Beautiful Beaching Babes

If you had not already noticed Marianne has a budding talent as a professional photographer...and the next photo of Leo and Hayes proves it. The bath was a result of Big Mama's arrival - the boys have been very dirty all trip and thankfully BM is here to keep them clean.
In anticipation of the big trip to Disney, we took the girls to see The Princess and the Frog. I am a Disney hater and Princess loather but this movie is ridiculously cute and has an amazing take home message of female empowerment and need v. want - go Mama Oatie...

The weather cleared up in Amelia and we had a sunny warm day at the beach. Papa Jerry was tasked with carrying Hayes' bit (aka kiki according the Irvins or blanket for the rest of you). Hayes also convinced Papa Jerry to carry all of his shells.

Reeder worked her magic and created some beautiful sand art.

Leo loved the sand - and he only ate two or three handfuls before he realized that no matter how much he chewed the sand would not become digestible.

Eden loved the beach but was a little intimidated by the waves. Reeder and Eden spent an hour on the beach creating pots to put their flowers (sticks) in.

And Hayes found lots of shells and really enjoyed sharing them with BEEM - Big Mama.

The fearsome foursome strolling on the beach. Papa Jerry is holding Leo and Big Mama has eagle eyes on the "Hugger"...check out the amazing reflection....another example of Marianne's amazing photo talent.

Jump jump splash splash...

The cozy cute Kappel clan....

Papa Jerry on his journey to the beach...never mind the exposed underwear...it's because we forced him to wear pants not just pajamas....

Big Mama and her little man, Hayes....

Eden's exuberance at creating a sand pile....she tried to teach Hayes how to smash sand piles by jumping on them with his knees. Hayes could not master this trick but he had a really good time trying.

Reeder looks like a precious moments catalogue child....

Self potrait with wind...what a beautiful mommy and baby.

Reeder likes to know where we are going, when we are going there, who is coming...and then she counts us all to make sure noone gets left behind. Here she is checking to make sure that the appropriate posse is following her to the beach.

One morning everyone was accounted for except Papa Jerry and Leo - we went onto the porch and found them circling the pool. I was very helpful and hollered down to Papa that Leo can't swim - just an fyi. Marianne and I grabbed the girls and headed down to check out the unheated absolutely freezing cold pool....which everyone splashed in....