december 25

Christmas Day. We had never spent Christmas Day at the beach so it was a little weird, but stress free. No worrying about food or gifts or schedules, just a day to relax. The weather was beautiful. Matthew and I went on a long walk while Finley took his nap. We wore short sleeves and could have worn shorts and sandals if we had brought them. It was different hearing "Merry Christmas!" as we walked on the beach, but it was nice. There were also people handing out candy canes to everyone.

This may be one of my favorite pictures of Grandma. It fits her personality to a 'T'. Grandma didn't pose for this picture or even know that I was taking it. This is Grandma lounging. She's regal even when she's just relaxing.


After Finn woke up from his nap, Everyone took him down to the beach to play while the weather was so nice. Aunt Holly got him this Carolina Panther's jersey for Christmas.


Loving the ocean.


Grandma putting his sandals on.

Mom and Grandpa playing cribbage out on the deck.

Playing with his Hess truck from Aunt Deah on the deck.

Playing with the sand.

Watching TV (probably VeggieTales) with Sumner.

Sumner holding Finley's foot. I think this is a cute picture.

Sumner's initiation into the family. The guys all threw him into the freezing cold Atlantic Ocean. From the looks of it Dad got reinitiated. =)

Sitting on Grandpa's shoulders.

Playing in the sand and water.

Sarah and Matthew playing Settlers of Catan.

Finley on the beach. Again, the pictures are all out of order.

Sarah took these black and whites (and actually most of the pictures this whole day). I love them!

Such a sweet picture of Grandma cleaning the sand off of Grandpa's shoes.

It says "Finley's 1st beach trip".

Bama and Finley.

Grandma and Grandpa.

Matthew and Finn watching the waves come in. Finley was scared of the waves most of the time we were there, but by the last day, he was getting more bold about the water. Good thing we left when we did. It's a little scary looking out at the big ocean and then looking at such a little boy. I'm glad he was scared of it most of the trip.

Grandpa, Dad and Matthew welcoming Sumner to the family. I can't believe the fight he put up. He was good natured about it though and even smile for the picture afterwards.