The last bit of summer fun

We just returned from a wonderful trip to Long Beach with our friends. They have a great place on the Beach. It is always so much fun to go down there. My entire family looks forward to it. We always have all the kids sit on the porch for a photo. My two are the first two boys on the left of the pic.

Here I am with my dear friend Steph. Not pictured is Mare...she was at the beach house with her family too. She however, was afraid to get on one of the Vespa scooters. She rode a bike instead. Steph's husband bought her the pink Vespa for their anniversary...I am on his...the more masculine version of a Vespa...we took these to get a pedicure. What fun!

A night out for sushi...the kid's table, they are the best

Here are Mare and Steph. They have been best friends since the 3rd grade. I absolutely love them both. We have a great time together. We are raising our families together. My kids call them their Aunt Mare and Aunt Stephie. They are a blessing and have taught me the true meaning of friendship. They are there for the long haul, through thick and thin. Thanks you two!

This is my best friend and husband Lar. He is an amazing man. I am very blessed to get to share my life with him. Although I don't think HE always feels lucky...let us just say he's one wise man..and rarely lets on that I am driving him crazy...he is as loyal as they come and I am so very thankful for him.

Our hostess and her sweet brother Stephen. I didn't get a picture of her husband, but he is a great guy too. Thank you Mr. Steph for a wonderful stay. You are always such a great Uncle to our kids

Here is Steph and Stephen with their sweet father. He has the most amazing Irish accent and beautiful stories about his life. We truly enjoyed talking to him.

It was super crowded, but we were all so happy to be together that we didn't even care where we slept. The kids just piled onto the couches, pull out beds and air mattresses. There were 12 of us all together.

Then there were the beach activities....

Full of fun in the sun

for a mother of two boys, I absolutely love getting my girl time with Steph and Mare's girls (of course I adore Mare's son too...he truly is the perfect mentor for my guys!)

Paddle boarding is very popular now

and super fun when you try to knock each other off

Thank you to our dear friends for hosting a wonderful
"Beach house" stay!!!! it was relaxing, full of yummy food and more laughs than one can hope for. Not to mention, adventure and a little Hollywood suspense....We love you all and can't think of a better way to say goodbye to another summer.