Family Beach Day

Lauren's girl cousins were in town for a week for a little beach vacation and to attend a family wedding (more on that later). Unfortunately, the day after they arrived, I was set to travel out of town for work (Norm actually left for a work trip the day of their arrival), but that didn't stop us from spending a fun-filled day on the Balboa Peninsula with my brother, sis-in-law Stacie, nieces (plus Jess' boyfriend), and my parents.

Can I start by saying that I absolutely cannot believe how grown up my nieces are? And ridiculously gorgeous to boot.

After her face was sunburned at the beach recently, I'm not taking any chances with Lauren's skin. Determined to find pure zinc oxide for her face, the closest thing I could locate was something that contains 40% zinc oxide. Diaper rash cream. Yes, you read that right. Slathered over her nose and cheeks, and reapplied every 90 minutes, thus far it's been foolproof, if not particularly favored by our fair-skinned cherub.


Immediately upon arrival, she couldn't wait to touch the water.


With Ally and Stephanie (is it weird to want your 12-year-old niece's abs??):


Mom and Jessica:


With Jess' boyfriend Marc (yes, I'll take his abs too, thank you very much):


Fun in the surf ensued.



Even Dad joined in.


Greg brought out the Nerf football, and Lauren was in heaven.



The grownups headed back to the chairs and shade, while the kids stayed close to the water's edge.


True to form, Lauren's hand was never far from Steph's.






Back at the house, everyone gathered 'round while Lauren distributed hand-made artwork embellished with everyone's initials.


Then indulged in a feast of BJ's pizza and Caesar salad.

Spending time with her cousins always brings so much joy to our girl.





An absolutely perfect summer's day at the beach.