Critters

The one thing I do not like about the beach is how organic it all is. I'd prefer a critter free beach and ocean. However, my kids do not feel that way. Especially Topher who spent equal amounts of time swimming and playing to fishing and decapitating sand bugs. August preferred the birds. 

This year we can boast - 1 pompano, 1 whiting, 1 mini-flounder, 1 sting ray, lots of crabs - stone, spider, blue and a ghost crab that almost ate me, shrimp, croaker, pin fish, a cannon ball jelly fish and I am sure I am missing something. But we, as in Topher, Drew, Tyler and Papa ate plenty of seafood.

First Day at the Beach

While living in Raleigh we were able to take Topher to the beach and even Maddie Mae went a few times before her first birthday. But since we have gone out west (4 years ago) we, as a family, have not gone. I was excited to go again for me and for the kids. 

Our first day we went up alone - and dropped everything off, no unpacking donned our swimsuits and hustled to the beach. 

Here is our first day - Topher and Maddie Mae were fearless. Caroline not a huge fan and August likes the birds running on the beach. 

Fireworks

Tyler and I really enjoy the 4th of July - I think him more for the holiday events and I because it summer. As we prepared for this 4th of July we were a little bummed because it was rainy and wet and way to humid. But, by late afternoon we were able to enjoy a nice big meal (ribs, jello, corn, biscuits, fruit pizza, beans and I am sure stuff I have forgotten). And by firework time it was great outside. The best part was at 10pm it was raining hard again so I didn't have to listen to fireworks all night!

Maddie and Caroline enjoyed being spectators. August however wanted to be in the middle of the show. We constantly had to pull him away from the fireworks. 

Look at August's face! 

Vitamin D

Tyler has accepted a job in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He starts August 10th and after we find a place to live and move our stuff from SLC the kids and I will move up there with the kids. That will probably be around the 1st of October. 

The yearly average temperature there is 43*. In October the average high is 58*. November it is 41* and by December it is 27*. Now we are talking highs. 

With this knowledge I am so glad we got to spend the summer in the hot and humid south before I have to bundle up for 9 months of the year! 

That being said - it is a great job for Tyler, there is a temple, the wards look good and there are some good schools in the area. I do think we will like it. We may have to hang up cleats for ice skates and try out hokey, but that could be fun!

But since I still have six to eight more weeks here we will soak up as much vitamin D as possible!