I love the beach. I love everything about it. I love the smell. I love the sand (call me crazy). I love the water and the sun. I love it during the day and late into the night. We grew up going to Pawley's Island for three weeks every summer in what was known as an "Arrogantly Shabby" vacation- no air conditioning, no tv, no pool. We showered under the house in an outdoor wooden shower and went to sleep with the breeze coming through the windows. Most people would call that roughing it, but I miss those days. We would stay on the beach all day long. We would come in, eat dinner, shower, and go back out. We would read dozens of books and play cards. But mostly, we learned to enjoy each other and the beach.
Our vacations now are much different. Last week, we enjoyed the high class living at the Beach Club in Gulf Shores on the 16th floor of a high rise condo. We froze in the air conditioning, we had beach chairs and umbrellas set up for us before we even had breakfast, and we watched movies at night. But I still enjoyed myself. Vacation is vacation, right?
The best part of the week was watching James experience the new, fun beach things. And watching my mom, dad, husband, and sister witness it was fun too!!!
So here is a short recap of our Beach Adventure:
cool breeze, hot sun, perfect weather, yummy coffee, independant toddler, outdoor breakfast, warm sand, good books, beach walks, late night swims, mid-day naps, fresh seafood, family game-night, ben and jerry's ice cream, crab hunts... can I go back right now??!?
The cheesy preg shot.
James, Lizzie, and Nana
James and Grandpa: just chillin'
Big Swimmer
James loved to jump down the sand hill...check out the concentration on his face! 
so handsome
Family of 4!