Beach Week

We had a blast on vacation with my parents for their yearly timeshare week at Ocean Beach Club in Virginia Beach. It's so refreshing to take a stay-cation. It's still a ton of things to load in the car for a family of 4 but at least if we forget something we know where to get it. We also get to really enjoy VA beach, which is rare even though we live right here. 

We spent the whole week in the pool, visiting with family (Aunt Joyce, Jake, Great grandpa, Aunt Janis, Aunt Jeanette, Hana, Libby and That Guy), eating good food, walking on the boardwalk and playing dice.  We are so blessed to be able to see our family so often despite the distance between everyone. I'm so thrilled to have so much time to see my kids with their great grandpa as well. 

great grandpa and greatgrandchild #3

The whole gang (after 6pm = Rachel is sleeping!)

J finally knows the names of my aunts and uncles but has really enjoyed nicknames for the Coles in particular. Uncle Walt has the endearing name of "That Guy" and Hana and Libby, excellent cheerleaders, are called the Glitter Girls! Tonight at dinner, J told me that he went over to visit Hana and Libby and "THAT GUY" was at the house too! :) he spent a fun afternoon at their house celebrating Libby's Confirmation. They played on the trampoline all afternoon and J slept well that night! 

Jackson and Libby the Glitter Girl

J and Hana the Glitter Girl

Rachel was a dream baby during vacation and really seemed to enjoy the life of leisure. Who am I kidding...her whole life is one big vacation right now! She slept in a room with us and didn't know we were there. She enjoyed hugs, watching all of her family members and her first time in the pool. As with most things in life, she adores the pool. Just in time for a week in the sun, she also figured out how to take off hats, so we thankfully managed to escape without a sunburned head

She also makes a really cute subject for when I want to practice my new photography skills! 

Drool baby

J is a kid who was made for vacation. He woke up every morning and grandmom took him out on the balcony to watch the waves and look for dolphins. He asked for cookies and Raspberry tea every morning and afternoon. He snacked all day, ran around at the park and played for hours in the pool with dad, grandparents, aunts and cousins. He napped HARD each afternoon for over 2 hours! He now has beach kid hair that is sun kissed along the edges. It's so fun to see how comfortable he is with family members who he only sees a few times each year. He's totally turning into our extroverted child! 

Rachel got her first haircut (at less than 8 months old!) by Jonathan. There was a long piece that hung in her eyes and while I knew it probably drove her crazy I couldn't bear to cut it. Jonathan was right...she looks much better! 

J and cousin Jake 

A rare picture with just Rachel

Mom and dad were so great and gave us many opportunities for date nights while we were there. We enjoyed dinner and beer at Lagerheads and then cocktails and a walk on the beach another night. We also did our annual Bachelorette draft picks with Jonathan and Amber. I'm not feeling too good about my stinky team this year but it's really anyone's game

Beth sent us an email from the Aquarium alerting us to a Seal Release party one morning. They rescued a seal in April and she was healthy enough to return home. We, along with hundreds of other beach-goers, attended the seal release and saw the sweet little seal try to swim through the chop to make it back home. Jackson, always wearing his helmet (safety first!) managed to make it into the Virginian Pilot article the next morning!  

Vacation looks good on her! 

My, how time flies: 2015 vs 2014 (pregnant with Rachel)

Finally, on the last morning there, Aunt Janis, aka Captain XXXX left a treasure of chocolate doubloons for Jackson to hunt for in his room. He's very into pirates and was THRILLED for a new adventure. She is such a thoughtful Aunt and we are so grateful for this week with our family!