Sun, Sand and Sea

View from our beach house deck

It's been a week since we left Ocean City, NJ and I'm finally getting these pictures up! We've had a busy few days since we got back. We had a great week at the beach and it's always sad when it's over. Our whole family, about 30 people or so, was able to be there so that made it so much fun. 

We thought Liam would love the beach and we were right. Even with the water being cold, he was in and out. The first day he had no fear, but after taking a face dive, he was afraid for the next few days. It took him some time to warm up again, but before we knew it he was running straight in, yelling "Go, go, go!" The sand was also a hit, especially digging big holes with the older boys. 

Liam made fast friends with my three little cousins, Rio, Mattias (who Liam called "tee-tee") and Marco. They are seven, eight and ten and the best boys on the beach Liam could have asked for. Balls, digging, swimming and running, they did it all. He especially got close to Marco, even to the point of sitting at the bottom of the steps going to the beach saying, "Marco, Marco" until he came out. 

Marco was best buds with Liam all week. 

Digging and playing

"I got the bocce ball mom!" 

Liam also had a great time running in and out of the water with Lydia and Meredith, two of my other cousins who adored him too.

Sitting in the bottom of a big hole was one of Liam's favorite activities. 

We were able to have some great family time throughout the week, including Liam's first trip to the boardwalk and merry-go-round. If you've ever been to Ocean City, you know they are famous for their boardwalk and the many different kinds of food and activities there. Our family doesn't go to the boardwalk very often, but we thought we would take Liam at least once and it was fun. He was terrified of the merry-go-round at first, but got over that and seemed to have a good time. 

Mama and Liam at the boardwalk

Look of terror..

Feeling ok about the horse by the end! 

Rob got his favorite, Rita's vanilla custard

One night we left Liam with the family back at the house and the six Yoder/Bedinghaus kids went on our 3rd Annual mini golf outing. We always have a fun (and yes, competitive!) time together. 

This year mom wanted to get some family pictures with Logan's beautiful new camera, so we were all instructed to bring our white, navy and gray clothes along. We got some great shots with minimal complaining, so hopefully mom got her Christmas card picture from the bunch! 

Waiting to get started...

My sweet baby

Me and my mom 

I paid Marco a dollar to come along and help Liam smile for pictures by jumping around. It mostly worked...

Overall, we had such a fun week and always love to be with our family. It's a long drive (13 hours!) but we wouldn't miss the week for anything. Here are a few more pictures to round out the week. 

I think there were at least three people jumping up and down in the sand clapping their hands and chanting "Liam! Liam!" to get the smiles for these pictures. But it worked; adorable. 

Rob, Ben, Jordy and Luke all had a golf competition going throughout the week called Tour at the Shore. Ben made a trophy and the winner after three rounds of golf got to take it home. Jordy was the clear winner, but they all had fun. 

Evenings on the beach are the best. 

My favorite person. We celebrated four years of marriage on Friday and I couldn't imagine anyone else I'd rather be with. 

Until next time!