Knee deep in the water

It has become a tradition to spend the 4th of July in Destin.  We so look forward to this trip every year, as we can't wait to stick our toes in the sand and relax.  Well, there is really not to much relaxing when you have a brave, four year old who likes to get out in the water and an eight month old who likes to eat sand.  Luckily, we had the grandparents around to help. 

Hayden loved the water the first few days, he loved to body surf and throw sand at the waves.  Then, the seaweed came in and the water was just gross.  Once the seaweed came in, Hayden went downhill.  He complained that he didn't like the sand and walked around like a monster because he said he had sand in his pants.  I believe he was just bored and needed a friend to plays with.  Luckily, our friends happened to be in Destin and came over two days and Hayden was back to himself.  He swam, built sandcastles and got buried in the sand with the girls.  I am so glad he had friends to play with.  I think he had a blast!!

This was Emerson's first trip to the beach, first time for her touch the sand and ocean.  She is definitely a beach girl!  She loved the sand and probably even ate a few handfuls.  This is completely different from Hayden, as her never liked the sand and still doesn't to this day.  I thought it was going to be tough with her on the beach, but thanks to David's brilliant idea it worked out great.  She sat in Hayden's boat (he was not down with the boat after he got 'slammed' by a wave) and had a great time.  Sometimes she just played with toys and other times we would fill it up with a little water and would let her splash around.  She is now pulling up so she would try her hardest to lean over the boat and grab handfuls of sand.  She even took a few naps out on the chairs when she was worn out.  I am so looking forward to next year to see her run up and down the beach chasing after Hayden.

I loved growing up going to the beach with my family.  There are so many special memories I have from those days. I know David feels the same way. We are blessed to have the opportunity to take Hayden and Emerson to the beach and I hope they will have happy memories of our times spent in Destin.  I know I will!!