leave the beach talking but how great it was, all the memories made, and counting down to the next year! I love that the girls get the make memories at the same place every year. There is something about it that makes my year watching the girls play, laugh, learn new things and embrace the consistency of relaxing!
Jimmy joked that I am close to Gracie enjoying the beach and pool like I do... meaning sitting in the sun, watching and playing a little. I could watch the girls play all day. It is my happy place with my family.
This year we did some of the same including the beach, the pool, and of course Java Java. We also tried something new- Paddle Boarding and a beach game called Tidal Ball. This year we did not make it to Angel Oak tree that we have gone to every year. We even dodged the rain one day and went bowling as a family.
Forgive the photo overload as after talking 1,000+ pictures I could not decide what ones were my favorite after I narrowed it down to these. They capture out week well. We are thankful for every moment we got to spend with family recognizing this year is a change for the family. Jimmy's mom is now officially retired and his sister and her family move to Pittsburg in just a week or so. While we don't see them every weekend, we will miss the weekend trips to visit. We are praying for them as they make the move and that God will provide them with a support team there as they have for us here in Chattanooga so many years ago!
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| Ready for the beach! |
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| There is always something about the sign that points to the beach that makes me happy! We are so close! |
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| Unpacked, groceries put up and getting a good night sleep before the week of fun begins! |
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| Ready for a full day. Everyone takes their own chair down! |
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| Hunting for crabs! |
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| Just like that these girls look so much older. We have been coming to the beach since they were just toddlers! |
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| Daddy is in on the action. |
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| So many conversations had over the years by the water! |
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| Love this smile! |
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| Daddy's digging in the sand |
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| These smiles are priceless to me! |
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| My bug! |
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| Daddy let each of the girls drive back from the beach! They thought they were big stuff! |
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| Just relaxing! |
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| Gracie's turn! |
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| I think we may have attempted to grab a coffee each day! (we were fairly successful too!) |
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| the good life at the beach! |
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| yes we all were a bit excited! |
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| they even got their own one day (normally they have to share one!) |
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| most nights were filled with games! |
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| taking a break from the sun to read |
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| Daddy is the best for playing in the pool! |
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| Tidal Ball with Daddy! |
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| Maggie loved to ride the waves. She kept saying "these waves are not too big for a Doodle" |
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| This sums up the beach for me! This smile! |
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| Jimmy and Papa! |
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| Older cousins are the best! Josh and Maggie |
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| Water bomb! |
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| Maggie jumping in with a purpose.... to splash Aunt Tammy and to dive for rings. |
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| Papa and the older girls! |
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| Gracie and Jimmy |
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| more waves! |
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| silly pool time because Mommy was taking too many pictures |
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| Papa is going to throw her! |
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| Gracie catching the waves! |
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| Maggie and Papa (after she pushed him in) |
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| all three girls! |
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| the oldest girl and the youngest! |
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| Grammy hugs while we were bowling |
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| The pool wore someone out! |
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| As hard as he works all year, plays hard on vacation a little rest is needed! |
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| a new turtle to remember the beach by! |
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| a little ice cream from the Pharmacy (not sure what Maggie's look is but it sure is funny) |
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| Daddy snuggles! |
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| Aunt Tammy and Maggie are more alike each day! |
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| getting a little sun! |
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| Dolphin watching while we wait for lunch |
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| Gracie, Maggie, Aunt Tammy and Ally |
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| Pops and Grammy getting some shade and rest! |
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| Gracie was feeling like she was getting too much sun! |
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| The girls fund crab claws while hunting along the beach one morning. Gracie insisted on a picture to show Gjysh. We saw I think at least 15 one morning. |
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| of course we had family pictures! |
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| Tammy and Zachary |
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| After pictures ice cream! |
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| sharing a treat with my love! |
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| getting ready to try the Paddle Board |
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| a few instructions first. |
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| My girls! |
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| Maggie was disappointed she was not big enough to paddle, however she did get to ride quite a bit! |
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| even Papa got on for a ride! |
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| Jimmy to Gracie out to the sand bar! It is one of her favorite memories! |
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| Gracie was very good and enjoyed it! |
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| Dry land practice! |
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| the boys took the older two girls out! |
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| yep, I even did it! I loved it. It was so much fun. |
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| Maggie did her wave surfing while we did the paddle boards |
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| always my beach baby! |
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| Tidal Ball game! (the Martin's are very competitive!) |
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| Tammy and Josh |
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| a new friend |
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| my girl! |
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| time to feed the horses! |
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| this horse Gracie calls "Brownie" and it seems to love her! |
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| one last stop up at the shops! |
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| never too old to hold his hand! |
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| the last night at the beach |
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| one last wave... |
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| someone was done! |
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| 6:30am and Java Java's in hand. Ready to go home! |
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| just like her mama! |
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| just like her Daddy... |
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| she finally gave it up! |
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| we are all home and working to get settled! |
