Newport (part 1!)

I want to cry, because blogging about this trip means that it's over.

it was SUCH a dreamy vacation!

we have been looking forward to it for months, and man! 

it exceeded all expectations.

big thanks to mom and dad gilbert for making this trip possible.

we got really spoiled!

we stayed in marriott's newport coast villas--and I totally recommend it!

the resort was beautiful: ocean views, five minute walk to the beach, and had everything you could possibly need for a vacation.

our whole week was incredibly relaxing.

lots of beach time (my very favorite), games, and nightly jacuzzi visits.

first, i must start with this picture to give you a small idea of how fun this family is.

if you zone out for a second, you'll miss a billion witty comments, puns, and jokes.

it is constant with these gilbies, i tell ya.

on our first night there, we headed down to the beach for a few hours.

 we played volleyball, flew kites, and relaxed.

and man. I'm saying it again: i have the most fun in-laws ever.

 you can't really tell in this picture, but this kite is GIANT.

the first thing taylor did was pull this bad boy out and start flying.

he would have sat there for hours flying that kite.

buuuut, i kinda messed up his plans: he let me have a turn, and of course, within about five seconds, I crashed it right into the ocean.

it was a little too wet and heavy to lift off again.

whoooops.

sorry about that, tay. ;) 

and how cute are seth and his girlfriend?

it's so fun having all of us kids so close in age!

taylor was good about inviting me on long walks while we were at the beach.

he knows the way to my heart!

and during those walks we got to talk about all kinds of things--life is pretty great with this guy!

 oh and I pretty much DIED every morning.

I got to run right on the beach. it was so beautiful.

and I stopped every once and awhile to just sit and enjoy.

the beach was empty and quiet, except for me and a few runners.

it was seriously a little piece of heaven.

it made waking up before everyone just a little better when I knew what my destination was.

 you better believe that on day 2, we were at the beach first thing!

we really like to boogie board.

but i give up when the waves pull me under and drag my chin along the sand.

hiiiii chin burn!

also, i am LOVING my new headwraps from mint and arrows.

order a few--you won't be sorry!

 the next day, dad gilbert convinced us all to go to knot's berry farm

 do I look a little pale?

that's because I got sick.

do I look a little short?

that's because of my mom and dad.

I told taylor I might be momming-out next year.

(if you notice from the picture above, mom gilbert could not be convinced to come)

I can't do roller-coasters like I used to.

I was sad for a second--before I realized that mama gil was sitting by the pool all day while we were riding coasters.

and then I realized, momming-out doesn't sound so bad after all...

and dear MOM, I am slowly becoming as bad as you with motion sickness.

did you know I threw up on the first day after being in the car for 10 hours?

xoxo, your bitter daughter

i've got another picture overload coming your way tomorrow!

we miss you already, newport!