Sand foot

June 23

We sleep in and make it to the beach just in time for a picnic lunch. We set up our little camp and then visit the tide pool. The shallow water is warm as a bath and full of little crabs and minnows. The ocean feels cool and refreshing after and we bob in the gentle waves. 

Back at our chairs my little one traces her foot with a sandy finger leaving a perfect outline. "Now I'll trace yours, and yours and yours" she says with a satisfied smile. 

Beach Access

June 22

We peddle down shady streets. Spanish moss and veteran oaks line the street. The ocean runs parallel just out of sight. We wind past yards planted with ferns and hibiscus. It is not deeply hot yet. Warm but not sticky. Every few minutes we pass a small wooden sigh marking a path to the beach. Later we will head to the sand, or not. "No Tasking" my husband's shirt says. Amen. 

The Miss Blah Blahs

June 21

There is a pond nearby filled with a variety of life both aquatic and avian. Turtles of all sizes from silver dollar to large cabbage line the shore sunning themselves. As we approach they plop into the water and wait just off shore to see if we have anything to offer. The alligator who lived here this spring has moved on or been removed. 

The newest additions to the pond are two white ducks who remind us of the Miss Blah Blah sisters from The Aristocats, one of our favorite films. They waddle and quack completely ignoring the pair of mallards and mamma duck who have lived here for years. 

Shaving cream art

June 20

After an early walk on the storm swept beach we get out the shaving cream and finger paint on the windows. I read about this idea in my new favorite kids art book: The Artful Parent by Jean Van't Hul. We are ready with the hose to wash away the fuzzy fun. After drawing faces, squiggles and letters my girls move to covering arms, legs and tummies with shaving cream. "This is the best day of my life!" says my first born. 

Cannon ball jellyfish

June 17

We hit the beach early and bring our shovels. There are several cannon ball jellyfish washed up on shore and we take a close look. The life guards have told us that there are not to be feared because their stubby tentacles are not very venomous. 

We dig a moat to help the jellies stay wet. I have a feeling they are already dead but I appreciate the effort to save these floaty friends. 

Heron's breakfast

June 18

We are up and out early this morning. We go for a walk before the heat sets in. We stop to watch a very large heron fishing for his breakfast. He is still, waiting, waiting and then in a flash his sharp beak slices the water and comes up with a fish. It wriggles and he gulps it down whole. Buon appetito Mr. Heron. 

Water spout

June 19

We bike to the beach for a morning playing in the waves and tide pools with friends. Around noon the sky began to get dark and rain showers gathered in the distance. 

As we lacked up to go my eyes checked the horizon and there was an enouous water spout twisting  and sucking ocean water up to the sky. 

We hurried off the beach as the rain started to pelt and thunder sounded in the distance.