My Best Birthday EVER

I reeeeaaaallly, really, reaaally wanted to go camping for my birthday, and it almost didn't happen.  Rain was on the forecast for Saturday, and we were debating whether or not to go through with it.  We had already made plans to go with my friend Nicole who I share a birthday with and her family, and Jessica and her family.  Her son Mason and Elysse are good friends.  Well, everyone else was willing to risk the rain, so we went.   And we had the BEST time!  And, yes, there was no rain. ;)

The girls are such troopers.  We packed our car FULL of all our camping and beach gear, then everyone crammed in.  You can't see it here, but they are literally sitting on top of each other, with gear at their feet.  Soul in his spacious car seat, on the other hand, couldn't be happier!

 

 

 Last sunset of my 33rd year

 Woke up to a rainbow over the ocean on my birthday.  Really, what more could you ask for?!?

Sharing birthdays with my very good friend, Nicole.

 Elysse and Mason

 Okay, so to top off an awesome birthday, I took a total of 3 naps on the beach -- two when Soul fell asleep on me.  I swear my birthday was 36 hours long.

 Isn't this a cool shot of Kezia?!  Although not taken at the same time, Friday night we went crab hunting.  It was so fun!  We found over a hundred sand crabs and had fun chasing them and screaming when they were big. 

 Kezia and Ivy making a sand home.

 The look of sandy satisfaction.

 Hanging out -- literally.

 Leslie and Justin came by for a bit.  Here's Ivy and Tabitha  -- well, at least their heads!

 Elysse and Mason

 Elysse's birthday gift.

 s'mores!

 Nate picked up a coconut cake for me.  How thoughtful!  There was an astronomer on the beach who invited us over to look at Saturn through his scope.  We also played a few rounds of bocci ball.  I was surrounded by all the things I loved the most : family, friends, beach, and camping.  I couldn't have been happier.  34 is going to be a great year!