To the Beach

Mommy's hometown of Monroe, Michigan, is located on Lake Erie. Just a short drive across town from Grammy and Papa's house is Sterling State Park -- with a beach! We couldn't wait to go.

But first, Blanden and Papa made a run to the bakery for donuts. Blanden was very excited to select a giant one with lots of sprinkles for himself. He then doled out the donuts he had selected for the rest of us.  

 Ellis enjoyed lounging on Phoenix's bed while we packed the bags.  

 And then we were off, and the boys plopped into the sand first thing.

 As soon as we got out of the car and saw the huge stretch of sand and water before us, Blanden said, "Let's go!"

 Lake Erie is shallow, as far as the Great Lakes go, and there is a large sandbar right near shore so we were able to walk out a ways.

Papa built Blanden an elaborate castle,

 

 complete with a moat.

 Blanden played in the sand for hours.

 Ellis was more comfortable with Grammy, farther up on shore. He was tentative of the water but liked the sand.

 We ventured out to jump over the waves. At one point, Blanden, with a huge smile on his face, turned to Papa and said, "This is special, Papa," and gave him a big hug.

 Blanden adored everything about the day. For a long time he sat at the shoreline and watched the waves wash over him. He laid down on his tummy and dug into the sand.

 He told me he was making lots and lots of happy faces, likely to reflect his own happy face. :)

After three and a half hours, it was time to head home. Both boys promptly fell asleep as soon as we got into the car and took long, solid naps after we got home.

 This morning, Blanden helped Papa in the yard.

This afternoon, we'll be back in the pool!