Wait, what’s that? Sneak off to the beach with a friend while the kids are distracted? Who, me? Never!

So glad this lifelong friend could visit for the long weekend. I love her, my parents love her and the girls wanted to keep her here forever! Come back soon, Jackie!

Sunday afternoon at the beach. Kayaking, current riding, watermelon slurping perfection.

More than once this summer I have stepped into the living room and been admonished by one or both girls, “Quiet! Don’t walk! Maybe, leave!!”

They’ve been working on their house of cards building skills.

Tonight, Esme came out, asked for my phone, and came back with a series of photos of this tower that she’s particularly proud of.

What you do when you tell your mama you want to bring *all the things* to the beach and she says, “Sure! But you have to lug it yourself.”

Despite a wicked headwind she made it the 2 miles to the beach. *All the things* were used at the beach and the trip home took half as long with the wind at our backs. I was really proud of Catherine for finding a solution, packing and gearing up herself and pushing through when she was tired and frustrated. Life lessons all around!

This particularly pretty flower caught my eye tonight while on our after dinner walk.

I was asked to take this picture so that Catherine could text it to a friend. I’m always happy to oblige! (Though I did have to pull over to snap it!)

This rare photograph was snapped just minutes before the dormant Mount Esme erupted, blowing the top of the mountain off and leaving just a crater behind. All local residents were able to escape sudden doom.

Back where she belongs, in the water at First Bridge.

Dresses + the ferry = a great photo opportunity!

And this, my friends, is just one reason why leggings (short or long) are required items around these two!

Encouraged by my children, I purchased these pjs. According to the girls, “they are perfect for you. Cute campers and puns!!”