I actually can't remember if this was really, really our last trip to the beach.. But I'm thinking there's a good chance it was. It was certainly our last trip to the beach for playing purposes. It was a beautifully sunny day. Chilly, of course, but gorgeous. I couldn't resist snapping a picture of our garden (jungle?) as we walked out.
I love this view. The anticipation of what you are about to see is awesome every time.
What we did not expect to see was a crane lifting an excavator way up into the air! We thought this was crazy and very exciting and were oohing and aahing as I snapped pictures. Somehow, though, no one else thought anything of it! I still can't fathom how this is not an impressive sight, even to people who do not have small boys, but everyone else was just strolling along like they saw excavators hanging from cranes every day. Not us! We watched it until we couldn't see it anymore, and thoroughly enjoyed it :)
When we arrived at the beach, there were some horses that had just finished a walk/run in the sand. We watched them for a while and then Daddy took Aed over to say hi. Of course, I was too busy watching to think to take a picture, but it was so sweet. Aed really enjoyed seeing the horses and meeting the girls that were working with them. In the picture above, one of the horses is rolling around in the sand.. which in my opinion would be itchier than however it feels to have a saddle taken off.. but what do I know about that, really?
As I mentioned, it was a gorgeous day. I have a million pictures of this skyline and it never gets old. How could it?
Well, I suppose one of our number wasn't all that impressed, but who could blame him. Forced out into the cold during what should have been a nap? Shameful!
We pulled out the beach toys and went for it! I successfully managed a turtle and a crab, but the darn whale would just not cooperate. The best part, the spout of water, refused to make a debut, so I just gave up and watched my boy instead.
He had SO MUCH FUN. He threw a huge fit when it was time to go. I mean flailing all the way into the buggy and then some kind of fit. And, much to my delight, (before the fit) an elderly man stopped to watch him play for several minutes. He didn't say a thing, just watched with a smile on his face. I'm pretty sure he would have enjoyed getting down there and playing with our little guy. That's pretty much how I felt as well.. until the cold convinced me my child's internal temperature was probably getting too low. That sand is always wet!
While we miss this beach dearly, I know what Indiana in the summer holds. Weather warm enough to expose arms and legs.. sweet watermelon, berries, and corn on the cob.. long evenings with lightening bugs and soft grass (and mosquitos.. but these are pleasant thoughts we're going for).. swimming pools and trips in the wagon.. Even without a beach, I think we have much to look forward to.
Corrie, you're last trip was a special one, indeed. I bet your little boy will fondly remember St Andrews. I feel like we're opposites right now, you missing here and me missing home. :) Is it true you are visiting soon?
ReplyDeleteI sure hope Aed has some memories of St Andrews that stick with him :)
ReplyDeleteIt does sound like we're opposites! Although, I find that no matter where I am I'm missing somewhere.. Missing home is never easy. But given the similarities in our situations we've seen so far, I'd venture to guess it won't be too long before St Andrews feels more like home than you expected :)
We are hoping to come back for a few weeks for Ian's graduation in June. A few things need to fall into place for it to work out, but we will be back at some point within the next 8 months, definitely! :)