Dreaming of a Sandy Christmas

While many of you were battling sub-zero temps last week by adding several layers, we were also adding layers - of sunscreen that is! You know how easy it is to get sunburned on a tropical beach after all. Sorry, I know that was mean, but there are definitely some advantages to living in the tropics. Jealous? Then come visit! :)

Last week we got to get away for a couple days of sun and fun at a local beach. Nothing fancy, but we had some precious family time and made some great memories. My dad was in the country on business, and we were thrilled when he was able to come join us for part of the time. Actually, my brother and sis-in-law came for a visit from their country, and we had a blast hanging with them too. But since they live in a secure place, I can't share any of the pics with them.

Here the kids are digging a very deep hole with Papa.

And daddy is getting ready for another adventure in the background.

Ok, so our family is a little nuts. Steve had the crazy idea to let the kids wakeboard in the ocean by pulling them behind the car along the beach.

Ben is ready to ride

It was a group effort to get up and going.

Zach went to town with it, jumping the waves like a pro.

There was an international kiteboarding competition held while we were there so it was fun to watch some great riding - and big wipeouts too.

The waves were perfect for kids - big enough to be fun but not so big as to be dangerous.

Papa got an upper-body workout throwing kids into the waves again and again and again...

Ben had a blast playing this game with Papa. Papa would try to write #s 1-10 in the sand, but Ben kept "erasing" it with the waves. So then Ben would assure Papa that he wouldn't erase it this time...but Papa always dawdled long enough for a wave to come in and erase it again. Glad my dad is patient cuz Ben kept wanting to play again and again and again... :)

Boogie Down!

We also rented a surf board, and we all had fun testing our balance.

A little family fun on the beach was precisely what we needed after the craziness that has been this past year.

SO very thankful for the chance to be refreshed in this beautiful corner of creation.