First Time at the Beach

We took a day trip yesterday to Benton Harbor, Michigan.  We had three vehicles full of family, including Kim's fiance.  Megan, Laura, and Jasmine have never been to a beach before, at least in their memory.  I took Jasmine and Laura to a beach when they were little, but they don't remember.

The weather was beautiful.  At first, it was extremely overcast, but that meant it was cooler.  Later on in the day the sun came out and things warmed up.  The water felt wonderful.  With all the hot weather we have had the last couple of months, Lake Michigan wasn't too cold at all. 

Dad got in on the fun too.  He had a great time tossing his daughters into the water.

Jasmine had such a great time.  She is asking to go back before school begins again.

My husband and I wanted to enjoy some time with the kids this summer.  We wanted to have some relaxing time with them, a time to make some fun memories.  If the last couple of years have taught us anything, it has taught us that our time with our children is fleeting.  Soon, they will be gone, making their own way in the world.

This knowledge is now a heart knowledge, not just a head knowledge.  This tends to make my little missionary field at home even more important.

Playing in the sand was a huge hit yesterday.  Megan played in the sand with her cousin for hours.  While Laura and Jasmine spent hours in the water, Megan built water trenches and towers with sand toys.

Of course, most of us came home sunburned to some degree or another.  It was worth it though, for the fun, the time together, the beautiful views of God's creation, and the relaxing sound of the waves against the shore.