Surf and Sun Kind of Summer

Living less than an hour from the beach is wonderful in the summer but we usually only make it a few times a year. Well, this year we've gone nearly every weekend. We fill the cooler with some drinks, pack my huge beach bag with towels, sand toys and snacks and off we go.

I love all the colors of the beach. It reminds me of looking into a kaleidoscope with all the umbrellas dotting the sand.

Even though she's not even three yet, Amelia usually runs straight for the water and splashes in.

I usually panic a little until Jason goes after her and grabs her hand before she floats away.

Anakin may be two years older but he's much more timid than Mia. Instead he just goes to the edge and sits, letting the water rush over him.

He then spends the rest of the time digging in the sand, searching for treasures and occasionally playing at the edge of the water.

Eventually, the whole family joins Anakin in the search for tiny clams and sand crabs before heading back into the water for awhile.

This year is the first that Jesse has taken a turn on Jason's boogie board. Jason gave him some pointers and then sent him out into the ocean.

It took a little while but soon Jesse was getting the hang of things and was riding a few waves in.

As always, Mia decides that she wants to do it too, and convinces us to let her have a try at boogie boarding.

Before you know it the kids are starting to tire out and actually sit still for more than five seconds.

Eventually, we drag Jesse out of the water and start to pack up to go.

We're all covered in sand; Amelia looks like she was swimming in it and not the ocean.

We wrap up in towels,

take one last look,

and go, discussing what's for dinner on the way home.

I'm thinking....burgers on the grill?

This blog was inspired by the challenge at http://www.iheartfaces.blogspot.com/This is my first time participating in the challenge and I look forward to participating again.