A Beach Daycation

At the start of October we escaped away for a day at the beach. Taking in the ocean waves, wet sand, and walks on the boardwalk.

This is actually an annual tradition for my family. We always went off season growing up; and loved mini golfing, beach exploring, and local dining. Fortunately the Martins invited us along for a beach day and we loved every minute.

Even the drive over the bay bridge was nostalgic.

Before we set out on the beach we grabbed a bite to eat. But it was hard to concentrate on food. We were SO excited.

Feeling Festive

The kids had their very first beach greeting and it couldn't have been sweeter. Or wetter.

Can you tell he is happy?

Even Syd found the beach waves calming and enjoyed a long nap with my Mom on the beach, while we all got to play.

Daddy and Bella went on a little walk looking for seashells, they only found a little baby seashell though. I'll have to teach them the true art of seashell searching next time.

Wave surfing or dipping was our favorite thing (it was hard to keep these two still while enjoying the waves).

Obviously Connor was all about beach exploring.

Amberlee and I couldn't resist a sister shot. Wind blown, sea salted hair; but we Martin girls love the beach!

Bella loved spying and chasing the birds.

She is focusing on the birds here,
until the waves surprise her and crash into her.

After awhile Bella got the chills with the wind blowing and water cooling down. Fortunately, Amberlee was there to rescue her.

This was Shea's first trip to the Atlantic Ocean and it was a chilly but beautiful day to enjoy it. I loved seeing this Idaho boy ("I'm not really a beach fan.") sucked into the beach experience. How could you not LOVE the beach?

Joseph and I did a little sand crab hunt

Don't mind the Hulk Slammer
 photo bombing the picture. 

Can you spy him?

Shea was very into sandcastle building; and my brother Joseph, Connor and myself even joined in for a little bit.

Sandcastle #1 after the waves deemed it finished ...

My favorite thing is just taking it all in ...

And well the sticks are pretty awesome too.

And then Bella gave us a clue that we were done.

After clothing changes (YAY for being over-prepared!) we were off to the BOARDWALK.

I remember on our annual trips as a kid we would take a ride in this Haunted House every time. It was closed for the season but it sure was fun seeing it exactly the same as it always has been.

Syndey woke up to all the bright lights and noise and kinda loved it.

One of our favorite stops since forever has always been to the Ocean Gallery. We loved looking through all the paintings and thanks to Mom I even got a little something to hang up at home.

After our sand castling today it was fun to see the sand creations displayed by the boardwalk. Dang he's good.

Then we were off to mini golf pirate style. It was nice taking a break from the cold weather that was dipping pretty fast now that the sun was down.

The kids love golfing and exhausted as we all were we couldn't leave without a trip to a local favorite BJ's On the Water. It was delish! But loud with the band playing, despite the high volume of the restaurant though Connor couldn't help but zonk out. And that left Bella with all the spaghetti. What a lucky girl. And I even made Shea was jealous of my crab cakes that were fresh and scrumptious, I only wish there was more. 

We said our goodbyes and with some caffeine in tow we made the late and long trip home. Which poor Shea had to do with a sleeping wife. When we did get home Shea was adamant that everyone clean off before bed because he wanted no sand in our beds. So baths were had and then we all snuggled up together for a well earned sleep.

*If only kids didn't wake at 7 AM despite exhaustion.