We were so blessed this summer to sneak in an end of summer beach trip.  It was a surprise from Mimi and G-Daddy.  

We were super excited and counting down the days. We couldn't wait to see what Laney thought of the sand and the ocean.

So, the day finally came and we packed everything up (and I mean everything- well, except for the swim diapers- grr) and made the drive (with many more stops than we would have before baby). 

It was a pretty drive with no rain, until we got about twenty minutes from the beach. :(

The wind was blowing, it was raining and skies were cloudy.

Tropical Storm Lee had gotten there just before us.

And it just happened to be the most slow moving storm EVER!  It was moving at 4 mph across the Gulf Coast.  Seriously? - I can walk to the beach faster than that!!!  

So, we just made the most of the time together.  We checked the radar a billion times, pinned a ton of things to Pinterest, checked Facebook, watched college football, enjoyed our awesome condo and ate some yummy food.

Is it still raining?

We had fun in other ways.  

And then, we saw a break in the rain - so we ran down to the beach to let Laney see the ocean for the first time.

She really seemed to be taking it all in and was very impressed with just how big it was.  She said "wa wa" over and over again.  

Yeah so - it was only a short break in the rain.  

So, not only did Laney get to see the ocean for the first time, but she also got to walk through a tropical storm for the first time!  She's such a trooper - she seemed like she didn't even mind the rain.

 Later that same day there was another, longer break in the rain and we headed down to the beach for another look. This time Laney was loving it even more.  

"WA WA!!!"

Double red flag - no swimming.

The waves were huge!

That didn't stop us though! 

We still had fun!

"Uncle B" and "La La"

Mimi and G-Daddy

I mean - Look at all that "WA WA"

It ended up taking Lee three  l . o . n . g  days to move out.  Uncle B and La La had to go back home before the weather cleared up.  We sure did wish they could have stayed a little longer.  

The next morning it was like a totally different place.  We were out on the beach bright and early.  

Laney thoroughly enjoyed her self.  

She chased the birds and played, played, played.

She wasn't scared of the water at all.

Nap time.

It was so beautiful.

This purple flag means "dangerous marine life"  We found this out AFTER we had been riding the waves! Yikes!

Walking down the beach with G-Daddy.

Searching for just the right tool.

 Daddy dug her a hole to play in.  It really worked out great for everyone - she loved it and it was like a natural pack in play that kept her in one place!

That night we went down to enjoy the sunset and take some pics. 

Again . . . "WA WA"

Can we go back, like maybe- tomorrow?

Once again, she fell asleep while we were walking.  

It was a big day after all.

I'm thinking we need to buy this girl a beach sounds cd for her room.

Day two was even more beautiful.  We played in the sand and Mimi was not allowed to just sit in her chair and not play in the sand.  See the proof below.

This is the life.

Yogurt on the beach

And then it came time to go home. :(

This was right before we left.  Laney spent a lot of time out here with G-Daddy through out the trip.  They walked up and down this porch many times.  Stepping on all of the door mats and even knocking on some doors :)

I think it's safe to say that Laney is a little beach bum.  

A special thanks to my in-laws for a wonderful trip that was a blessing we won't soon forget!

We love you!