Surf's Up!

We hit the beach two weekends ago and it was a gorgeous day. Windy, but gorgeous. By the time we left the beach, our sheet was COVERED in sand and Rob wound up chasing our beach umbrella about a half a mile down the beach! The wind was not our friend, but despite that, we really had a blast. We feel so blessed to live in such a beautiful place.

Lincoln insisted that he bring his dump trucks and they wound up being a hit.

I love it when it's high tide and there are little 'pools' of ocean water before you hit the waves. It makes a great toddler/baby area if you don't want to take them in the actual ocean.

"Hang on Lincoln! We're going in at full speed. Daddddddddyyyyy!" ~Avonlea

Yes, I'm a geek and took a picture of our sunscreen. LOVE this stuff! There aren't any chemicals in it, just pure sunscreen the way it's supposed to be. :) Hit up Aubrey's for some great skin, shampoo/conditioner, lotion, suscreen, insect repellant, etc. The neatest thing is that they're based out of Tampa, FL. Whoo-hoo!

Paved Paradise to Put Up a Parking Lot

This weekend was full of outdoors activities, thanks to the awesome weather we've had the past few days. We broke out the frisbee and hit the park. We dusted off our fishing poles and went fishing. We got some gardening done and just enjoyed the fresh air and sunshine.

I posted this song today (above) because sometimes when I'm out at the beach, I often think about what it looked like 30+ years ago before all the hotels, parking lots, shopping plazas and touristy "stuff". I remember practically living at the beach as a child, especially during the summers.

One thing I really enjoy about living near a beach is people watching. I love strolling up and down the sidewalks and watching people converse on a Sunday afternoon. I love listening to the live music played by someone who probably lives off of nothing, but sings and plays guitar because it's what he loves to do. I love seeing children playing on the playground, people playing volleyball, some are lounging in lounge chairs watching the birds and waves while others are getting a bite to eat and enjoying others' company. There's just something about being at the beach on a weekend afternoon.

That was us this past weekend. We fished off the pier and caught a REAL dolphin show, not at Shamu stadium. They were probably 300 yards from us in some pretty shallow water just playing with each other, and no doubt, catching all OUR fish!!! We didn't catch a thing. The kids were pretty disappointed, but at least we had an excuse..."the dolphins needed the fish more than we did". :)

We also hit the park, let Riley get out some energy catching the frisbee, exploring the water (Riley went for a brief swim in the lake!), watching the wildlife and just relaxing. Here are some pictures from our weekend. I hope everyone enjoyed theirs!!!

This guy had his eye on us the whole time, hoping for a 'catch of the day' I guess.

"I don't think there's any fish in this water Mom." ~Avonlea

an entertained Norah

Rob and I did some fishing of our own (alone!) this weekend as well.

The Park

Riley still has her spunk!

On the way home.

Odds and Ends

Playing out back...Lincoln and his trucks.

"the girls"

I'm trying to sprout some organic mango seeds. So far, so good!

got these little ones into the ground this weekend too...whoo-hoo!

I also dried out some organic acorn squash seeds

I found these on sale at the grocery store for 99 cents each. Can't beat that! I love finding these deals. :)

Beach at Sunset

I have been REALLY missing the beach lately. So have the kids. It's been a COLD winter here in Florida this year and I think some of us natives are having 'beach withdrawls'! Seriously. I'm not kidding. When you've lived by the beach your whole life, it's engrained in you. I remember being up at college and one of the most important things I remember asking my parents to send me in a care package was a jar of sand and ocean water. I needed to smell the ocean and feel sand. I'm wacky. I know this dear friends. :)

Anyway, the five of us tracked out to watch the sunset Sunday evening. I always feel closest to God when I'm by the ocean. Somehow, it reminds me just how BIG He is and how little I am. Knowing He is in control is so comforting. All I can say about Sunday evening was that it was COLD! Norah and I even had to take a break and thaw out in Rob's truck. I think Avonlea has been having such withdrawls that she just HAD to wear her swimsuit. I did bring my children jackets, but they had to wear their suits. (???) It was a nice, family trip, but I'm looking forward to when the ocean isn't 50 degrees and the wind and air aren't freezing. It was a fun night though. It always is when we're together. :)