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.

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

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.

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

The moon was beautiful that night.

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. :) 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!

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.

Me & DW at the track

Wednesday was the Fourth. We 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.

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

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

My crew in our Red, White & Blue

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

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~