Where's the Beach?

A couple months ago we decided we should cash in some airline points and take the girls on a vacation before Chandler turns 2, and we actually have to pay for 4 tickets.  Ouch!  After some researching we thought it'd be fun to take them to Virginia Beach.  Steve has his uncle, aunt, and cousins out there, and I'd never been there.  Our biggest concern was taking Chandler on the plane as a lap child - that girl can't sit still for more than a half hour.  How was she going to travel across the country?  Needless to say, both girls were awesome on all 4 flights!  Whew! 

We stopped in Chicago, and they went into the cockpit and even pushed lots of buttons!

We were greeted by a nice hot meal and some excited family members.  Steve's cousin, Kim, has 2 kids that were ecstatic to meet the girls, and the girls just loved playing with them!

The next day we took off to check out the beach and the Neptune sand castle competition.  The castles were amazing!  Our biggest fear - that Chandler would run out and destroy them.  Luckily I caught her before she got to one of them.

Afterwards, the whole family went to the beach to build our own sandcastles and take a quick dip in the chilly water.

Brooklynn & Kim working on their piece of art

Watching Evan build his

Just our feet!  That's all I put in that cold water!

The next day we decided we'd head to the beach again.  Steve absolutely loves the water, and I think now, he has two water-loving girls.  Here's us in front of the Neptune statue:

Then some playing in the water and sand!

One of our faves! 

Steve made Brooklynn into a mermaid, and she was so excited!

Friday we went to the Virginia Aquarium with Larry and Kelly.  They have a great aquarium with lots of fresh water and salt water animals.

Another of our faves!

Touching the sting rays

Petting the starfish and crabs

Eating lunch with Uncle Larry (mooching chips)

And then Cousin Kelly (more chips.....)

Brooklynn loved the "movie nights" with Jordan and Evan.  Here they are all cuddling together.  Awww...

Saturday we all packed up and went to a fall festival close by.  They had the largest pumpkins I've ever seen!

Petting the baby ducka

This was their idea - love it!

Had to do it......

And Kim and Kelly

And the hayride to end the day!

Our last day, Sunday, we wanted to do one more day at the beach!  This time we got out the swimsuits and got down and dirty in the sand.  Chandler actually stayed still to be buried by Evan - hilarious!

Sunday night we went out to eat seafood.  Steve was insistent on eating some fish, so we all packed up and ate at this restaurant on Chesapeake Bay.  When we showed up we got to see this beautiful sunset.

Brooklynn enjoying one last snuggle with Uncle Larry

One last pic before we take off! 

The trip was fabulous - great hosts, great company, and most importantly yummy food!  We'll definitely be back......hopefully soon!