Family Vaca Time!

When Steve's grandma, Joan, turned 90 in January we knew where we were headed for our summer vaca - Virginia Beach.  In addition to visiting her, we were excited to visit Steve's aunts, uncle, and cousins again.  Our visit there 4 years ago was one of our best vacations!  And to top it off - a beach for the girls!

Here we go!

 On our layover in Chicago the girls entertained themselves by pushing each other around on the luggage carts.  We may have had some glares, but these kids were excited and getting a little stir-crazy!

Our first full day had to include a trip to the beach, so we headed to a small locals' beach just off the tourists' beach with Kim, Kelly, Jordan, and Evan.  The girls wasted no time at all getting in the water, attempting to boogie board, and playing in the sand.

Brooklynn insisted we re-create her mermaid tail from 4 years ago.

 Playing games on the beach

With all the water time the girls seemed to be constantly in the showers.  Uncle Larry didn't mind brushing through all the knots, and the girls loved it (he's much more gentle than mom).  Had to be the cutest thing ever!

We were reluctant to take the girls to the local water park, because we were afraid there wouldn't be enough for Ady to do, but we attempted a day there with Kim's family.  Turned out there was plenty for all of us to do, and Ady had no fear doing any of the big rides with us.  We had a blast on all the slides and the wave pool!

Wave pool with daddy

 She was exhausted!

The weather was rainy and cool some days, so we tried to not let them damper our time.  One of those days we went to Mount Trashmore (a former landfill converted into a neat park) with Larry and Patti.

 Rolling down the hill!

 We spent our afternoons visiting grandma at her place sitting out on the patio and talking.  The girls were so good!

 On Sunday we drove to First Landing State Park for more beach time and dinner at a campground planned by Larry and Patti.  It was beautiful and such a great evening spending time with the entire family.

 Even Evan wanted to be buried!

 Grilling time!

 Chow time!

 This is why Larry and Patti are the best hosts!  They always go out of their way to ensure we have a great time and are able to spend time with lots of family!

They hosted a big family dinner at their house our last night there, complete with everyone including grandma.  It was an awesome conclusion to an amazing trip.  Not only did we get to have a great visit with grandma we

Chandler somehow convinced grandma to share her ice cream with her!

 Family pic w/ grandma

 Grandma and her great grandkiddos

And then came the most epic night of our trip - Patti surprised us all with a food fight complete with Jell-O, oatmeal, mashed potatoes, and pudding.  Steve even got the oatmeal down the shorts from Aunt Deb!  It was a blast, just letting loose and gettin' dirty.  What a perfect way to cap off a fabulous trip!

 Awwwwww

 Grandma still nailed the family selfie pic!

 How we all felt after the whirlwind trip!  (This was after Chandler had been crying all day so sad to say goodbye to everyone. )

Sometimes our family vacations are more like "trips", because they are so exhausting and feel almost like work, but this one was different.  It was truly a vacation with wonderful family that we will miss until next time........