Sweet Sunshines of Mine

...you can check out my three million vacation photos.

In a nutshell Virginia Beach was the perfect getaway. It was super family friendly which was what I was hoping for. I didn't know if we would be surrounded by keg pounding beach goers but the only thing I saw being pounded on the beach were juice boxes. The weather was a little toasty (helloooo 100 degree days) but we worked with it by spending the morning at the beach and pool and the afternoon doing indoor things like the Aquarium, Children's Museums, and mini golf. Thanks to recommendations by conceirge we dined at amazing local restaurants and stuffed ourselves silly. Getting away from the hustle and bustle of normal everyday life was much needed. No cooking, no cleaning, no errands...only fun in the sun. My kind of trip.

We learned a couple things from this vacation. One, a single hotel room doesn't cut it with a child. We'll be going the seperate room suite route from now on. Keeping everyone in one room when one of those people nap (make that two. I took full advantage of being lazy) would have been much easier with a second room. Second, we need a bigger car asap. My crossover SUV was packed to the brim. Once baby girl arrives we'll really be strapped for space. I'm patiently waiting for a great deal on a GMC Acadia to pop up. Third, a stroller would have been a nice addition. I've never been a huge stroller fan other than using the BOB for runs but when Parker wanted to be held, she wanted to be held. 7 months pregnant + 110 heat index + 25lb Parker = no weight gain for the week even though I made it my job to indulge. Talk about a work out.

I had so much fun that I'm already planning our next beach vacation!

I'm so excited to be in Virginia Beach!

Naked with sand on her face. Whatever makes her happy.

Out on the beautiful beach

Have I mentioned that Parker is obsessed with birds? Because she is.

She was also obsessed with her shovel and bucket. Once it got full she would say "ready" for us to tip it over and make a sand castle.

But obsessed with the water?

Not so much.

We took Parker in the ocean every day and while she tolerated it, she made sure to say "not nice, water" and "stay, water" and "be nice, water." One night she did decide that she loved the ocean and was running around in the water like a crazy woman. I got loads of hugs and kisses that night and heard lots of "come here, water," "this is fun," and "I love this."

Mommy and daughter matching pink toes :)

That's right. Pregnant in a bikini.

Aquarium time.

Parker wanted to bring these turtles home with us. She was mesmerized. Thankfully this place had a thousand turtle exhibits. Seriously.

Nature Trail connecting one side of the Aquarium to the other.

There was no shortage of pinecones in this forest.

My two daredevils decided to climb up the treetop lookout tower. Parker climbed all the way up four monstrous sets of stairs. I relaxed down below on the bench.

WATCH OUT FOR THE SHARK!!!

Perhaps the coolest thing about vacationing on the ocean during the 4th was the beachside fireworks.

"Mommy's silly"

Parker had mixed emotions about the fireworks. At first she was scared ("too loud"), then she was in shock (see above), then she dozed in and out on Kris' shoulder.

Finally, a way to keep Parker in a bubble.

Unfortunately these bubbles pop way too easy.

Children's Museums have the neatest ideas. The bubble room was absolutely fantastic.

"I do this"

The grocery store section was packed with yummy things.

In the process of taking baby's clothes off on the dentist chair. This kid prefers her baby dolls sans clothing. Baby Stella has been in the nude for endless months.

Look at me, I'm a vet!

Ahhh, get me back here asap!

And this is how the beach looks super early in the morning. While most people were sleeping we were playing in the sand. Not exactly by our choice though. Parker had some pull in this decision.

See Kris way out there?

Another Children's Museum. Parker loved this carosel. She started off holding my hand but right about now she's pushing me away and saying, "Mommy, go." Where did this big girl come from??