Fun at the Beach

A couple of months ago, we went to the beach for a week with Zack's parents.  It was Caroline's 2nd time being at the beach (although I barely count her first time as she was there for only an hour).

We had a great time!  I think Caroline was pretty much exhausted the whole time from all of the activity and from not sleeping in her own bed, but she had so much fun!

The weather did not cooperate for us to be on the beach everyday but we found lots of other things to do.

We went to the aquarium one morning and Caroline enjoyed looking at the fish.  Or "shish" as she calls them. 

Actually, her favorite thing to do that week was to run up and down the long interior hallway of our hotel and look out the big windows.

There was a small boardwalk beside our hotel and we took lots of walks in the evenings.

I love the look of adoration she's giving her Daddy in this one:

Finally we had a great beach weather day our last day there.  Caroline LOVED the beach.  She had absolutely no fear of the ocean or the waves.  In fact we had to really rein her in to make sure she didn't run out too far.  This girl loves adventure and is not afraid of much.

Playing in the sand with Daddy

 Watching the waves with her Papa

Dancing on the beach because well, a girl needs to dance wherever she is.

Our last evening I decided to dress up Caroline and try to get some pretty pictures of her on the beach.  We traveled further down the beach from our hotel to a more isolated area.

These are some of my favorites:

For about a week after we got back home, Caroline would think about our trip and say "bye beach!"

We can't wait to take her back next year!

Happy Birthday Caroline!

Two years ago today you came into the world!  Since that time you have filled our hearts with such joy!

We have loved watching you grow and change from a precious baby to a beautiful little girl these past two years.  We love your tender heart and free-spirited personality.  You are so social, saying "Hi" with a smile and a wave to anyone you come in contact with, whether you know them or not.  You naturally gravitate to wherever people are, often dragging us down the street when we are outside in the evenings, to join whatever neighbors are outside at the time.  I think you are going to be an extrovert!

We love how you are so active and adventurous, wanting to try new things (except for food, that is) and you love going places.  You never sit still!  Daddy says you have two speeds:  running or asleep, and that's about right!

We adore how loving and affectionate you are, giving spontaneous hugs and kisses to those that you love.  It is so sweet to watch you nurture your "baby" and your beloved stuffed animals.  You often carry around as many as your little arms can possibly hold, give them adoring looks, and sometimes try to share your sippy cup or food with them.

We love how you are so affected by music.  Your little body simply can't be still when music is playing!  You have to dance!  It is so much fun to see you dancing and twirling around arms outstretched in careless abandon.

We hope that we are growing you towards knowing and loving the Lord.  You keep us all accountable to saying the blessing each night.  As soon as we all sit down you put your little hands together and look at us to indicate, "it's time to pray now," and you always end with an enthusiastic "Amen!"  Your favorite bedtime song is still "O How I Love Jesus" and you are able to sing more of the words with us now.

You are such a precious gift from God and I hope that you know how much you are loved!  Happy birthday, sweet girl!