BEACH!!!

There's something that happens when you grow up by the beach, I think. It's like it becomes a part of you. I know that sounds super cliche, but it's true! I sometimes don't realize how much I miss it until I've been gone a long time; I start craving it. I miss the sweet smell of the air at home. I miss the feeling of falling asleep on sand--the sun hot on my eyes. (Mom taught us when we were little how to make pillows and chairs in the sand that formed to your body; it's the best!) I even miss the way my hair gets that salty film on it. Anyway, that's that part of California that feels so much like home to me. The days we went to the beach couldn't have been more perfect! We headed to Carpenteria after the zoo. It was El Nino, so the water was warm and wonderful! There were HUGE sand crabs! Dan, Jaron, and I swam to a platform maybe 30 yards out (about 20 feet deep, maybe), toting Emma, Mary, and Robbie on a raft. We had them swim part way, and once they got their courage up, started jumping off the platform over and over again! Kids were pulling up sanddollars that were on the bottom... it was awesome! And, my kids LOVE it!

Jaron and Daniel were the body-surfing coaches. Robbie even tried it with fins and a wet suit--just to fully play the role!

We spent another day at Schoolhouse... my favorite beach in high school. Another perfect day!