New Port Beach, California July 4-9

My parents rented a beach house at New Port Beach for the week of July 4th. It was our little Robinson Reunion, minus my sister Ann and her family. We pulled up to the house the night before the 4th to the wildest, loudest college party scene we have ever seen! We had no idea the Fourth of July is the most popular holiday on the beach. After a loud night we headed out to the beach on the Fourth and enjoyed our day in the sun. That night we had a barbecue and watched fireworks on the beach that were set off on the pier. Thankfully after the firework show things quieted down and by the next morning the party scene was completely gone. We enjoyed a quiet rest of the week. Renting a beach house is the way to do the beach. We walked barefoot a block to the beach and back each day. We were able to just relax with no major plans besides enjoying our surroundings and each other. Here is what we got up to...
London became an expert at "making mud." This girl did not put even a toe in the ocean, but rather spent her time in the sand where she was completely happy. We brought tons of sand toys, and that is how she spent her time. She would ask grandpa or Uncle Matt to go fetch her some water from the ocean, then proceed to dump and pour things around until she was satisfied with her creation.

Brooklyn, on the other hand, was all about the water and wanted nothing to do with the sand. That was a little tricky! She repeatedly begged Steve to take her out in the water. She loved the waves. The water was cool, but she didn't mind.
After being in the water, Brooklyn enjoyed being wrapped up in her warm towel. She also helped grandpa read his books, all while not touching the sand.
London and Uncle Matt did some kite flying.
And there is the kite. Moments after this picture was taken, London let go of the string and Matt had to dive to catch it.
We enjoyed a little sun. We needed it!

We rented beach cruiser bikes which was a favorite for everyone. Steve and I took the bikes out and road along the boardwalk where we watched the sunset. We enjoyed biking right along the beach and also seeing all the cool beach houses.

The girls also enjoyed riding the bikes with dad. They especially liked ringing the bells on the handlebars.
We made awesome sand castles which we decorated with the great sea shells we collected each day.

We visited the New Port Beach Temple. It is a beautiful place surrounded by these gorgeous purple flowers. These were everywhere and I loved it!
Brooklyn was a happy girl this day. On the temple grounds we found several little bunny rabbits. The girls really thought that was fun.

My Aunt Sue and Uncle Steve live in Laguna Beach, just south of New Port Beach, so they came over everyday and hung out with us. This day we met up with them for lunch. This is the whole group, minus my dad who was golfing with his cousin.
Here are Steve and Brooklyn on the Newport Pier on one of our last nights. This was really a great vacation for our family. The girls did really well traveling, sleeping, and enjoying the beach and family members. We can't wait to do it again!