Beach Days

We're home after a wonderful week at the Outer Banks, NC!


The annual Stanley Family vacation was chaotic and busy in typical fashion, and Bella LOVED being around the aunts, uncles, and cousins all week! She relished the opportunity to play all day with friends from waking moment to collapsing in bed, and learned a few new songs, too.












Unlike last year, Bella was not a fan of the ocean, but preferred to run around and play in the sand.













Anastasia loved the sand, too - in a different, messier sort of way.












Right behind our house was a pond inhabited by hundreds of turtles! All of the kids enjoyed feeding them our scraps of bread. They'll walk right out of the water and take it from your hand if you let them! Bella was fascinated watching them fight over the pieces she threw into the water. She volunteered the sign for turtle to show everyone what we had seen.

The biggest surprise of the week was Thursday evening on the beach when we turned to see Daddy walking toward us!




As usual, the week flew by and we had a great time. It was a sad Monday morning when Bella awoke to the normal quiet of our house!