New Start.

I know, I know.

I'm infamous for new starts.

But join me over at www.iamcrazybusy.blogspot.com.  I don't think you'll regret it.

Homework.

She was so proud to take this on the first day of school. :)

An Evening Outside.

Fernandina, Day Four.

Saturday was our final full day in Fernandina.  We spent the morning at Ft. Clinch State Park, which is a trip we make without fail every single year.

Ben decided to bring his fancy camera and play photographer this year.  He broke out the tripod AND the level!

While he was taking pictures, the rest of us explored the fort.  If you notice Cassidy missing from the pics, it's because she sat the trip out.  She's not a big fan of the fort.

We were excited to find the Union soldier on our way out.  We look forward to interacting with him every year.

I'm so glad Ben captured the pic below.  It's a good illustration of how I spend a lot of my days.  :)

When we were finished at the fort, we got Auntie from the condo and headed downtown to try out Tasty's burger joint for lunch.  It was awesome and will definitely make the rotation next year.

We did a little shopping after lunch.  Here's my crew headed out and about:

We spent the afternoon at the pool before resting up, cleaning up, and heading back out to eat. :)

We tried another new restaurant, The Salty Pelican, for dinner.  It wins:  my favorite place to eat of the whole trip. I seriously can't wait to get back. Fantastic fish tacos!

It started to rain a little bit during dinner but we braved the weather and strolled to the ice cream shop for dessert.

Emmy was sweet enough to share her treat with Ben. :)

We got rained on just a tad before calling it a night and heading back to the condo.  The weather had cleared up by the time we got home, so while Ben put the babies in bed, I took Babe and Harry for one final beach run.

My girl loves the ocean.  Loves. It.

We ended the night, after the kids were in bed, by watching Sharknado.  And that's all I'm going to say about that.

We drove home on Sunday.  Boo!

Until next year, Fernandina...

Thanks for the memories!

Fernandina, Day Three.

Oh, I miss the beach already.

We spent a leisurely morning at the condo on Friday.  After deciding to switch things up a bit, we got ready for a morning at the pool.

I love these sweet babies.  For the most part, having four kiddos is just my life...I don't really think about it. Every once in a while, though, I look at pictures and can't help but think, "Seriously.  They are all mine."

I can't imagine life any other way.

We had a great morning splashing around.  Everybody loved the pool!  (For most of the time, at least.  Harris got a little frustrated as he worked to meet the "swim challenge" Ben gave him...to swim from one end of the pool to the other, lengthwise, without stopping.  He was totally capable of doing it but didn't really want to work.  Quitting was much easier for him.)

We headed back inside for lunch and naps.  Granti and the Bens decided to walk the Egan Creek Greenway.  Evidently, it was long and hot.  I think they spotted quite a few alligators but I'm not sure the trip was worth it. :)

Once everyone cooled off and showered, we headed for an early dinner at Sliders.  I love me some Sliders.

We were stoked to find a shrimp statue still standing right outside the restaurant!  They've all been removed from downtown, which is a bummer because we take a family picture beside one every year.  It made my night to find this guy!

In addition to great food, Sliders always has the perfect atmosphere.  The weather cooperated, too, and we had a delicious, cool dinner on the beach.

We headed back to the condo after dinner, put the big kids in their bathing suits, and headed out to spend the evening on the beach.  Evenings on the beach are perfection.  No heat, no sunscreen, no tents or umbrellas.  It's perfect.

Ben and Harris even played a little football on the beach!  Harry's getting pretty good at running routes and actually catching the ball!

Schwimmy (her newest nickname) got her clothes wet--of course--and had to be stripped down to her diaper.  She didn't miss a beat.

When we'd had our fill of the beach, we headed to the pool to do a little night swimming.  Well, Ben and the biggies did a little night swimming.  I watched for a bit before putting the babies in the bed.

Not too long after I headed inside, I could hear shouts coming from the pool area and knew that Harris had met his challenge.  The boys were ecstatic when they finally made it inside.  Harris was SO proud of himself and Ben had tears in his eyes...what a great lesson for my boy on the power of not giving up!  Not only did Harris learn that he CAN do things when he puts his mind to it but he also earned the "Agent P" stuffed animal he's had his eye on for weeks.  It was awesome.

I pray it's a feeling he never forgets.