scenes from a wonderful fall break

we had a lovely time in southern cal with lots of r & r and time together as a family.

the first day was great. it all started with this...

then it was off to work (or shall I say play?)



endless fun playing in the sand together. the kids were so focused on keeping water in their ditch they would take turns announcing "water duty! i'm on water duty" and whoever was would run back and forth filling up a pail and dumping it into the ditch. they took this role very seriously and were proud to have the responsibility of it. andrew is on 'water duty' in this picture (in the background).

although chris and i did spend a good amount of time observing how much fun they were all having together (and reading our books), we did also lend a hand joining in on the fun.

the older three did eventually jump in the water, clothes and all...

and the little one was surely ready for a nap by the end of the afternoon...

p.s.

sorry the orange was getting to me...it didn't last until halloween! my house has been decked out since the beginning of october though, pics on that later.