Beach Day

So far so good... the summer has started and we made it to the beach today. As this is Dan's Birthday weekend, I wanted to allow him some 'fun' time without the kids... actually golfing time. So while Joel took him out for a day of golfing, my friend Jen and I took the kids to the beach. And I have to say I am happy with the results.

The day was slightly cloudy but a nice breeze and temps in the high 70's made for a good time at the beach. Jen held Evan's hand as we found our place in the sand. And Evan loves the pretty girls, so he did pretty much whatever Jen wanted :)

I brought a little hut for Haley like this one Evan used years ago. But since she was sleeping so soundly when we arrived, I opted to lug the car seat over. This posed the issue of having to use the beach umbrella. This was my second time using it and I really need to build some upper body strength. Because this was the second time it's flown and fallen. I bought this anchoring thing but you have to be REALLY strong to screw it into the sand... apparently I am NOT strong enough.

Evan enjoyed almost all aspects of Eastern Point Beach. He played in the sand using his golf balls. He would toss his balls into a sand hole that remained from the previous visitor and he'd jump for joy... like a hole in one. He's walk down to the water's edge to fill his bucket but only get about 1/3 full (he didn't want to step into the water b/c it was too cold). And he even got to play on the play scape. Enough to tire a toddler out!!!

Then when the rumbling of the thunder began, we decided to return home. After all, it had been 2 hrs since we arrived and we had no desire to get soaked with Haley there.... and it was slowly becoming obvious that we had a tired toddler on our hands. In fact, has we walked back to the car, Evan pushed Haley in the stroller with much pride on his face. THEN, he realized that we were going back to the car and "LEAVING " the beach. Evan didn't like that concept at all. It's a good thing I had Jen with me and to stay with Haley as I chased Evan down the path back towards the beach! And it took much talking and a promise of an ice cream cone when we get home.

Lucky for me, Evan was much delighted with Jen's presence and her attention, that he forgot about the ice cream cone. Instead, he took Jen around back to show her his new water table... and to teach her to shoot baskets in his hoop!

The kids are sleeping now and recharging for the the events of the evening. My goal for the summer was to make sure I utilize my surroundings and enjoy the fun things close to home. And with the 4th of July weekend upon us, we have many things to choose from. This weekend is the annual Subfest held at the sub base. Dan got free tickets from work, so we'll be going either tonight or Sunday. We opted NOT to attend the night of the fireworks to avoid the large anticipated crowd. AND we are also going to TRY to attend the 4th of July parade. That should be interesting. I mean to see Evan's reaction to the bands, the floats, the sights and the sounds!!

So I sure hope you are all enjoying your long holiday weekend.