Sunday, July 13, 2008

WELCOME TO THE BEACH

Welcome to our house in Virginia Beach, VA! We are all "decked out" and ready for company! Of course we decorate with quilts around here and I happen to have a few red, white and blue ones that are perfect for our 4th of July celebration. This year we added the outdoor drapes to the west facing side of the deck to block out the sun at dinner time. I was resistant to putting drapes outside, but my husband thought it would be great and I finally agreed. Now let me tell you, I couldn't be happier! These are from the Pottery Barn catalogue and made for outdoor use. They are a sturdy synthetic and look similar to canvas. I am hooked! It makes all the difference to have them shade us while eating outdoors! You can't quite see the wicker furniture, but we had all the cushions recovered in denim, which happens to go very well with my quilts!





Additionally, we added beach cruiser bikes this year. As you can see, they were a big hit! Plumpkin, in the back seat, managed to get someone to take her for a ride every night. There is a path nearby that goes through many miles of Seashore State Park for walkers, runners and bikers. It is great and a nice alternative to the beach. Jack, Polly and Plumpkin pictured here.

These two have been best buddies since they were babies. My son's son, Kyle, and my daughter's daughter, Mary. Both are 16 years old. Most of the good pictures that we have were taken by Mary. She carries her camera everywhere and gets some great shots! This one I may have actually taken, but you never know because these days kids manage to snap lots of pictures of themselves with their out-stretched arm. If you have teenagers around you know what I mean. We combined photos from three cameras onto a disk, so that is why I don't know for certain who took the picture.

Plumpkin was amazed to see the little crabs that skitter all over the beach. It it amazing how quickly they bury themselves down a hole.


Jack decided to try it himself. Buried up to his neck, he may be having second thoughts after what Kyle found living close by. What is that pinching your toe Jack?

Kyle loves nature. In fact, he had to chase his cousins down the beach to show them the wonderful specimen that he found. I once ordered a soft shell crab sandwich at a local restaurant and this is what was on it, legs sticking out of the bun, with tomato, lettuce and mayo. I am not a native of this area, and it was kind of weird!

In closing, I have to share what is probably my favorite picture of the summer. My son, in the middle (duh!), is a crazy man, and always is goofing around. The kids love him for it, and so do I! His daughter Danielle, is on the left and googly-eyed Plumpkin on the right.

Did I mention how quiet it is around here? Everyone went back to their own homes in Minnesota and Arizona last week. It was wild and wonderful while they were here, but the quiet is a nice change too! More later...

Marcie Posted by Picasa

23 comments:

Libby said...

Marcie, it just looks like a perfectly fun filled summer. Those curtains are a fantastic idea. Love all the photos . . . memories of great times spent as a family are just priceless!

Paula said...

Marcie, when is dinner served? I'm inviting myself! Love your porch, and of course, the quilts!

Carin said...

Beautiful porch! Kiddos are adorable.

Quilts And Pieces said...

boy would I love to be on the beach right now!

sewprimitive karen said...

What a perfect Home-by-the-Sea, it looks divine. Love the curtains and the beach bikes. That Plumpkin, she is adorable, so is Jack, so are all the kids. Jack has a killer grin :-).

Anonymous said...

Love your outdoor room! Beautiful! And the kids are great.... how fun!

Lisa said...

Cute. Grandma, I love how you said about the picture Mary and Kyle. "thats my son's son, and the other one is my daughter's daughter."

cute.

Michelle said...

Wow, what a beautiful home and family you have! Sounds like an awesome time was had by all. :)

Susan said...

The porch drapes are a great idea...your deck is so inviting!

Liz said...

So, when can I come?! I'm glad you had fun with family, but I'm glad you're back to posting, too. I missed you while you were 'gone'! Hope the rest of your summer is just as great...shall we meet in Atlanta for a few days fun with our daughters?? I'm game if you are!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing your delightful family and home! {googly-eyed plumpkin cracks me up!}
Blessings,
Joyce

Anonymous said...

What a great home-by-the-sea! Blue seems very appropiate for such a house! Happy pics!Yhey brought a bit of summer in rainy Holland

Mrs. Goodneedle said...

Fantastic photos, a porch worthy of a Country (or Coastal) Living photo shoot (including a cover shot)and a wealth of memories. I understand that kind of quiet, both the quality and the lonlieness of it, I know you miss them! Great post, Marcie!

Kim said...

It sounds like you've been really enjoying summer! The porch looks great! I love the curtains!

*karendianne. said...

Oh Marcie, great post! Thanks for sharing all the photos and, oh yeah, do you know its very hard not to smile a big toothy grin here every time I read about Plumpkin or see her sweet face. Just too cute.

Summer Smiles Love, *karendianne/ Living Life at LeeHaven

Unknown said...

What a wonderful family and week you must have had. Reminds me so of our days at the beach. Oh, and the soft shells, How did you like them? My DD and hubby love them. Had them last Sat. I'll eat somethig else , thank you.

Lyn said...

Hi Marcie, such a lovely setting.I am sure your children and grandchildren will have special memories of their holiday with you and your husband. Warmest Regards Lyn

Finn said...

Fun pictures Marcie....love seeing where you live and the fam *VBS* Big summer hugs,Finn

Kairle Oaks said...

Food, family and FUN!!! Looks like everyone was having a great time! My sister returned to CA last week. We sure miss her family!

julieQ said...

Love your red, white and blue quilts. Your home looks perfect for summery fun.

antique quilter said...

I just want to be sitting on that porch sipping ice tea and hand quilting a mini quilt!
Kathie

Perry said...

Loved the pictures! I can see where the drapes would help, but you have such a lovely porch I can understand your reluctance to put them up. Your children and grandchildren are all so cute and look so happy, and I am sure you had a ball while they were there. Now you can recoup till next time.

Susan said...

I loved reading the posts about your time with family. What great fun. Your decorating is wonderful. Love the curtains outside! Miss Ballerina is beautiful.