A Day at the Beach: Grandpa and Paula's

We had such a wonderful day Sunday at Grandpa and Paula's! We started off by picking up munchkins to eat on the road, and arrived to Long Lake Beach by 11:15. We went straight to the beach...because Riggs jump out of the car before Pete could get the leash on him. We got in our swim gear and went right in. Kate couldn't wait to tell me how she went under water and it was "SO COOL, MOM!" Delaney was right there with her, swimming, dipping her head in, and going out as deep as her neck.

It was Rowena's first time in a swimsuit, at the beach, or in water other than in her bathtub. She screamed when I put her in the water...which was probably due to the temperature...as it was a bit colder than her bath water. We had a little scare while at the beach. Delaney and Katie both had on their wetsuit life-preservers (THANKFULLY). Kate was in one of those blow-up boats, and tried to get out, when the boat flipped over on her. She was under for not even a minute, but it was one of those moments that went in slow motion. Pete had gone back to the house to get changed, Craig was socializing with some neighbors, and Paula and I kinda froze. I gave Rowena to Paula, and ran as fast as I could through waist-deep water, to get Kate. The look on her face was complete fear. I felt bad for her, but I think she has a true respect for the water now! She stayed in the water, but was very cautious and refused to go deep, or in the boat without her Daddy.

Out pretty far...

Trying to get out, after we told her many times not to. This was RIGHT before the boat went over! :( I had to throw the camera down, give Rowe to Paula, and run/swim to her.

Safe with Daddy...

Liking hanging at the beach more than in the water...

Katie and Rowe--enjoying the beach.

Our little fish...Trying out the water again...
I love it!

Taking a break with Paula and Grandpa

Warming up...

After playing at the beach for a bit, we went back to the house for some yummy lunch. Delaney and Katie both brough their brand new Barbie fishing poles that Uncle Brian got them. Grandpa and Pete got those out and ready, and Grandpa began to dig around all of his plants to get some worms. Delaney enjoyed fishing for a while before Grandpa had her go to the shaded area. Once she moved, she caught a fish pretty quickly and was so very excited. Delaney fished for quite a while, and Kate didn't show much interest. She preferred her raspberries and blueberries in a cup. After lunch we went out on the boat. Kate helped Grandpa drive us out to the middle of the lake where we hung out for a while. We talked Pete into getting in, and shortly after--both Delaney and Kate were in too. It didn't take much for Delaney to talk Grandpa into the water...although after his dive in, he didn't stay in long. Delaney practiced swimming in the deeper water, as well as floating on her back. She had to be reminded to relax and to try to stay calm. She did great and is very brave. Kate got into the water too, but kept saying how she didn't want to go under. I think her earlier scare will stay with her for a while. After swimming, it was Delaney's turn to drive us back home.

Getting ready to fish...
Delaney's FIRST FISH!!!

Loving the boat.

Rowena's first boat ride

Waiting for the steering wheel to cool...

A perfect picture...

Enjoying a warm, sunny day on the boat...

Pretending to surf
Swimming back to the boat.PARTY!

Ney's turn to drive...

When we got back I think we went straight back to the beach for some more swimming. This time Kate spent a little more time playing in the sand. Delaney was about 50/50 in the water and sand. Rowe was done for the day. She was still as happy as always, but that was enough sun for her. I took her back to the house, where we jammed out to my iPod and hung with the dogs. After the second trip to the beach, both Delaney and Katie wanted to fish. Kate barely got her pole casted (with no worm, I might add) and caught her first fish. Grandpa had filled a bucket with some lake water for us to keep the fish in for the day. Delaney ended up catching 3 fish and Katie 2. Oh, and Pete caught a fish too...the smallest one!

Katie's FIRST FISH!



Fishing with her Grandpa.

We had such an amazing day...and now, everyone is passed out! Thank you to Grandpa and Paula for your wonderful hospitality, great food, and company!