Family Vacation Day One

I guess the first official day of our vacation was Saturday (4/18) which began with a 15 hour car trip to New Smyrna Beach, Florida. But it was a long day and I don't care to record it. Let's just say that my kids were exhausted and they don't sleep in the car. Then the DVD player we borrowed wouldn't work after one movie. Whew...but we survived it and made it to the beach!

So we will begin with the first day we were at our destination, Sunday, April 19, 2009.

We began the morning with fun in the sun, sand, and waves. The kids immediately began digging up the sand.


I think the sand was D's (age 2) favorite thing. There was a dump truck at the condo and a ton of shovels. He claimed a little green shovel and the truck. Pure joy for hours!



He also enjoyed digging holes with daddy and filling them with water. He loved throwing dirt in the puddles!



Then, the kids began to venture out into the waves. Eric and I were shocked! We have been going to the beach every year and our kids are always terrified of the water. It never fails that they avoid the waves until the LAST DAY.

But not this year. They ventured out into the ocean on the FIRST day!


Sheer joy!








Later that day, family came to visit and we played at the beach and the pool. I was able to meet my cousin's 2.5 year old daughter for the FIRST TIME!! She and T (age 4) had a blast in the sand together.


Now D (age 2) pulled a lovely "2 year old moment" on us.

All day he refused to wear his swim vest in the pool. If we tried to put it on him, then he screamed.

In the evening, he wanted in the pool, so we got him in his swimming diaper and bathing suit. We gave up on the swim vest due to the screaming and his daddy just held him.

He just screamed anyway.


Then he asked to be put back in his regular diaper and clothes. We figured he changed his mind about the pool like an inconsistent 2 year old often does.

As soon as he was back in this clothing, he got his swim vest and brought it to me. I couldn't believe it. He asked to have it on and then sat by the pool for the rest of the evening!


Once everyone was happy, the kids spent their pool time tossing things at Eric.


Another cousin came over that evening. She shares the same name as my mom and my daughter. So we took a picture of the three T's.



My cousins and I grabbed a quick shot before they had to take off.


It is always busy with family on our first day here because it is the only weekend day we have. So it is exhausting after our tiring day before in the car, but so good to be with everyone!