The "Sand Man" Cometh!

June 20, 2010

Olivia's 6th birthday was this past Friday and she asked to celebrate by going to the beach. Unfortunately, Dale had to work, but I decided I could manage so we headed to Coquina Beach in Bradenton bright, though not as early as I had hoped, Friday morning.

Just as I expected, Benjamin was thrilled with the sand and the water. The waves didn't intimidate him at all, and neither did the undertow. He is simply amazing. When we left I had geared myself up for a day of chasing after our little guy, but he surprised me by being content to stay with us, whether we were in the sand or the surf. I thought that he would get enough of being knocked under water by the waves after a few times, but instead he learned how to take each crash without losing his footing after a while.

The waves and the temperature were pretty mild, the perfect conditions for Benjamin to first experience the ocean. So much so that we went back on Saturday, this time with Dale. (We have to take advantage of the beach while the only oil on it is the suntan variety). We took with us a box of Nutter Butter cookies and a bag of cheetohs, to share or not to share with the seagulls. I never share with the seagulls until we're ready to leave since they won't leave you alone once they get a taste of the goods. However, since Benjamin feels a balanced diet is a cookie (or cheetoh) in each hand and cannot always hold on to them, he shared a cheetoh with the flock. I thought they'd never leave us alone after that. He has a better grip when it comes to Nutter Butters, though. With a cookie grasped in his sandy paw he waded out into the water to catch up with Abigail and Olivia and in his rush a wave knocked him under. He came right back up with the cookie still in his hand and went right back to eating it. The waves may cause him to lose his balance, but never his food. :o)

On our first day Benjamin and his beach bunny sisters fell asleep within five minutes of leaving the beach behind. I thought he'd fall asleep on our second day, too, since it was much later when we left, but no. He sang and squealed all the way home, much to my chagrin. My boy's got a set of pipes!

(My camera cable died, so until I can find a new one the pics are from my phone. Hence the poor quality, but at least you can get the idea).

COMMENTS FROM FRIENDS AND FAMILY:

*Each time I see your kids, I think that they cannot get any cuter. And the next time I see them, they prove me wrong. God bless the boy for holding onto his Nutter Butter. He has his priorities straight!
Posted by: Teresa on June 20, 2010 at 05:41 P.M.