Beach Trip with the Cousins!

We just got back from a week in Myrtle Beach with The Maddens.  

With a big condo on the beach with a fantastic view...

the scene was set for a wonderful vacation!

The boys were so excited to spend time with their Colorado Cousins for the first time.

Before our cousins arrived, we went to the pool and enjoyed the lazy river, pools and spraygrounds.

Then, the cousins arrived and the fun really began!

Patrick practiced his Ninja Moves on the beach!

We spent hours each day on the beach.  

Playing in the waves, boogie boarding and building sandcastles.

There was lots of silliness in the condo.  

Impromptu sleepovers, card games, stuffed animal parties and movie nights 

were just some of the fun.

Though this was the first time all 7 had been together, they got along so well.  

It was such a joy watching them all interact and play.

My favorite part of the trip was taking the boys out into the ocean.  One at a time (while Gill was at the beach with the other two) I took the boys into the ocean, to "jump the big waves."  While they were all hesitant in the beginning to go deep into the ocean, they all warmed up to it quickly.  It was special Mommy and Me time, I loved being one on one in the ocean.

We all entered the sandcastle competition, 

Gill made an awesome iphone that won first place for originality.

 I made a mermaid and Amanda helped me accessorize her with seashells!  

The two of us won second place for creativity.

Youngest to Oldest

Sully, Finn, Patrick, Amanda, Tyler, Curtis and Victoria

 On the last night of our trip, we were joined by Grandma Peg and Grandpa Neil
for a special Seafood Dinner (complete with tattoos)

The Bunch!

It was a wonderful trip, and I'm so glad we finally got all the kids together.  

Saying goodbye was very hard, but we made some great family memories.