Saturday, July 16, 2011

Taking The Zoo To The Beach


Today Charlie and I took our zoo to the beach. We've been looking forward to this for a couple weeks now. Charlie invited his mom and sister and her family to join us and I invited my parents and sisters. Our friend Harold was all set to come, too.



We left around 8:15am and made our way to the beach which was a little over and hour drive and we planned to stop for a quick breakfast on the way. Harold met up with us at McDonalds. We head out and make our way to the beach. Finally there we gather all of our things, beach chairs, umbrella, cooler, sand toys and kids.



We make our way over the dune and find a good spot to settle our things and set up the umbrella. It doesn't take the kids long to get situated and want to play. Sunblock is applied, Faye and Keith get their tent set up and the kids are playing in the sand. Charlie, Harold and Tabytha go straight to the ocean. I stay with Jessi, John, my MIL, Faye, Keith and Shelby. Keith helps the little ones make a mermaid in the sand while us women relax and catch up.



A couple hours later, my parents and sisters arrive and get their tent and chairs set up. It's so great having everyone I hold dearest to me spend the day with us at the beach. We have some lunch from our coolers and all of us take turns staying on the beach with the little ones who don't want to go in the ocean with those who do. Jessi's never liked the ocean, but, LOVES playing in the sand under the shade of our umbrella. John and Tabytha can't get enough of the ocean and the waves. Shelby didn't like the ocean much either and she and Jessi spent the entire day playing in the sand together. John took a break from the ocean for a little while to play with Shelby and Jessi and then was back in the ocean.



It was a fun and relaxing day for everyone. I couldn't have asked for a better time or better company. The day came to an end and everyone began packing up and heading back to their homes. Hugs, kisses and goodbyes were shared and after I got the kids packed up into the van and Harold and Charlie got the supplies in the van we headed over to Charlie's friend, Walter's, house for dinner and a dip in his pool.



It was a great ending to a fun day.