Photography: The Beach

Here are just a few of my favorite photos from the beach.  One of my favorite things about our family beach trips is taking lots and lots of pictures...especially of all the beautiful kids in our family.  I know I may be a little biased, but I could literally eat them up!  I did not realize it, but this year I took a lot of photos with people walking towards the ocean.  There is something peaceful and sweet about it- they are definitely some of my favorite shots from this summer. 

Back from the beach...

I had every intention to post from the beach...but the sun, and waves... and especially the great company...made me realize that taking a break for a while is exactly what I needed.  I hope you all had a great week.  We certainly did.  And I got to spend my 36th birthday with my very favorite people. 

I have got some wonderful things to share with you this week... a couple delicious recipes, some fun and adorable photos taken in the surf and sand, and some interesting birthday insights I have gained in this past week. 

As much as we enjoyed the vacation, I am glad to be back.  I have a lot I still want to accomplish during these last few weeks of summer, and now, I think I have the energy to get it all done : )

Our trip to DC . . . at a glance

{Washington Monument and the reflecting pool }

We are back home, recovering from our vacation : )  Another wonderful Easter spent in DC.  We saw as much as we could...taking requests from the girls as we went.  There was a little bit of history... a few pieces of art... some appreciation of the great outdoors... lots of food... and most important of all... plenty of family time.

Here are just a few photos of our time in our nation's capital- 

{ Lincoln Memorial }

{ WWII Memorial }

{ Watching planes fly overhead at Gravelley Point Park }

{ We saw our very own skateboarding bulldog-  "Winston" }

{ grabbing a quick bite at a skytop restaurant- rotating floor with an almost 360 degree view }

{ The National Cathedral }

{ Preparations taking place for Easter Sunday at the National Cathedral }

{ Began the trip to Georgetown with a stop into DC cupcakes }

{ best tip ever- order the day ahead to avoid the massive line }

{ Enjoying sweets on the banks of the Potomac }

{ first trip on the metro- the girls loved it! }

{ the girls being eaten by a Megalodon at the Natural History Museum }

{ the mammal section of the Natural History Museum }

{ one of the winners of the National Wildlife photo contest currently on display at the Natural History Museum }

{ the Hope Diamond }

{ Belief and Doubt by Barbara Kruger at the Hirshhorn Museum }

{ Isabella's favorite piece of art - Robert Gober's Oversized Stick of Butter : )  }

{ Great Falls- the Virginia side }

{ hard to remember how big it was, until you see the tiny kayaker }