We had such an amazing vacation to VA Beach. We started this family vacation tradition last year during the same time. Our trip was from Sunday thru Thursday. We stopped by Stony Creek, VA (Ida's childhood home) and visited family. She stayed there with her brother for a visit, and we continued on! It was so great to see our extended family.
We arrived there in perfect time for check in in and was ready to relax, but Jaxson couldn't stop talking about going on the beach, so while Maddox took a much needed nap, Jaxson and I went down to the beach. He loves the water. It brought so much joy to me watching him. Of course, I had the "Mommy complex" with fear. Jaxson was fearless and that is so scary for me. We have taken a basic introduction to swimming, but he is still so young. The first day, I wouldn't let him near the water without holding my hand.
For dinner we ordered in some Italian food, and then hit the sack. Traveling is so exhausting! Monday morning we headed to the beach early, 2 kids in a suite is good, but after being up for a while, it was time to go outside. We stayed on the beach from 9:30 am until lunch time 12:00. Had lunch, took naps and then went out to dinner at Sonic. SO much for a relaxing dinner, Jaxson had an potty accident sitting in his car seat, and Maddox ended up throwing up some food in his car seat. Needless to say it wasn't so much fun!
Tuesday proved to be a much better day! Aunt Davida, Aunt Lois, and Micah (The Bratton's) came to visit us at the beach. We had a great time! After naps, we played in the room, and then meet them at Outback for dinner.
The boys did such a great job eating out! I was so proud. It's only like the 3 time they have been "out" to dinner. I know that sounds crazy, but we tend to order in! They ate really well and then we went back over to their house to hang out and play. They have a wonderful playground near their house, and the boys had a blast playing. 
Wednesday we planned to go on the Rudee Flipper dolphin boat. We found some great coupons and headed out. Maddox and Jaxson were a little cranky, but we ended having a great time. Well, Maddox ended up sleeping for most of it! We saw a lot of dolphins and dolphin babies. I was so glad to have been able to take the boys on their first boat ride! After nap, Jaxson and I went to play at the pool. We meet a friendly family that was acutally from Winchester, VA. We meet up the with Brattons again for dinner and give the boys a chance to hang out again!
Thursday we ended up packing up early, (seeing has Hurricane Earl wanted to come thru!)and arrived home around 2:00. We truly enjoyed our time with the boys, and can't wait to do it again next year!
