We arrived at the beach around midnight last night, in the torrential downpour with a wind shield wiper that broke during our drive.  But today the sun was out and we hit the beach!  There was a great breeze the entire day so it was so comfortable and never felt hot.

When we arrived at the beach, we planted ourselves next to -as it turns out-  a wonderful lady.  We were that family you hope doesn’t choose the spot in the sand next to you….lots of kids, and a big red wagon in tow.  When we arrived this nice lady,Valerie, didn’t give us that, “Oh no, not here!” look, she just smiled.  She saw all of the boys and then let us know that she has 3 boys that are now grown.  It turns out she’s a dean at a college in Ohio and she shared stories of working on her doctorate degree while her boys were small.  She told me how she and her twin sister had dreamed that one day they’d have a double wedding and twins of their own.  Would you believe they did end up having a double wedding, and they both have a set of twins!  It is so wonderful when you meet such unexpectedly friendly people when you least expect it.  It was a great day at the beach.

Pure bliss

See that big chain? He found it in the surf (and boy was he proud of it!)

Rocking the shovel guitar

Running in and out of the surf

Me and the little guy

"I LUYF U"...written by my 4 year old

Our shadow in the sand

And before I leave you……..just had to share another wonderful artist I found reading through all of the wonderful comments in my BLOG GIVE-AWAY. Please pay a visit to Val’s Art Studio!  Valerie is an artist skilled at fiber arts, mixed media and painting.  I was so amazed at her  talent with creating such beautiful needle felted sweaters.  You’ll be able to find her work this fall in these prestigious publications:  Haute Handbags and Altered Couture!

Sweater by Val's Art Studio