I needed this

 When my sister-in-law said they couldn't use their time-share at Newport beach and wondered if we wanted it we jumped!  It just happened to be the ONLY week this whole summer that we didn't have anything going on.  I beg and pleaded and used all the charm I had.  This was my chance to make it to the beach....to dig my toes in the sand, feel the ocean breeze on my face, and the smell of salt in the air.  Oh how I love the beach!  It didn't take long to get Rob on board and so off we went, looking like a band of gypsies going down the road.  I was giddy. It was just what we needed....we had no agenda....just time as a family...something that seems few and far between these days.  We went to the beach everyday except one in which we visited Rob's brother in Hollywood.  We spent time at the pool, we slept in, cooked most meals at the condo, watched movies, and just hung out.  The week went too fast. I didn't want it to end. These are some of the things I will always remember.

Watching all my boys (minus Brandon) get in our huge shower (swimming suits on) to wash off sand.

Still finding sand under Porter's neck after the rinse off

Holding Porter and watch him sleep as I watch the rest of my kids boogie board and dig in the sand

Eating cheesecake from the cheesecake factory (we bought a whole one...it was cheaper)

Listening to Brandon talk about all the cool cars that we saw

Beating my children in our paddle board competition (show no mercy)

Watching James get buried with just a towel over his head while two teenage girls walk by and laugh

Boogie boarding with Rob, telling him to go catch a wave and then watching him get washed (I was actually really scared because he really could have got hurt)

Watching James time after time take wave after wave....he got thrashed and always went back for more

Seeing Porter's face as his arms and legs went as fast as they could as he dug his toes in the sand (he's a beach baby for sure!)

Running barefoot on the beach with my best friend (we did actually get up one morning to exercise)

The guy on the subway in Hollywood (I don't even have to say anymore....my kids will always remember)

The look on people's faces when they see us all together

Watching Emily re-create the "mermaid look" for the second time so Megan could have a picture

Ammon putting his swimsuit on backwards and saying "that's o.k. because I'm pro."

Looking at the beach and ocean for the last time and longing for just one more day

Realizing how this time together, as our family is now, will last one more year

 He's in Donald Duck's feet in Hollywood