Sandbanks 2010

In August, we went for our annual Hoogstad camping trip. Sister-on-law Renée had managed to get FOUR sites on the beach (unheard of), and so we were camping in style.  Unfortunately, the thing I remember most about this week was the unbearable humidity.  We even left a day early because I just couldn't take it anymore.  Blech.  That aside, the kids had a fantastic time.  They talk about camping and the beach nearly everyday.  It's such a unique experience for them, and they really treasure it!

I did enjoy taking photos in the evening when the sun wasn't as direct.  We camp on the beach sites, and with direct sun, the sand heats up to 50*C (Dad measured with a thermometer).  I don't much feel like taking photos when combating that... but when the sun starts to go down, I love capturing some memories from camping! 

Danielle in the sunset.

Micah climbing to the top of the sand dune separating our site from the main beach.

Our nephew Braden, whom Micah enjoyed playing with!

Rachel, happy to be at camping.

Micah shed his shorts (of course).

Someone's neat sandcastle.

I love this photo of my baby.  She still looks like a baby here.  She has grown up so much since this photo was taken!  This is also her favourite shirt.  She gets upset when I don't let her wear it everyday.

Going for a stroll.

I've never seen a sunset prettier than a Sandbanks sunset.

My man.

Rachel hanging out at her cousins' site.  New toys to play with over there!

Micah is not above playing with Ken.

Rachel LOVES playing with her older cousins.  She just soaks it all in!

We caught two of the brother-in-laws taking a rest together:)

Niece Erin.

The next day after we arrived, it was Zach's actual birthday (you'll recall we attended his birthday party a week before), so we couldn't get that go by without a little celebration!

A big blow for a big boy!

The other kids got to blow out the candle on their cupcakes, too.

This is how we did bathing this time around.  Last year we tried the family showers at the comfort station, but we ran out of hot water as soon as everyone was ready to step in.  Needless to say we weren't up for trying that again.

They sure didn't seem to mind!

Poor Rach.  When she gets bitten by mosquitos, they swell up pretty badly.  She looked like she had the chicken pox!

You know it's ridiculously humid outside when Danielle's hair does this.  It's so stinkin' cute, though.

Rachel's turn.

The boys playing together.

Danielle's bath all done.  Love this pose:)

Freshly bathed and in clean PJs.  What else is there to do but run to the beach!

But first Daddy has to brush your hair (isn't he a keeper??).

I love these photos.  This is what camping is all about!

I love how a simple metering change on a camera can produce such drastically different results.  This photo was exposed for the sunset.

And this one for the kids.  Taken only seconds apart.  I love photography!

Rachel sharing her seagull feathers with Grandma.

And now sharing with me!

And putting them in her clean hair.  Ewwwwww.

My baby when she still sucked her thumb.

Danielle pronounces Kelly-Lynn's name as "Callie-Lynn." These two have a special bond:)

The second oldest grandchild.  She is getting so tall!

Mom and Dad.

Grandpa loves playing with the kids, and Rachel LOVES being played with:)

A picture of Mom's picture.