The girls' first trip to the ocean and beach!

We decided to go to the beach after we checked out of our hotel. The girls had never been to a beach or seen the ocean so we wanted to make sure they got to experience that. I am so glad we did because they had a blast! We took them to New Smyrna beach (the shark bite capital of the world!). The girls were amazed when they saw the ocean for the first time and couldn't wait to get out to the water. They quickly learned that running or even walking in the thick sand by the ramp isn't easy!


Emily charged ahead and wasn't the least bit scared. Alexa was so busy taking it all in that she couldn't hardly walk for looking at everything. Madison wasn't so sure about it...she wanted to go, but not unless someone was holding her hand.


The water was a little chilly at first, but once you got in it wasn't so bad. Emily wanted to keep going further and further out and absolutely loved it when waves would come in and splash against her. Alexa and Madison liked to be just at the edge of the water where they had more stability and the water was a little warmer.


We didn't stay in the water too long because it was chilly. We brought buckets and shovels for the girls and they were very happy to sit on the beach and play in the sand.


We spent longer at the beach than I thought we would and the girls had a great time until they got a little cold (and tired and hungry). Luckily the girls did not get sunburned or injured in any way, so it was nice to end on a positive note. (Although daddy did get sunburned on the tops of his feet and all the way down his right leg.)

I would have to say that our first family vacation was a complete success and we all had a great time. The 2 day drive there and the 2 day drive back was a little rough (mostly on the adults as the kids watched movies and/or slept most of the way) but it was worth it. Glad to be home now though as I need to rest up for a day before Alexa has her surgery!