Beach day...

As school drew to a close I put a few activities down on the calender as a way to plan for the upcoming emptiness of summer. All month Lorien and Wyatt had their eyes glued to June 28th's date where our first beach trip of the season was scheduled. In typical fashion I was not ready for the beach so we pushed back until Thursday when we could go with a few friends.

I love a day at the beach! Even though planning a beach day feels like comparable work to that of planning a suspension bridge it is more than worth it. The beauty of the day was held in the hands of the other fabulous Mom's who hauled their kids out to the beach too. We all sat together mutually mooching snacks, sand toys and blanket space off each other. Our kids broke off into random groupings building castles, splashing in the water and collecting beach treasures. It was fun to watch my kids make connections with children they don't get to see very often but who share their great imagination and enjoyment of adventure.

The waves were a little intense. I usually prefer this beach location because the waves and undertow are less severe than beaches closer to home. The waves on Thursday might have been an exception. Lorien always loves being in the water and Wyatt usually keeps a safe distance. Some how, between the last day at the beach in 2008 to the first of 2009 Wyatt conquered his water worry. Together Lorien and Wyatt spent most of the day in the waves with little interruptions for food and to warm their bodies on the sand.

Clare stayed well away from the water. She built sand castles with her friends and a beach garden (complete with seaweed growing out of the sandy soil).

Some of the kids asked to be buried in the sand. I think it is funny to turn children (boys and girls alike) into mermaids when they lay down in the sand and ask to be covered up. Wyatt was too quick...before I could start making his mermaid--er--merman tail he insisted that I make him a rock. Wyatt's friend, Dane, also wanted to sport the "rock" look, effectively ending my fun. Clare, on the other hand, was really happy to be a mermaid, reminding me to include "boobies".

We soaked up the beach until the sun set behind the cliff that shelters the sand and we were too cold to stay without a fire. It was an awesome day and I am ready for many more!