Back to the Grind

Summer has officially come to a close here in Alabama, even though the weather and temps don't seem to agree.  And, oh, what a summer it was!  It was wonderful because we were able to enjoy the fact that Layla is still gracing us with her presence, which we weren't sure would happen.  Here's a brief synopsis, with pics!, of our summer:

Sean and Addie had birthdays; his on June 12th and her's on June 13th.  She knows no better so we celebrated them both on the 12th.  We got Addie her own cake so that made her happy enough.  He turned 8 and she turned 2.  Lord, help us.

The "blur" was the best money I ever spent!  Those balloons were here favorite gift....

Layla with Daddy

After Sean's birthday, he drove back to Texas with John's parents, who were gracious enough to drive up here for the birthdays and to get Sean.  He was very missed here but he had a fantastic time with them just hanging out and getting to see his cousins, Cameron and Maddison.

Cameron, Sean and Maddison

Then, at the very end of June, we drove down to Texas in a van with A/C issues, loaded to the hilt with oxygen clyinders.  Good times.  But that's for a different post.  We drove down not only to get Sean but to take our annual trip to Surfside Beach.  This is the 5th year we've gone but only the second year we've stayed a full week.  Surfside Beach isn't commercial (at all) with only a few mom-and-pop shops, but that's the allure.  You do have to make a  trip to the grocery and stock up,  which is a chore for 10 people (Layla brings her own food; she's picky like that).  It's probably the most relaxed I am all year, which was much needed after pretty much the whole month of May.  The beach was tar ball free and the tropical storms and hurricanes stayed away.  It was a great time. 

At the end of the jetty when a storm was rolling in....not sure Sean was digging the crashing waves

Double Trouble

John thoroughly enjoying himself; notice the beard. I don't think a razor touched his face all week

Layla going for a dip in her "beach" (usually bath) chair

Cameron, Layla and Maddison

Addie with Grandad and watching the waves at our waterfront, and sometimes depending on storms and tides, over-water house

Grandad with Addie

Daddy holding the swimming beauty

Yes, it really was a doulbe rainbow

Grandad and Grandma with Layla enjoying the windy,humid night

Addie getting pushed along by the breeze?  No telling with her......

A future twirling dervish, but with bubbles!

Addie checking on Layla and surely telling her, "You ok. You ok."

Packed like sardines on the way home.  I think they had a good time.