Surfin' USA

Ok, so it's been a week. We've been busy, what can I say? Each year toward the last days of school, one (or more) of our kids have a beach field trip. We pack up and whatever kids I have in my possession go with me and the kid's classes to the beach. Last year I had Rusty and Dinah's little Gracie with me...This year, in my car was Ruthie, Rusty, Ellie and two of Ruthie's classmates. (Flip had school for the curious minded)

The field trip leaves from the school, we drive about 40 minutes and catch a ferry out to an island, spend a few hours playing and then head back...this year was special because it was a certain little girl's first trip to the sand and sea. SHE LOVED IT! I wasn't sure how she would do because she is finicky about having "stuff" on her hands. She sat right down in the sand and proceeded to smear it all over her. She ate with sand on her hands...wandered about and even ventured toward the surf holding Rusty's hand.

The water was a bit overwhelming for her. It was a windy day and the waves were a bit higher than we normally get on the west coast...her being so little, they swiped her right off her feet. She was fascinated with the sensation of wet sand between her toes each time the water came in and buried her feet. She has no fear of water...swimming lessons ASAP!

I am looking forward to family trips to the beach this summer when Adam can take her into the water and play. I know, being a Florida girl, you would think I would be a beach loving sun worshipper...I DO NOT tan...and when I say I DO NOT tan, I mean that I freckle, I burn and I peal. I am a Florida girl only in a name...I have seen too many leathery women to want to sacrifice my skin to the sun for the sake of a little color. I also do not particularly care for the beach. I prefer to see my feet when I am in the water and it is even better if I am not sharing the water with any other species.

I sacrifice my clean, SAND FREE car to venture to the beach because my kids love it. It is even better if we can drag daddy along with us because he will go into the water. He will help bathe everyone when we get back while I wash all the nasty, wet, sandy suits and towels. He will unload the car of sand toys, chairs and coolers and he will take my car and vacuum out all the sand...no wonder the beach is eroding...it goes home with all the families who visit her shores! So, we are not your typical beach combing Florida family but rather reluctant summer visitors in SPF 50. But, it sure is beautiful at sunset.

Ruthie and her best friends.

Rusty and His teacher.