October Day at the Beach

So Paul took the laptop with him on his trip to Chicago this week... and I don't have all the pictures I want for posts. Here are some pictures (to be added to later) of our trip to the beach when Dad and Mom F and Lafe were here...


We hadn't been to the beach since a bit before Ella was born. So we were definitely ready to hit the sand again.

And hit the sand we did! In Abby's case, it was quite literal... I don't think she took more than 5 steps in the sand before she was completely laying down, playing and rolling around in it.


Bekah and Abby both showed little fear and less caution as they frolicked in the waves on the shore. Lafe was such a good protective uncle. This is how he spent most of his day--running back and forth on the shoreline with Bekah. She sure thought it was fun to run from the waves as they washed in.


Michael was completely engrossed in sand activities most of the time. He always loves the beach.


And Ella got her first introduction to it all. She was quite content... even when sandy Abby introduced her to... well... sand.


Lafe found a lot of neat shells. He was really fun to have on the beach.


For the first time, the three kids spent quite a bit of time and concentration building sand castles, etc. I was pleasantly surprised with the girls' attention span for it. Paul and Lafe lended their expertise, and they had a great time.


Then they started burrying themselves in the sand. Paul made mermaid tails for the girls... which they LOVED.


And here was our attempt at getting a family picture. I'm afraid this was as good as it got.


At least Paul and I can look at a camera and smile... somewhat consistently.

The water was really quite cold, and there was enough of a breeze to make it pretty chilly for the kiddos in their swim suits. I'm afraid we are past the prime time of beach days... but it was still fun to get out there and enjoy the afternoon.

Thanks again for coming to the beach with us mom, dad, and Lafe! It was a great day!