Fertitta, Party of Five: Giggling Mackerel and Beach Babies {OIB Days 1 & 2}

For the last few years, we have taken a week-long beach vacation with Sam's family. Growing up, Sam always had a beach week with his mom's family, and though that ended as the grandkids became adults, we have created the new tradition of going with Sam's immediate family and grandmother. The last two years have been at low-key Topsail Island, and this year we are mixing it out and trying Ocean Isle Beach.

Topsail Island 2012

Topsail Island 2013

The drive down was miserable. miserable. miserable. Harper has always been the best little car rider, and then we have sweet Willa Kate--different from sissy in about every way possible both in looks and in personality--who is a terror. She did not get the memo from every other kid on the planet that says "babies love car rides, especially long ones because we get to sleep on them." Nope, so if another child could fill her in on that basic commandment of baby/toddlerhood, you can send it to her attention at our address. This pic about sums up how we felt about our "5 hour drive" that took 9 and a half. Boo.

Willa Kate's "Car Face"

It was so worth it, though, to see how much they enjoyed the water. When we went with our friends Chris and Tabatha in June, Wills wouldn't even approach the ocean. She liked the beach, but ocean? No way. This time, she has loved grabbing a hand and walking out into the surf. When we pulled our beach chairs up to the water, she even felt comfortable enough to run around and play in it by herself. Go, Wills, Go!

In classic Harper fashion, she was a little hesitant at first, but once she gained some confidence, she flipped the switch to fearless. There is no in between with that daredevil. If she isn't sure she will do great as something, she won't even try. But then once she does, watch out, because she has no limits. The wonderful invention of the Puddle Jumper gives mama a little reassurance as she's out there trying to boogieboard.

Harper & Sydney building their first sandcastle (mound) of the week

Our Sunday finished up with dinner over at the Giggling Mackerel. The girls loved that they had a huge sandbox to play in while we waited, and a friendly "dock dog" to love on as well. During the wait, the girls and Sydney danced on a little stage to entertain the family.