Assateague National Seashore & Our New Junior Ranger

On Sunday we got the chance to take a trip 40 minutes South to Assateague National Seashore.  The weather was overcast and eventually rained when we were out on a hike.  Despite the soaking, we all had a great time and got some great views of the wild horses before the rain hit us.  Lily also got her first Junior Ranger badge with Simone and Dahlia.  It was great fun.

A few of the famous Assateague/Chincoteague ponies

Lily, Simone and Dahlia (king of the hill) 

Getting sworn in by Ranger Matt for their Junior Ranger badges

Memorial Day Fun

Here at the beach (I mean Delaware in case you are wondering which beach I could be referring to)... Memorial Day is truly the official start of summer season.  The wave pool opens up for the kids, the celebrations are incredible and we also try to take some time to remember the reason for the holiday.  This is the second year in a row that we were joined by our friends the Bobers (Mike, Elizabeth, Simone and Dahlia) for Memorial Day.  We have such a great time that I hope the tradition continues for years to come.

First activity = pizza by the ocean. The girls get a kick out of going to the beach, playing in the waves then having pizza lunch by the ocean.  This also happened to be the best weather day of the weekend.  We saw dolphins... loads of them... multiple times as well... always makes Kim happy to see dolphins.

Second activity = wave pool.  Where we got to meet up with all our other beach friends.

Third activity = BBQ & Shrimp Boil.  Seven families, kids galore.  And lots of great food.  How lucky we are.

Final activity (but impossible to get pictures of) = Outdoor movie.  The selection was Grease.  The kids actually really liked it.  However, half of them fell asleep in their chairs.  The parents on the other hand were over the top involved in singing and dancing.  What fun.  I see a Grease flash mob in the parents future.

Simone, Lily and Dahlia filling a spa bath (the water was cold)

Dolphins

Our beautiful new condo

There are really no words to describe the views from our condo and the proximity to the beach.  Never could I have dreamed we would have something so lovely to enjoy for the rest of our lives.  Chris and I were actually commenting that we've never even forked out the money to stay beach side at a hotel and now we have a 3 bedroom condo on the beach to enjoy...  I guess being cheapskates pays off in the long run.

Panama City Beach

This week we got to spend 5 days in Panama City Beach, FL getting our new condo ready for rental.  We were joined the whole time by our friends from Delaware:  Dave, Theresa and Madeline.  Madeline and Lily were amazingly supportive all week long as we worked away to clean, organize and redecorate our new three bedroom condo which turned out awesome.  Separate post coming to show you the pictures of our new digs.  During a few breaks (Mothers Day, etc.) we were able to fit in some pool time, some beach time and some sightseeing with our friends.  We even had "Cake by the Ocean" for Mothers Day dessert.  The condo turned out perfectly and we had a fantastic time with our friends.

Shopping at Walmart

 Popsicles by the pool

 Mom, Lily & Dad spending some quality time together

 Mothers Day (headed out to Tommy Bahama for dinner)

 Mothers Day sunset

 Madeline and Lily enjoying some pool time

 Sharkey's Restaurant

 More beautiful sunsets (yes this happens often)

 Breakfast at the Barefoot Grill before departing (so sad... but we will be back again)