Hike to the Beach

Jane kept eyeing Jessica's plants.

She can give quite the cheese.

I surprised Scott with the next books in the series he's been reading from the library for the drive. He didn't put them down until he finished them all.

Malcolm went out to visit Rick in the trailer he uses as an office in the driveway.

Quick break for lunch, then back to play.

The boys were antsy to get back to the water, so we went to Larrabee State park.

We went on a trail down to the beach.

Amanda and I came here when we visited and loved it.

The boys wore swimsuits even though it was chilly.

Down at the beach.

Rocks to climb

rocks to throw

rocks to slide down.

We went after school and John took a long lunch break to come with us.

Jonah is a lot like me, very adventurous in spirit, but we can get nervous in the application.

Scott is cautious, too, but still brave.

It was lovely out. The water was cold, but in the sun the weather was perfect.

Jane liked digging.

She and Mal had some toddler time.

And snacks.

They were too cute.

We loved it here so much. Just a secluded, sandy, quiet spot by the water. 

Exploring together

I love giving the kids so much space and freedom to play and be themselves.

Cute brothers in their hangout

Scott was loving it. Even without his books.

I'm glad John was able to come with us.

We ended the trip with some hill running. The best way to get out the last bits of energy.

Climbing back up. It's hard to tell how steep it was in a picture, but it was some good exercise.

Checking out the video Jess took of them.

Little Jane working so hard to get to the top with the boys.

The descent proved too much for Jane's little legs.

The beautiful walk back to the cars.

Cute brothers on the couch. Cedric is so sweet with Mal.

Perry playing exploding kittens with Harmonica.

Eventually everyone found them.

After dinner and bathing kids, John and I sneaked out for a walk along the pier and picked up some ice cream. It was our first date in months and was sooooo nice.

Jane was NOT thrilled with us for leaving.

She warmed back up to us by watching us play games and being held the entire night.

She had actually started sleeping slightly better at night before our trip, but is firmly back in our bed now and waking up usually several times a night. Which is really fun on an air mattress.