This was a very cool day. I have fond memories of this day, because we had such a fun, tranquil afternoon with lots of time to do not much except 'be together'. The cousins were able to play to their hearts content. We were lucky enough to be able to see a large group of dolphins traveling along the shore and jumping out of the water. We also saw a sea lion and the kids were able to go under the pier where the water had dropped down and found HUGE starfish. Probably the size of a large pizza - I didn't know they came that big! They were able to pick them up and hold them, you could even see where the starfish had latched onto clams and were having a 'meal'. 
On the way out to the beach, we stopped at a shop that had clearanced out their sandals, shorts, and these cool little skimmer boards. We had seen some kids do this before and they were pretty good at it. You run and jump onto the board just along the beach where the waves crash. It was *freezing* water - but that didn't deter any of the kids from swimming. It actually felt kind of good once your feet were numb. Very refreshing :)
Becks, Ethan, and Brooks all were begging us for the strangest thing at the store - these bright yellow shovels. "We are not buying shovels, guys" I said as I then walked out of the store with 2 of them. It ended up being a great find - they dug in the dirt for hours and had a grand old time together.
My Beautiful sister and I. Love her! And don't you love her hat? She talked me into buying a couple of them - Kerry has a thing for hats, so I obliged. Man, I look awesome in them! She is my personal shopper.
Eva and Mylee finding shells and ......a ladybug? I didn't think ladybugs hung out on the beach much.
Brooks and Ethan strategizing their next adventure.
Eva and Mylee. Cousins. Friends. They miss each other terribly and loved being able to be together.
Ethan and Kerry - Crazy Dad. Crazy Son.
Dooders and his many acrobatic talents.
I was really surprised that Becks got in the water with Kerry. I thought he would scream because it was so cold, but instead he played and splashed and was happy just watching his feet and the cool footprints they would leave in the sand.
The highlight for all of them, really. Becks and the twins, Brooks, and Ethan all got really good use of their shovels. I think they were planning on burying a body or something here, not sure.
Mylee, Mia and Annika, Becks, Kerry, Eva and 2 unknown total tourists with their appropriate gear on in the background.
The Love of my Life.
Kuuepo - My Sweetheart. You are my rock. My friend. My support. You are generous in spirit. You make me laugh. You care for me and build me up. You are affectionate. You are balanced. You are strong and filled with courage. You know just what to say, when I come to you. You understand the complexities that make up me. You are Mine.
My parents' neighbors put on a very impressive show - completely transforming their backyard into a Harry Potter wonderland filled with dead-on characters (played by their talented acting family), backgrounds and sets, butter beer ( a mix of butterscotch and whole milk warmed up and delicious) and doughnuts, treats and toys for the kiddos, and of course, the sorting hat.
I think Ethan got put into Hufflepuff......i was sure it was going to be slitherin :)
eva was dressed as Hannah montana - of course. Where did she get her fabulous sparkly top, you ask? She and her mother found a purse at di which was then made into a shirt by cutting out the bottom and slipping it over her head. The delightful harry potter witch lady (I have no idea which character she was) told us in her perfect english accent that it was "quite clever and economical." Exactly.
beckham was not sure what a talking hat was doing on his head - he was just happy to be there and grandpa was having just as much fun!
a special stop to the cook's home is always a pleasure - she has not only the best outdoor decor, but an entire dead room inside her house for special guests...
Ethan and his buddy were in awe of her- and the crazy girls. They just sat back and watched, made a fort with the pillows to hide behind and spy on them, and put foam stickers across their foreheads.
Becks kept telling me that Hannah Montana was coming over to babysit him. He got really shy when he actually got to get his picture with her. He must have been twitterpated.
Signing autographs! The girls decorated notebooks at the party before she came so they would have something for her to sign. She signed it as the one and only Hannah.
Teaching the girls the Hannah moves - right there in our own living room.
Becks, Ethan, and Brooks all were begging us for the strangest thing at the store - these bright yellow shovels. "We are not buying shovels, guys" I said as I then walked out of the store with 2 of them. It ended up being a great find - they dug in the dirt for hours and had a grand old time together.
My Beautiful sister and I. Love her! And don't you love her hat? She talked me into buying a couple of them - Kerry has a thing for hats, so I obliged. Man, I look awesome in them! She is my personal shopper.
Eva and Mylee finding shells and ......a ladybug? I didn't think ladybugs hung out on the beach much.
Brooks and Ethan strategizing their next adventure.
Eva and Mylee. Cousins. Friends. They miss each other terribly and loved being able to be together.
Ethan and Kerry - Crazy Dad. Crazy Son.
Dooders and his many acrobatic talents.
I was really surprised that Becks got in the water with Kerry. I thought he would scream because it was so cold, but instead he played and splashed and was happy just watching his feet and the cool footprints they would leave in the sand.
The highlight for all of them, really. Becks and the twins, Brooks, and Ethan all got really good use of their shovels. I think they were planning on burying a body or something here, not sure.
Mylee, Mia and Annika, Becks, Kerry, Eva and 2 unknown total tourists with their appropriate gear on in the background.
The Love of my Life.
