Who Needs Sunshine?

The forecast was dreary, and the high temperature seemed to drop each time we checked the weather.  Still, we had an annual beach streak to continue and a little basket of sand toys in the bed of my dad's generously loaned truck.

We ate before going, so that we only needed to pack snacks and drinks and chairs and toys and magazines, and seriously, the list kept going even without bringing "real" food for lunch!  Amanda and I optimistically threw on bathing suits but made sure we had some warmer layers tucked away.

We scored prime parking.

I've never seen the South Haven beach so empty, seagulls outnumbering the people three to one, in a blanket of white over the sand.  Down the beach a little, a bride and groom were having pictures taken, her dress billowing around her in the wind.

The highest temperature we saw on the electronic ticker was 60 degrees, with an air temperature of 58.

Dylan held my hand as he walked across the sand to our little beach camp, unsure at first about the little grains sliding into his Crocs.  A smile crept across his face, and his steps became more confident, though his grip on my hand never loosened.

Inexplicably, the sand was still warm on our feet, and the cool, slightly damp air meant Abbey didn't have to lug water from the lake to build her little sand castles.  Ryan and Joe tossed a football in their shorts and t-shirts, while Amanda and I pulled sweaters and jackets over our sundresses and wrapped our legs in terry towels.  

Zippered into sweatshirts but bare-legged, the kids played in the sand, laughed on the swings, and didn't notice the lack of warmth or water or sun.

Chasing seagulls with Abbey and Dylan, I marvelled at their innocent ability to find the best in situations, to enjoy each moment, to play on a cold beach and squeal with contented, excited laughter.

We were there less than two hours, but our streak is alive.

sand toys are always a hit 

Dylan pointing at the seagulls - or Daddy throwing a football

Amanda looking cute with our soon-to-be-newest beach club member incubating nicely 

look at that throwing motion! 

so proud of her "little castle" that she made without any help 

I think he only tried eating it once or twice

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