Friday, July 27, 2012

Beachin’ for the 4th…

Beau, Kristy, me and the kids headed over to the beach on Tuesday morning.

We spent the afternoon at the pool and letting the kids play, then got ready for an early dinner at Aunt Catfish’s. DSC_8710

We called ahead and we ended up only having to wait about 15 minutes (that deserves an “Amen”) – Of course the slide was a hit while we waited

DSC_8727

DSC_8756

DW and my parents got there after work that evening. Somebody’s gotta pay the bills while everyone else plays. :)

We went straight down to the beach, to enjoy the last little bit of daylight over the water. DSC_8774

Mamie-Girl loved the ocean! She would laugh out loud when the water would splash up on her legs.

DSC_8803

The moon was beautiful that night. DSC_8876

We got the kids in their pj’s and Mamie put to sleep and then Mom stayed with all of them, while me, DW, Dad, Beau & Kristy went to the dog track. I have wanted to go to the Daytona Kennel Club and Race Track for forever. When Beau mentioned that he’d like to go, too, I knew this was our chance! :) Momma was happy to stay behind and keep the kids. AB even talked her and Garrett into playing Barbies. :)DSCN4858 I didn’t have a clue what to expect at the track or how it even worked, so I got some instruction from a little old man working the counter. It was late when we got there, so there were only 3 races left. We placed our bets on the first race and went outside to watch the dogs run. It was so fun! DSCN4861

DSCN4867

DW’s philosophy was to pick the dog who came out jumping around and excited. Beau’s philosophy was to pick the dog who came out at shoo-shooed. Right before the last race, one of the dogs came out and as Beau in very Beau-like fashion, put it, “lightened his load”. We were all dying laughing when Beau’s philosophy paid out and that dog was the winner! My Dad was the only one who won anything, that night, though. It was still a lot of fun, and I would totally go back again.

DSCN4864

Me & DW at the track

Wednesday was the Fourth. DSC_8932We set up the tent on the beach and stayed out there ALL day long. What a way to celebrate our nation’s Independence! :)

The kids played in the waves, in the sand, and in the pool. DSC_9052

DSC_8985

DSC_9061

DSC_9041

DSC_9090

Mom & Dad enjoyed the view – the beautiful ocean AND having (almost) everyone together at the same time.

DSC_8904We ate lunch on the beach, and didn’t come in until late that afternoon. DSC_9131For dinner, we called and got some takeout BBQ. We didn’t want to fight the holiday crowd with a party of 11. Wise choice. :)DSC_9135

My crew in our Red, White & Blue

That evening, we said our goodbyes, and Beau’s gang headed out. DSC_9144 

DW had to head back to Williston since he had to work the next day, too.

We watched all the fireworks up and down the beach that night. It was beautiful. They lasted for hours. Mine and Mom’s favorite were the chinese lanterns (just like on the movie Tangled) that someone lit. They were beautiful floating over the ocean. The moon was full that night, too, and it was unbelievably gorgeous! 

Thursday morning, we got everything packed and cleaned up and let AB spend a little more time in the pool. After lunch, Mom & Dad headed home, too.

It was such a fun fourth of July and I’m so glad Beau and the gang got to spend some vacation time in Florida!

~amw~

4 comments:

Mallory said...

What a fun 4th of July! I love your pictures, especially your family in your red, white & blue!

Surrounded-By-Boys said...

Glad y'all had a great time for the 4th! Love the photos and honey a 15 minute wait at Aunt Catfish's is a praise report! It was 3 hours one night when we wanted to go.

Aunt B said...

Great seeing you last night. Here is the link to Charlee's blog. Some pictures but I think she is still figuring it out.
For an 8 year old she's a fairly god writer...lol

http://ablingingcowgirlslife.blogspot.com/2012/07/blog-post_4377.html#comment-form

Immeasurably More Mama said...

I'm so glad you posted details about the dog track. :) Your brother's dog winning (and reason for picking it)...too funny!
Your patriotic family pic is beautiful!