Hit the beach! Oops, beaches!

Our daughter's husband finally got in from Tajikistan, having packed things up and finished his work there.  They rented a van and drove to Missouri to see his folks there, staying for a week and taking part in the local fun, such as riding tractors,

driving horses,

braving the large insects,

and looking for beautiful but cursed princesses to kiss.

They had a great time with their Sherwood grandparents and relatives,

as well as visiting the Kansas City Temple.

Ending their stay there in Stark City, MO, Brandon, Ashley and the kids drove 18 hours straight to Topsail Island, on the North Carolina coast.

After giving them a day to recover, Paula and I, as well as Brynn and her family showed up and had a couple of great days with all of them on the beach.  

Sunday was quiet, attending church in Jacksonville at Brynn's ward, and walking on the beach in the early evening.

However, Monday morning a New Adventure began!  As a previous blog revealed, Bear Island lies several miles off the mainland, and can only be reached by water craft, such as trusty canoes.

I guess Bear Island on a Monday in mid-May isn't a real hot spot.  We were almost alone on the island, and it was great!

The kids played in the still-cold water, investigated the bath house facilities,

hunted for sea shells,

and finally settled in for the night, though there was some significant giggling for a while before things got quiet.

I guess the weather gods make exceptions for expeditions with little kids, as they skipped the usual stuff they throw at me with the Scouts, and all stayed mellow.

Crossing the three miles back to the mainland when smoothly.

Attempting to fold a Scout tradition in to the family ones, we stopped for fast food, to the delight of the canoe crew.

It was a great trip from the beginning to the calorie- and saturated fat-bomb end!

We hope that yours are as fun, and that the bears stay away from your islands.

Dave