I am going to miss this...

On Friday the children and I had a great time at the beach.  It was actually one of the best outings we've had.  We started off digging in the sand.  I let them bring a large truck each, along with all the sand toys, which made for a crowded stroller on the way down, but lots of fun once we got there.

Sitting on the sand by the water on a cool, sunny day is the ultimate relaxation.  I have spent many mornings doing this these last six years while we've lived in this house.  I am really going to miss the beach when we move.

After digging, the boys engaged in one of their favorite activities, throwing rocks into the water.  The horseshoe crabs were ashore, and we watched them creep along in their slow, clumsy way.

We went on a little beach rock climbing adventure after digging in the sand.  Andrew, the cautious one, surprised me by climbing like a little monkey over the rocks.  There have been a few times when I've looked at Andrew and thought, "Now he is really in his element."  The first was when we went hiking.  I often think it when he is watching trucks.  I certainly thought it as I watched him climb over the rocks.  It was easy for him and so much fun.

Stephen did not have the same success on the rocks so I don't have any pictures of him.  Maybe later this summer when he is bigger.

Julia and I made it up the rocks.  This is an urban beach.  Behind us is the sidewalk and a very busy road.  I have trained the kids well when it comes to traffic.

Julia had so much fun that she fell asleep immediately.  This was also her first ride in the double stroller.  I've been carrying her in the sling with the two boys in the stroller.  Andrew walked to the beach this time, and the two young ones shared the stroller.  Things went pretty well, though Andrew was tired by the time we got home.  It was about a half mile walk, in addition to the walking on sand and climbing on rocks.

I am going to get to the beach as much as I can in the next weeks.  I will greatly miss it this summer!