Sun, Sand and SMILES!

Chad's sister and family were able to come down for a very brief visit the Sunday before Easter.  They made it into town around 9 on Sunday night (after Carson's soccer game ended in NC).  Chad and I took the day off on Monday so we could spend some time with them and they headed out of town early on Tuesday morning....with Payton and Owen!

On Monday, we enjoyed a full day of vacation!  We started with lunch at Poe's and an afternoon on the beach.  Before the kids got sandy (and wet!), we attempted to get a few family photos.  The kids did great!  The bright sun and warm sand gave them squinty eyes and rosy red cheeks but overall the pictures are perfect and truly capture each of them.  With each passing year, I worry that Calyn and Carson will get "too old" (or "too cool") for our cherished family photos.  Luckily, they aren't there yet!  They are just old enough to help with the little kids! 

 Here are a few of my favorites:

Carson and Owen

The boys with the Sullivan's Island light house in the background

Sweet cousins!

 This may be my favorite....ahh, just precious! 

 Owen - 21 months, Payton - 4 years, Carson - 11 years, Calyn - 13 years

I know I'm looking too deep at this picture but, it is so symbolic and so true in their little world...I love that the big kids have turned to look at us, while the little kids are staring up at their big cousins.  Calyn and Carson mean the world to Payton and Owen....and, while I'm sure Payton and Owen weren't pausing to reflect on this while the photo was snapped....it just screams about how much they are always looking up to them.  Calyn and Carson, you are wonderful examples for Payton and Owen...just remember, with each passing year they will follow your example more and more...good and bad.  I know you will both continue to be great role models in all aspects of life!

My sweet Owen rarely gets the spot light alone...he is a true beach baby and loves the sand and the water.  He could have stayed at the beach all day long!  I love his precious little face that still has just enough baby look and his hair that is starting to get as sun kissed as his brothers!  People pay big bucks for the highlights that my boys get naturally.  

This kid melts my heart...over and over again!

Sweet brothers...at least for that one second!

We ditched the clothes and changed into swim suits.  Within minutes Payton and Owen were splashing and playing in the water.  Did I mention that this was on April 1st.....just another reason to love low country living!  On the beach and in the water on Palm Sunday.

Interesting fact, last year, on Palm Sunday we were at the beach with Chandra, Allen, Calyn and Carson.  You may remember that on Palm Sunday last year (April 17th, 2011), while at the beach, I received news that my Grandpa Joe had passed away.  This year, Palm Sunday fell on April 1st....my Grandpa's birthday.  I will never face another Palm Sunday or April 1st without thinking of my Grandpa.  He loved the beach and lighthouses.  This year, we were at the beach the day after Palm Sunday....I think it was only fitting that one year later, I found myself back on the same beach on the same "day"....taking it all in, enjoying the sights and sounds....birds, water, sand, light house....and watching the kids run, play and splash.  I found myself sitting, stunned and shocked, last year after receiving the terrible news of his passing...and, with tears falling from my eyes, just sat and watched these same kids run and play while letting the news sink in.  I always think of my grandpa when I'm at the beach but it was special to be there again so close to his birthday and close to the date that he passed 1 year ago. What a wonderful day it was....even thinking back on the sadness that had come the year before.