The Beach

I had forgotten how much I love it.

Even though I reminisce about it often.  

There is something about sitting in the sand and watching the waves that is so calming.  Especially when you have the opportunity to disconnect from the rest of the world and spend time with family.

My Aunt Sandi and her family have been going to the beach every year for as long as I can remember.  They get together with my family that lives in Pawley's Island and rent a house for the week.

We were fortunate enough to be able to go this year.  Even if it was for only a couple of days.

The weather ended up being perfect considering that there was a threat of a tropical storm headed our way.  Heavy winds were the only issue and even that ended up being a highlight as it helped me run my fastest mile.

Ever.

Note to self:   run races on windy days with the wind at my back.

I felt like the Bionic Woman.

Kev got some much needed man time with my cousins.  These guys are hilarious and we just loved spending so much time with them!

I know that I have mentioned this several times before... but I just LOVE watching my siblings and cousins as parents.  I love watching their interactions and seeing their families grow.

The children were absolutely precious and so much fun to be around.

I was so paranoid about getting sand in my camera that I only had it out on the beach for an hour... and even then I had it wrapped up in a towel to protect it from the wind.

I ended up missing so many great pictures of the family.  And so many pictures of bizarre sea creatures that happened to wash up on the beach.  It was like a two-day long episode of National Geographic mixed with a little Sci-Fi.

I assumed that this "jelly ball" that Jackson found was going to be the creature highlight.

Even this little sweetheart, Elizabeth, was brave enough to hold it.  

But the "jelly ball" was no match for what was discovered the next day..... I believe it was something prehistoric.  And I'm not joking.

One of the highlights of going to the beach - besides sitting in the sun all day and spending time with family - is the food!  Each family is scheduled to cook for one night during the week.

Saturday night was assigned to The Gallups.  They made Frogmore stew.

I almost passed out from happiness.  The shrimp.  Oh my goodness, the shrimp.  It was to die for.

Clay had caught it himself.  HIMSELF.

It was incredible!  We have been eating frozen shrimp for so long that I had forgotten what fresh shrimp tasted like.

I claimed not to know how to peel fresh shrimp.  It was my tactic to ensure that I was able to eat as much as my belly could hold.  While Kev was busy peeling... I was busy eating.

It was delicious!

Let's just say that I met my protein quota for the year.

Sunday night was designated for The Wilsons.  Remember their beautiful beach wedding in November?

We didn't know if we would be staying... based on the weather... but not only did it end up being gorgeous, but The Wilsons were serving BBQ.

Need I say more.

While waiting for dinner, we got cleaned up... which means Kev took a nap and I took pictures of the kids.

I love these girls!!! Such sweethearts!

The hostess of the meal... my cousin, Carrie.

BBQ + Carrie's mac n cheese + green beans + peach pie + ice cream.

Amazing.

Carrie and Lorenzo introduced us to a new BBQ sauce.  Sweet Baby Ray's.  I found it at Publix yesterday and bought three bottles.  It was just that good.

We had the pleasure of sitting across from this little princess both nights!

Lillian is so precious!!! I love her sweet voice and her personality.  Too cute for words!

These two are a perfect match!  My uncle Bud and his grandson, Nathan.

Nathan was asleep within minutes of sitting in his Grandad's lap.

Time spent with family is so important to me.  I try to savor each moment and enjoy every minute.  I do not take one second for granted.

We really had the best time.  And it was such a pleasure getting to see everyone!

Thank you so much Aunt Sandi for inviting us!  It was so much fun!