Barnes Family Beach Trip

Katie and I were so fortunate this year to have not 1, but 2 beach weeks!!!  The Barnes Family headed to Topsail this past week and we had a wonderful time.  Unfortunately, Matt had to stay in Roanoke for school.  But Katie and I had a great time with Popa, Abu, Uncle Jake, Auntie Katherine, Uncle Rob, Cousin Fielder, and Cousin Claire.

It had been 2 years since we all headed to the beach together.  Last trip Auntie Katherine was pregnant with Fielder.  Somehow, he adds a great deal of chaos into the mix.  Fielder is a little guy who can find trouble!  Personally, I think we need to rename him Wild Thing (WT for short), but Auntie Kat and Uncle Rob probably aren't on board with that.  As crazy as the little man is, he smiles at you once and you melt.  Of all the pictures I got during the week, some of the best were of his cute little face.

Claire and Katie were together constantly.  They wanted to wake up together each day, and go to bed together each night.  One of my favorite memories from this week was reading books to the girls before bed --- Katie on my right and Claire on my left --- all snuggled up in my bed.  Don't get me wrong, it wasn't all sunshine and roses.  They did fight some over toys, what pretend games to play, the iPad, etc.  However, for a 3.5 and 5.5 year old --- I think they play together remarkably well.  After all, Claire is the closest thing to a sister that Katie has.

 

*** One special note on the picture below....Big Thank You to Auntie MaryLynn who gave the girls these matching pajamas.  Don't they look so cute?!?! 

Abu helped keep the girls occupied with several gifts throughout the week.  (Thanks so much Abu!!!).  First, there were water guns.  The next day was a paint by numbers kit (probably Katie's favorite).  The third day was a beach/sea creature Play-Doh set.  Day four was seashell bracelets.  And finally --- CANDYLAND!!!  :-)  Who doesn't love CandyLand??

 

All in all, it was a great week.  Thank you so much to Popa and Abu for treating us to the trip.  My hope is that for our next one Matt can actually attend and enjoy the fun with us. 

I'm working on a video from this week's beach trip too.  But, considering it took me one month to finish the last one....don't expect results anytime soon.  :-)