This was a week we had been looking forward to all year. And it was as fun as could possibly be. What an amazing week. The kids played in waves, with all sorts of beach creatures, played in waves, played on the boogie board, played in the sand, then played in the waves some more.

One day the waves were really big and the lifeguards were calling people in from the water. We tried some boogie boarding that day. Chad is more brave then me. But I wanted to swim in the waves - dive under them. But couldn't with Chad b/c couldn't leave kids all alone. But after the lifeguards got off duty, 2 of them went swimming. The waves were so strong, it was taking them way down the beach quickly, so they'd get out and jog back. I got in the water and stayed close to them. The waves were very strong and we were really traveling down the beach. I would dive under a wave and could feel how strong it was. It was fun and a good workout. My only trouble came when it was time to get out. I got tumbled around pretty good.

That was the only really rough day. The rest were great, as far as safe for kids. A couple days we saw lots and lots of dolphin, some very close to shore. At one point when dolphins were visible, I saw this wave crash on the beach and in the white part I saw a dark triangle shape and I really think I heard a "flap, flap" sound. But I never saw a dolphin swimming away and no one around me made any comments about it. But possibly a dolphin was in a wave that was crashing right on the shore.

The kids found a lot of crabs of a few varieties. They dug for these little crabs that live just under the sand where the waves come in and out. I don't know what they're called. Then at night, we went looking for Ghost Crabs, and they were everywhere. Thomas and Chad would chase them around and get them in a bucket. The chasing was hilarious b/c these crabs run in every direction including sideways. And the guys would be hunched over, running with their arms outstretched. To avoid the pinchers, they would scoop up the crab with the surrounding sand and throw it all into the bucket. Of course, T always wanted to keep them as pets forever and we'd have to explain that they are wild and most happy at their home. We let him take a couple back to the house just to get good looks at them, but not to keep for very long. One night, as T was checking out a crab at the beach house, it got away, which could be fatal for poor crabby. But he was found and lived to make it back to the beach. Which becomes good ammo for explanations on why we don't keep wild animals. Typically, they die.

Kayleigh did some beading with Kristin, and has decided she loves it. Good thing, b/c the girl has a bunch of beads at home to use up. We had an amazing time, but needed another day. That's the rule, really. No matter how many days are at the beach, you always need just one more. I brought back a large picture for our bedroom wall. It's a lifeguard's beach chair with a surf board leaning on it, and it's looking out towards the water, so the chair is shown from behind. It reminds me of our spot on the beach, as it's by a lifeguard chair. There are no people in the picture, and I just like it. Sort of a "Fill in the blank" picture.

We attended the ward there - this was our third time there -they have a great bunch. One lady I've seen each time - she's the Gospel Doctrine class teacher, and she's a crack-up. A perfect teacher, least I think so. Always cracking jokes but teaching lots of good info at the same time.

Then on our way home, we stopped at Assateague Island State Park. Saw some wild horses, but mostly deer. Went on a couple nice walks. Watched some wind surfers - it was windy and rainy that day. We had wanted to rent bikes, but the weather was no good. Plus they didn't rent a kid trailer. Bought some local produce close by and came home.

Kayleigh - lots of showing off the the camera. She brought her Kailey doll and gear for a photo.

Thomas - boy, does he love eating crabs. He's just a crab fan all around. Here he is eating crabs, then playing with crabs in a bucket, then with a net Kristin got him to catch more crabs.

E.V. - played her heart out every day. Loves those sand critters and trinkets.

Melanie - Kristin and Aunt Lynne found her a cute outfit. She definitely loved beach living.