Beach with the Boswells

This past July was our fifth summer to spend on Topsail Island for a week at the beach with the Boswells. We've really come to love Topsail for many reasons: it's a laid-back, low-key beach that's best suited for families, pet owners, and retirees. It's a slow-paced beach, and we've found the good ice cream. :) Neither of Brad's siblings were able to join this year, which was sad, but we had a blast with Gran and Grandpa! (Except for Brynn who was just miserable with a cold and teeth coming in the whole week...she clung to me almost exclusively, which was a little hard, but that's what moms and Ergo carriers are for.)

We rented our house out on Air BnB while we were gone, so the morning we left, I shooed everyone out of the house so I could power through the morning-of cleanup. I think this gang had a much better time than I did...

By the time I finished up my work and we got on the road, it was time for lunch, so we stopped for Mexican. And gave Brynnie her first lemon, which was great entertainment.

The girls were SO EXCITED about their bedroom setup! (no, we didn't actually let them sleep up there, because...Lily)

One of the few times she wasn't being held and also wasn't crying...but she is very cute.

Day one ready!

We had so much gorgeous weather!

Our progeny are mermaids.

Pretty much how we spent all of our time on the sand.

Recovering

Day two!

They WIPED OUT every day during rest time.

Snuggles are the best part of fussy babies.

This one's a favorite.

That look that she's giving me...

These children and their POSES.

I love this one.

Back in the saddle.

Another day, another DEEP SLEEP.

Getting strapped on. Again. 

It was either strap her in the Ergo or having a screaming baby on the beach. Nobody wanted that.

Ice cream! We've been going to this ice cream shop for many a year now.

Ice cream nights are the best nights.

I've had this towel since high school. It definitely matches Lily's suit. We just discovered this.

We tried a new (to us) ice cream place this year, and they had a) good ice cream and b) hilarious signs.

"We know you're HOT but leave something for the imagination and COVER UP

(Beach towels on hooks)"

THE BEST

She was into it.

Last night of vacation frolics.

SO grumpy about having to go in.

When packing up, I found Lily's water bottle chillin' in the beach chair lamp base.

What a crew.

Back at home.

Beach days can be hard work with little people, but they are also the most fun. We had such a great time- thank you, Gran and Grandpa!