Beach Trip with the Nachmans

Months and months ago, our best friend Elizabeth called asking if we could pick a time to take a beach trip together. Since they live in Arizona, we only see them about once a year now {cue sobbing}, and usually there is an event bringing us all together {Leray's baptism, Sallie Cate's baptism, etc} which is great, but we are always so busy getting ready said event that we don't get to just relax and visit. So we were all VERY much looking forward to our long weekend at the beach together. My parents joined us as well so it was a full house! 

The weather was so much nicer than we were down there over the 4th. We still had a fair amount of rain, but we also had sunshine each day and were able to get some good beach time in. We didn't have anything on the agenda, which was awesome. And the daddies were SO sweet to take care of the kids a lot so the mamas could get some good visitin' in. 

The girls played so well together for the most part. Of course there were some fights and tears, but that is to be expected with a 3 year, two 2 year olds, and a 1 year old {and sweet Becket was there too :) }.

One of our girls' favorite thing to do is run in the side yard. They like to pretend that the "tickle monster" is coming to get them.

They also introduced Leray to the joys of playing with the hose.

Big and Becket

I thought it was so cute when Leray cuddled up to Curran when they were watching a show before bed.

This little bit did SO much better at the beach this trip. She still is not in love with it but she at least tolerated it some each day.

We said we were going to make them take a picture like this every year. They are going to love us for that.

Reading with Brandon. He is so good with all these girls!

One night, we got a sitter and went to dinner at George's. It was so nice to have a night out!

This is the only picture I have of the boys all together, but it's clear they had a good time too. :)

Liz got the girls some matching outfits, so we tried to take some pictures which, as you can see below, was basically a disaster. SC got so upset about something, I have no idea what.

An no, it wasn't the 4th of July but we sure looked patriotic! And we didn't plan the girls' bows being red, white, and blue. Just happened that way. :)

sweet big sister

I was SO sad to take them to the airport that Monday morning. 

We said we need to make this an annual trip. I can't put into words how good it did my soul to be with these friends who are really family to us. We made precious memories that we will treasure always. I pray that our girls will always be close and that they will one day appreciate what a rare blessing these friendships are.