My Baby Girl

Friends Like Family

Two weeks later
*Ashley's POV*

"Babe have you seen the diaper bag?" Tyler calls from the top of the stairs.

"Try looking in our closet." I call back, stuffing bags of chips into an oversized beach bag.

Today is a very special day for all of us because it is a cast reunion party. With so many births, marriages, and job opportunities, it seems like forever since we've been able to get together! Even though it is only May, the weather has been absolutely beautiful the past few weeks so we decided to take a trip to Santa Monica beach. I am so excited because it will only be the twins' second time going to the beach. They were just newborns when we brought them here last, so now that they are more aware and have discovered the world around them, I am so excited to see how they react.

"Everleigh, Millie, do you girls have your suits on yet?" I yell up the stairs, followed by two simultaneous yeses. Ryan and Corrine decided to go out for the day to catch up since they haven't had the opportunity to do that in over six years, so Tyler and I offered to take Camille for the day. After all, she is a part of our family.

Just then I hear the undeniable cry of Adley Grace from the other room. Lately the twins have loved to take their naps in the swings in the living room. Tyler and I do not complain though. It's nice to have them near us and hear their soft snores throughout the day. I quickly drop what I am doing and hurry to attend to my fussy daughter.

"Shh, it's okay Addy." I say, lifting her out of the swing and bouncing her in my arms. Adley stops crying almost immediately and peers up at me with her soft blue eyes.

"There's my sweet girl!" I croon, nuzzling her face with my nose. She reaches up and grabs my nose, smiling the whole time. I love moments like these. The best part about having twins is that you almost always have someone to cuddle, and Tyler and I don't have to fight over who gets the baby like most couples do.

"I found it." Tyler announces, entering the room with the diaper bag in hand.

"Here, I'll switch with you." I say, handing Adley over to Tyler and taking the diaper bag in return.

"Thanks for all your help, baby," I say, kissing Tyler on the cheek and hurrying out of the room. Trying to get myself, Tyler, two preschoolers, and twin babies out the door, believe it or not, is a lot harder than you might think. Just when you think you have everything, you remember another essential product.

Finally, after the babies have been changed and fed, the girls are dressed, packed, and ready to go, the car is loaded and the kids are buckled, it is finally time to hit the road. The beach is only about a thirty minute drive from our house, not including traffic, so it's not too bad of a trek. However with crabby, hungry kids it can feel very long. Thankfully this time, there were no tears or complaints the entire way there and we arrived right on time!

"Okay kiddos, were here!" Tyler announces, putting the car in park and turning to face the crowded backseat where the kids are engrossed in their movie. I chuckle when no one responds and continues to fix their eyes on the TV screen.

"Typical kids of the twenty-first century." I say, rolling my eyes in mock annoyance. Tyler chuckles and pulls the key out of the ignition. I wrap around to the back door and help the kids out of the car, sending both Everleigh and Camille with a bag to carry since my weak body can't hold that much weight. Even though the twins were born eight months ago, I've still found that I don't have all of my strength back yet. I guess carrying forty-five pounds of extra weight for nine months really took its toll on my body, but I'd happily do it all again for my girls.

As soon as our feet make contact with the warm sand, my heart does a giddy leap. It's been forever since I've gotten to enjoy the beach, and I forgot how relaxing it is. I scan my eyes for any signs of human life. We like to enjoy the beach on a private peninsula miles away from the public beach. It's far less crowded than the main beach, and it's easier for us to enjoy our time without being bombarded by paparazzi.