7 Quick Takes: 7 Reasons Another Blessed Beach Week with Family Was So Special

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Last week our family spent another week at the beach. It's hard to believe that a year has gone by since our last year's family beach vacation!  This year we were at a different beach location and my oldest brother and his family couldn't join us :-(  My oldest brother, sister-in-law and cute niece live in Australia so it's not exactly the easiest trip to make, but we are grateful when they can make the hike from across the world!  This year my family, parents, 2 out of 3 of my siblings and their families stayed in a beach house rental that slept 16.  Plenty of room for everyone in the beautiful home!

There were so many fun memories made and soooo many photos taken!  Here are just a few highlights of our week and 7 reasons it was another special week for me:

1

I got to do a puzzle!  I can't remember the last time I did a big puzzle! Big puzzles don't happen in the Smith household these days so staying up late with my family while the little ones were asleep was so wonderful!   There were several people working on the 500 piece World Map puzzle and it still took us over 2 hours to put together.  My brother in Australia actually gave my kids this puzzle a few years ago so he was with us in spirit.  :) My sister hung with us until about 10 minutes before we completed the puzzle.  She went to bed because it was late so she didn't get into the picture to show its completion. It was fun and educational all at the same time!

2
 

During our vacation I turned the big 4-0!  I've felt 40 since last month though when my husband pulled off a big surprise party for me that was also the date of our 18th wedding anniversary!  
( July 12)  :)

 Chris at Campfires and Cleats sent me a surprise package in the mail with so many kind words, chocolate and my "40" headband and fun light-up button!  I wore my birthday gifts out on the town :)  Thank you Chris for making my day extra special! 

I loved taking birthday photos with my family, including my younger sister and mom! 

Monday, August 24, was the date of my 40th birthday!  I loved hanging out with my family for my milestone birthday.  We spent the evening at the beach's boardwalk taking photos and eating yummy ice cream.  I hadn't had sweet stuff in quite some time so I enjoyed my peach mango ice cream alot!

3

Riding the waves on body boards with my older brother was a treat and so much fun!  I'm holding up my fingers for my 40th birthday, but I did it backward :)  My husband watched our 2 year old while I spent a long time riding the waves.  Another great birthday gift! 

 Here I am with my brother and my sister. 

4

My husband was able to take off the whole week from work (a great gift!) so I was really able to relax and rest on the vacation.  I soaked in the peace, snuggles and sun with my baby as she took a few naps on my lap.  

Besides sneaking in a few naps myself to make the week relaxing and memorable, I was also able to read a book from cover to cover!  And it was a great one!  If you homeschool, I highly recommend Teaching from Rest: A Homeschooler's Guide to Unshakeable Peace by Sarah Mackenzie. The book is full of encouragement and ways to bring peace and joy into your homeschool.  It was a book I needed to read for sure!  Thank you Michelle F. for gifting me this book! Perfect timing for it! What a blessing!

5

My sister and my kids made this mermaid and they had fun taking pictures with their creation!
 

6

My kids loved playing with their cousins!  Since my nieces and nephew live several states (and continents) away from us, we don't get to see them very often so this time was so precious for everyone!

 7

Like last year, we took another family photo shoot which are always special and memorable moments.  We were missing my brother and his family though.  But we were happy to get several photos since it was windy and stormy and the rain started coming down hard as soon as we took all our pictures.   We were literally running off the beach and we hit a famous donut shop on the boardwalk so that made the night that much sweeter.  :)

 The Smith Family 

Aug. 2015 

 

There were no crowds and many memories were made during our family beach week!  I savored every moment and our family was blessed to spend this time together.  We can't wait for our next reunion!  

For more Quick Takes visit Christy at Fountains of Home who is hosting 7 Quick Takes for Kelly this week!