Vacationing with a Crowd

This is our fifth annual trip to the beach with Chris' coworkers. For the last three years we have rented the same two 12 bedroom houses. These houses are oceanfront, huge, and beautiful. They are also full and loud! In total, there are about 42 adults and 18 kids, some of whom are teenagers. There are seven elementary school kids and four preschoolers. As the years go by, more and more people are making the trip. I really enjoy these beach trips because I often only see most of these people at the beach and at the Christmas party. It is fun to catch up with them and hang out.

We rent the houses in October because it cheaper (a lot cheaper) and people have more time to travel over a holiday weekend in the fall than during the summer.

Chris has worked for John for 12 1/2 years now. John hired Chris right out of college.

Here is a photo of Wesley with John and his wife. John went to the party store and bought all kinds of pirate stuff for the kids. This was a great idea and the kids have loved playing with the pirate stuff, including the bandanas.

Last year was perfect beach weather. The prior three years it was cold and rainy but last year was perfect. We were all hoping for a repeat but instead it is very breezy and cool - around 75 but windy. Here is one of the guys fishing on the beach in front of our houses.
See how windy it is? This is one of Chris' coworkers and her almost 4 year old son.
In the morning Chris and I walked 6 miles with both kids in the stroller. Ahh, I remember the days when we used to walk on the beach for exercise. Now we would have to put them in backpack carriers to do that.

After lunch at our favorite drive-in, we went to a little aquarium. We got in free because we are FONZ members. We are really getting our money's worth out of that membership! Here Wesley is pretending to nap on this turtle. He did take a nap as soon as he got back in the car.
One of the moms (the one with the kite) had the wonderful idea to bring a ton of playdough. This has entertained the kids for hours! Here is Wesley with a little 6 year old boy whose dad has worked with Chris for the last 12 1/2 years.
We eat most of our meals at the beach house. Actually at the "baby" house. All the families with young kids (Lydia is the youngest this year) stay in the "baby"house and everyone else stays in the other house. I am just happy that we are in the same house with the food because everyone comes to "our" house to eat and hang out. Now, some food does have to be stored in the other house.

On the first night we always have salad and lasagna that one of the wives makes for everyone. The second night is usually a catered BBQ meal - they bring the food and set it up for us. The Third night is usually seafood - crabs and shrimp. I did bring some homemade cookies but one of the wives brings a lot of baked goods. Here is Lydia enjoying one of her cupcakes.
Chris' boss does a lot of work in the kitchen. Here he is slicing meat for sandwiches. He first baked the ham and turkey and then he sliced it. At lunch time, he sets out platters of meat and cheese for sandwiches. Currently (during the Skin's game) he is deep frying chicken wings (they are very yummy and hot!). Early he sliced potatoes and deep fried those. See why I had to walk six miles on Saturday? The food comes out in force every few hours.
One of my favorte beach activities is playing Mexican Train with some of the other ladies. Last night we played until 12:30. My kids were up right at 7:00. Ugghh. Why didn't I go to bed at 11:00?
This little almost-four-year-old played with us for a little while before he went to bed. We had to help him but he really enjoyed it and he was so well behaved! He is the little boy with the kite in the earlier photo.