At the Beach with the Days

Way back at the beginning of April, right around Sean and Matt's birthdays, we all went down to the beach for the weekend.  I was so excited to see Mason b/c I knew he had grown so much from the last time we were together.  

He was on the verge of crawling, so Matt and Beth were convinced we'd get to see his first moves.  Instead he decided to save that milestone until he was back at home...like 3 days later.

Since it was a chilly spring day, we decided to take the kiddos to the NC Aquarium.  Jackson was about Kate's age the first time he went, so he was due for another trip.  

The otters at the first exhibit only held her attention for a few minutes...after that she was done with the stroller.

She just had to run around like Jackson!  He was much more impressed with the fish than she was.  She was happier saying Hi to everyone who walked by and pushing around her empty stroller. 

Hey, look at those crabs!!

I've always loved turtles.  The little sun turtles were always my favorite for sure.  I remember having several as pets when I was a kid.  But only for a few days.  My daddy would bring one home for me after finding the little guy while fishing on the river.  I would be allowed to keep him for just a couple of days before he releasing him into the pond.  This guy kinda looks like a sun turtle, but he was much bigger.

Surprisingly enough, I never had an alligator as a pet.  These guys sunning in their habitat look so docile.    This one even looks like he's smiling!  Maybe he has his eye on lunch...

Like Kate, Mason'a attention span on the fish was pretty short.  He did great though, so he must have been having fun!

So darn cute!

We each tried to get a family picture while we were there.  Mason totally looks like he has something to say about the giant frog over his shoulder.  :-)

When it was our turn for a family pic, this was the best we got.  Really kids -- do you just hate the camera that much?

Yeah, that's a real shark's mouth -- pretty sure his open mouth is taller than Jackson!  Crazy!

After a yummy lunch of fried grouper, Beth and I left the boys and kids at the house and went out for a little shopping.  As the only woman left with all men, Kate had to step up and make sure everyone was on point.  

Hey man, they want to take our picture.  How bout you sit up and turn around.  Why are you looking at the chair anyway?  

Alright cool.  Now get a little closer to me.  Don't worry, I won't bite you....this time.  

You got it now, dude.  Look their way and give a handsome smile!

Look at Matt there, all cuddled up with Jackson and Mason!  Sean and Matt obviously handled Daddy time just fine!  Next time our shopping trip may be a little longer.  ;-)