TI 2012

I didn't think we would make it to the beach this year. 

With my mom in the hospital for almost the entire month of May I thought for sure we would have to cancel our annual family vacation to Topsail Island. 

But by the grace of God we made it there. All of us! 

My mom was able to be at home resting for one week before we packed her up and took her to the beach for a week. Luckily we were able to schedule her dialysis in Jacksonville so we didn't have to drive up back up to Durham during the week. She had to rest a lot, stay off her feet, and stay on a strict renal diet, but it was so nice to have an entire week with our family all together. 

Finley was so excited to be on vacation with the whole family!

He kept saying at the dinner table, 'we are one big happy family.'

We didn't see too many live crabs at the beach this year. But we did find a dead one. 

For some strange reason David was obsessed with burying himself in the sand this year. 

I think he did it 3 or 4 times during the week. 

This picture might be my favorite from the week. :)

I was always worried that David might not be able to get out of the sand, but each time he was able to wiggle his way out. 

He convinced Finley to get in one of his holes, but I would not let him bury him! 

We had two cooler and windy days, so we broke out the kite!

I had visions of controlling the kite and doing all sorts of tricks (like Kite Runner), but the kite just did what the wind told it to do. Which most of the time meant diving towards the ground. 

We had fun with Auntie Michelle and Mishay blowing bubbles and playing Bocce. 

And watching amazing sunsets over the sound from our back deck. 

On days when my mom felt good she was able to do her exercise and go for short walks on the beach. 

Her brother, our Uncle Michael, was even able to join us for a few days!

But my poor mom almost always felt cold. 

Sisters, sisters...

Finley sure got a lot of attention at the beach from both sets of grandparents and his aunt and uncle. 

I must say we went all out this year and got this amazing house at the beach! It even had an elevator. Great for my Nani and for moving groceries up three flights of stairs. Finley had an absolute ball riding in the elevator at every chance he got. The only problem is, from here on out we might always have to stay in a place this nice!

Most days the water was a little chilly, so Finley wasn't too excited about going in the water. We only got him in all the way one day. The other times he just jumped the little waves for a while before calling it a day. He did love exploring the tidal pools though. 

Playing in the sand was probably his favorite part of our vacation. 

The beach is the only time I let him play in the sand, so we let him live it up! I am so anti sand unless we are at the beach. 

Eternal companions. 

Enjoying the sun and warmth!

Hanging out post family soccer match. 

My mom and her brother Michael. 

Me and my siblings. 

All the Harrises!

The whole gang. 

I can't believe the week went by so fast! 

When we were packing up Saturday morning Finley was so sad to leave. He almost started crying. He didn't understand why we couldn't stay there forever! 

I totally felt him on this. I just wanted to stay there with family for as long as possible. 

I can't even express in words just how grateful I am for my family and the time we get to spend together. 

This past month has been the hardest of my life. It just makes me appreciate every moment we spend together that much more. I love you guys!