Winterhoff Beach Week 2021

Winterhoff Beach Week 2021 at Rehoboth Beach, DE was the event that L&L were looking forward to the most this summer.  After not being able to gather last year, these kids were SO excited to resume our beloved family tradition with cousins.  As you can see, everyone jumped for joy when reunited:

We had a speed bump right before our travels, as Leah came down with a 102 degree fever.  We couldn't believe it, as everyone had been so careful about not participating in indoor activities for the two weeks leading up to the beach.  Our best guess is that she contracted a virus at the pool (it's the only place we'd been!), but luckily, her COVID test was negative and her fever broke quickly, only delaying us by a day.  Once we arrived, everyone was ready for some fun in the sun and sand with cousins:

Now that the kids are older, they spent longer days at the beach.  We avoided crowds at Fun Land this year, and enjoyed having picnic lunches and staying at the beach in the afternoons.  These kids play in the water for hours, and are active ALL the time.  It's crazy to think that just a few years ago, we needed to come home for naps/quiet time in the afternoons!

"Tall Mark" with Everett.

Here's a priceless photo of all the cousins pausing to pose for a picture:

...and here's the actual reality of our crew's constant movement in the ocean:

Donut Day was BACK, and these girls were delighted have their treats at the boardwalk with Poppy.  They may be taller, but are still just as cute as ever posing for their Donut Day pics:

Jumping off the lifeguard stand.

The boys had fun on their Donut Day, too, and these pictures tug at my heartstrings a little.  They are growing up, and I have a wish that they will continue to cherish these Donut Day memories long into their adulthood:

Each year, there are activities at the beach house that the kids love to do together.  This summer, friendship bracelets, M&M stacking, tie dye, and games topped the list:

Making bracelets.

M&M stacking challenge.

Bingo with Bean.

Bible Trivia.

Family games.

Tie-Dye artists.

Making tie-dye shirts and socks.

Another fun note is that we located President Biden's Rehoboth beach house.  We drove by a couple of times, sure that we'd be invited for a pool party, but somehow the Secret Service didn't find our names on the guest list or allow us to get closer:

Crab Night is one of our favorite parts of the week, and it was a tasty and memorable event for everyone!

L&L also got to have a "bonus" Donut Day with Bean and Poppy, as we stayed longer than the rest of the Winterhoff gang.  This morning was very special for our kids, and there are rumors that grandparents even jumped off the lifeguard stand!

Thank you, Bean and Poppy, for a fantastic beach week.  We can say with certainty that these special traditions are treasured now more than ever, as we realize what a blessing it is to all be together after a year apart.