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Another beautiful summer weekend. Another opportunity for us to coat ourselves in sunscreen and play outside.

Another opportunity for the girls to learn the joys of splashing in the water.

Sunny, in typical cautious first born fashion, is wary of the water and it takes great coaxing to lure her in.

But we’re working on it…

Courtland, on the other hand, is our baby fish. Although she was less than thrilled with the addition of the lifejacket.

Clearly, it didn’t deter her aquatic play too severely.

We did remove the lifey to allow for easier movement when building grand sand castles with Big Sister and Daddy.

And yes I just referred to a life jacket as a “lifey.” Old habits die hard.

Addison thought building sand castles was the coolest thing since finger dancing (which she did like a pro during our car ride out to Pennsylvania. She even developed a move she dubbed “Four Dancing.” Hold up four fingers in the air and shake ’em around to the beat of your favorite tune… voila! FOUR DANCING!).

Courtland thought destroying sand castles was the coolest thing since learning to navigate the world on two limbs. I’d say that her sand castle destroying powers are far superior to her walking abilities at this stage. But I fear it won’t be long until those scenarios are reversed.

James got to do what he does best, which is be a dad. And it was extra special because it was in his favorite place on earth. A place that was so much a part of his upbringing that it has become the essence of who he is. And now it’s our daughters’ turn to have this place seep into their very beings.

I watched this scene transpire and just kept thinking about when I met James nine years ago and I asked him what he wanted to be when he grew up.

His reply?

A dad.

I’d say that he’s achieved his dream quite beautifully.

In the afternoons, we spent time on the porch watching Courtland walk.

Watching her learn to play guitar with her Uncle Ted.

Watching her giggle and grin with that ridiculous toothy smile.

And of course, watching her play with the pack of dogs, including our two beasts and three other canine friends.

We’re all pretty smitten with this little girl.

And her big sister, of course.

Our Sunny Sunshine.

Put the two of them together and we’re powerless against their wishes.

Even when they’re cranky pants like Miss Kaki below.

We sipped cocktails on Saturday evening. Even Courtland got in on the action.

Although, James may have imbibed one cocktail too many, as when dessert was presented at the table on Saturday night, he looked over at Sunny and said, “Oh, you better be careful. It looks like your cake may have some poop in it.” (It was Tiramisu, btdubs, so perhaps best that he try to deter the three year old’s consumption of coffee).

HOWEVER, I don’t think James anticipated the hysterics that followed this comment.

I WANT A BETTER CAKE! I WANT A BETTER CAKE! I DON’T WANT TO EAT POOOOOOP!

You can always count on me for poop discussions, eh? I promise, Sunny is fine. And James quelled her cries by swapping cakes and consuming the alleged feces cake himself. Way to take one for the team, Daddy.

And, of course, we made sure that Ursa got in lots and lots of swimming, wowing the pants off her many admirers…

Oh my gosh! Do you see that dog? She only has three legs?

Sunny happily took on the roll of Ball Throwing Extraordinaire, i.e. Ursa’s Favorite Human.

Look at her go! She’s incredible! Way faster than most dogs who have all four legs!

Seriously, this dog knows how to kick butt. She beat many a cancer-free, four limbed canine to the ball. Over and over and over again. She’s such a happy, resislient animal and continues to inspire us daily. Especially her human sisters…

I hope that your weekends were equally inspired!

Photos: Courtesy of Ashley Weeks Cart