The 'Bu

My brother Greg and his gorgeous family rent a beach house for a week every summer. This year they decided to give Malibu a try. As luck would have it, my nephews Ryan and Daniel were visiting from Hawaii at the same time, so a couple of Sundays ago, my parents, nephews, and our little threesome loaded up and drove north to one of the most famous celebrity beaches in the world.

Our car ride up was uneventful. Lauren ignored the stunning coastline the last 20 minutes of the ride, and instead focused intently on the Sunday comics.



The house was beachy, quirky, and just right for a family get-together. Right on the sand, it was perched high above the surf to protect it from the wind-whipped waves that roared in with every high tide.

Upon arrival, Lauren gave it her signature squeal, jump and clap of approval.



When her boy cousins arrived with my parents, she immediately assumed the role of Julie McCoy and showed them the view.



The boys played some paddle ball with their Uncle Greg.





While Lauren braved the waves with cousins Ally and Steph.



The gang then headed down the shore a ways for some boogie boarding.

Jessica was joined by 2 close friends.



Greg and the boys tore it up.





Norm grabbed a board to catch some waves.



Success.




After lunch, we did nothing more than sun ourselves on the deck and enjoy each others' company and the beautiful day.





The kids played cards.



Greg serenaded a group with his guitar.



Then a bunch of us whooped it up with a game of charades.

Bus Driver:


Letter "Z":


Blooming Flowers:


Flamingo:


Not to mention Lauren's new favorite game - Truth or Dare.

Dad's dare posed by Lauren? Go kiss Nana.



In short, we all had a ball.













As the sun began to fade in the sky, we gathered the cousins for a final group shot. It has been 4 long years since all of these precious kids have been together in the same room.

To Wit:

July 2007.



July 2011.







Yes, it was really as great as it seems. A truly spectacular occasion, one that I sincerely hope can be reenacted every summer from here on out. No matter what, though, we'll always have the 'Bu.