Black family: The Cape

Michael and Ali invited our family to Michael's family home in Cape Cod. What a beautiful place! It probably wasn't the best place for a two month old, but she was a trooper. We had to cut her beach going short after a day of heat rash and lots of tears. I am sure the people around us had things to say about our parenting. She was in a beach tent with a cool breeze, but I guess that wasn't enough. Lesson learned. Fortunately, we had no problems on the plane rides. Quinn enjoyed playing games and entertaining her cousin, while Molly just slept. Quinn felt quite cool with her backpack supplied with gum for the family.

There were some interesting moments trying to coordinate the troops, but we made it out alive. There were a few situations Ali and I were referring to our clan as a Circus Show, especially during our arrival to the airport.:) 8 adults, 3 children + 40 bags plus three carseats and bases and two strollers. We are obviously not expert travelers. I recalled my summer abroad with one suitcase that fit as a carry-on and wondered how that would even be possible these days.

There have been two stories about shark attacks in the Cape recently. Sorry to say we can't report any shark sitings in Falmouth.
It was just fun to have everyone together, especially the girls. We loved watching all of Caroline's new talents. So big, waving, signing more, standing on her own, and trying to say new words, like hello.She is such a character. She loved socializing that she sacraficed many naps, but you would never know, because she is always so happy. Quinn decided to start calling her Caroline-low, Caroline-lowsi, don't ask me how she came up with that name.Molly looks like she doubled in size and started becoming more social in one week's time. All the girls just adored being with their Mema and Papa.

Some Trip Highlights:
Heights and Woodneck beaches
Woodneck was one of the coolest beaches because the ocean flowed into a shallow wading pool area that created our own little lazy river. It was great for clamming too and looking for other sea creatures.
Downtown Falmouth shopping
Woods Hole aquarium and dinner at Shuckers
Liam Maguire's live Irish music and dinner
Nobska Lighthouse
Many late night stops at the British Beer Company
Ping Pong tournaments
Lots of food and drinks to add to all the entertainment.
Michael's scrod recipe...yum
Casino Wharf dinner
Best seafood ever
Playing Apples to Apples and Backgammon
Wiffle Ball (cut short when Michael nearly electrocuted himself trying to get the outdoor lighting working)
Walking the neighborhoods staring at all the neat houses
Listening to Michael's great Aunt tell family stories (hilarious)
Swimming and making sand creations. Michael made his infamous sand hole/pool which the girls liked sitting inside. I am sure Caroline ingested a cup of sand that day.

Here are some pictures totally out of order but too lazy to arrange them.

Mema and Papa at the beach with their girls

Quinn entertaining Caroline while waiting for the rental car

Entering Cape Cod...best we could get from the car

Still waiting for the car

Still waiting for the car...

More waiting...creative backing when the two cars came!

Trying out the cot Mema made for her.

Cigar smoking to kick off the first night. Late celebration for Molly's birth.

Beautiful views

Caroline's first time in the ocean

Couldn't be happier. She is a little fish like her mommy was as a child.

Just hanging around on the deck.

Mom I am hot and miserable!

Another gorgeous view by the house

Flirting with Daddy

Josh and Jake being forced to pose for a picture.

Molly smirking for Mommy

Checking out the ships at Woods Hole

Handsome couple.

Never saw a lifeguard in the chair. I think it is just there for looks.

Snacking on the back deck.

Checking out the jellyfish and lobster.

Nobska Lighthouse

Molly hanging in the tent with Daddy

Watching the boats

View from Nobska lighthouse

Showing off her standing skills

Matching dresses (Molly had one too but she was sleeping...what she does best)

Caroline wrestling Quinn

Wading area at Woodneck beach

Blowing bubbles

Shortly before she had to leave the beach due to the heat.

Stealing Papa's beach chair and eating lunch

She loved wearing googles out of the water but never actually tried them in the ocean

Molly's favorite position

Just another pretty view

Nobska windblown

Michael and Quinn trying to peak at all the private yachts

Trying to get a picture of the girls in their dresses Mema got them and this was the best we could do. By far my favorite picture. Sums up all their personalities right now.

Molly has found her hands and sucks away. I am trying to avoid having a thumb sucker and force the paci on her any chance I get.

Josh pushing Caroline in the swing.

Caroline with Great Aunt (?) Mary who still lives in Falmouth

Papa redeemed his chair.

Molly and Daddy

Caroline actually napping at the beach!

Best seafood dinner down the road from the house. Michael's childhood friend, Nick, came to join us for a couple days. He's in a band. Can you tell??

Sailboats

Look at how full her face is getting. Quinn calls her a Chunky Monkey Lady.

Don't remember what she was whining about here but I had to snap

a photo to capture the moment.

Playing in the pool Michael made.

Andy thought he would take Caroline and Quinn for a walk while we were finishing packing up the house. This picture was taken right before she got pooped on by a bird. Then to make matters worse, while they walked back to the house she took a spill in the street.