Beach Bunnies

I’m still recovering from our day at the beach.  Felicity didn’t get to pet any dolphins, but she still had a good time.  Chase couldn’t get enough of the water.  Other than getting knocked over by a few strong waves and having our food raided by a flock of seagulls, we really enjoyed ourselves.  None of us wanted to leave when it was time to go.  We got sand in every place imaginable, but it was still worth it.  We definitely need to do this more often.

Chase runs from a wave.

Felicity takes to the water.

Chase is definitely a beach boy with his sunglasses and the ocean in the background.

 Felicity was so proud of this large seaweed she found.

Chase had fun building sand castles.

For anyone else planning an end of summer trip to the beach, here’s a quick checklist of things to bring along.  Having one of these beforehand would have helped me leave sooner and avoid an unnecessary stop at Target along the way.

Trip to the Beach checklist

• swim suit, if you plan on changing into it at the beach 
• sunscreen (it’s best to put this on before you leave for the beach and then re-apply throughout the day)
• sunglasses and/or swimming goggles
• towels to dry off with
• big towel, sheet, or blanket to lay all your stuff on (we used a Neat Sheet)
• large, shady beach umbrella
• beach chairs
• hats
• bathing suit wrap for the ladies 
• flip flops/water shoes
• if necessary, swimming diapers, plus a regular diaper to change into afterward
• set of clothes to change into afterward
• beach toys
• cooler large enough to pack food and beverages into
• ice or ice packs
• beverages that fit inside your cooler
• sandwiches and finger foods (carrot sticks and Go-gurts are great options)
• hand wipes, unless you don’t mind rinsing the sand off your hands with ocean water before you eat
• if your child wants to collect seashells, a container to store them in that will keep them from being crushed inside your bag
• empty plastic bag to put any wet clothing inside

 Can anyone think of anything else?