Beach Day with the Aments

While we were not able to attend Grandpa's funeral in Michigan, we were blessed to enjoy the company of our other side of the family when the Aments visited and we met up with the Aments, Fichtels, and Murphys at the Murphys' cabin on the St. Croix River.  It was a blessing on an otherwise difficult day to enjoy some time with family.

The kids had lots of fun together!  First up, PBJs at the cabin. 

Then off to the beach...

Sarah was very hesitant at first and didn't like stepping in the sand with her sandals on.  She got about 2 steps onto the beach, froze, and wanted to be held (which is a little tougher for me these days - about 38 1/2 weeks pregnant at that point). 

But she quickly warmed up to the idea of playing on the beach and had fun exploring the sand toys...

Lovely ladies - Becca, Meredith, Elizabeth, and the hostess with the mostest, Jenna.

The Fichtels brought their jet ski and it was a HUGE hit with the kiddos.

Hanging out on the beach.

We got to meet Meredith's boyfriend, Nate, and he was a great sport about taking the kids out on the jet ski.

The island was a fun jumping point as well...

Sarah wasn't so much a fan of the island, especially when a wave made it rock.

She was content to hang out on the beach...

And she very methodically made sand castles for about 3 hours.  She seemed to have a specific ratio of sand to water that she wanted to make it just right.  Totally cute!

Taking a break in the swing.

Great minds at work on the NYTimes crossword puzzle.

Some paddle boarding action.  Go Jeannie!

Michael showing off his guns.

Meredith showing off her skills...

 ...then sabotaged!

 Paddle board football too...

 Time to relax

 

 More jet skiing.  

I think Austin was on the jet ski almost the entire day.  He just adores it!

Beach babes!

 Dinner time at the kids table...

 Check out the goofball in the background...

 Then time for dessert!

Nate got his first taste of the Ament family "chocolate pudding" which you've got to try to understand...it's not actually what you think of pudding as, but it is wickedly good!

Then on to s'mores!

 Three sticky, happy kids enjoying their treats.

We all had a fun, busy, exhausting day and headed home to get some rest.

Next up...baby!  As I post this, the clock rolls over to midnight and another day in the countdown to due date passes by.  Baby is due August 22, so we'll see when he decides to make his appearance.