Beach Day

We talk a good talk about going to the beach (and we definitely have all the gear for it!), so we finally put our talk into action this weekend and headed to Assateague Island State Park in Maryland for a day of sun. This beach trip is not for the faint of heart--it's a 3 hour drive, and getting across the Bay Bridge without major traffic delays requires a 6 am (A! M!) departure. A relaxing day at the beach usually starts off in quite the opposite way.

diving in for the first time...

I'm noticing a trend here...

Jason's mom was in town this weekend, and we also coerced Tiffany, Braden, Deanna, and Jeff into joining us. They all met us at our house at sunrise, and we headed off together. It all felt worth it as we sailed through the toll booth at the bridge and then arrived at the beach at 9:30, long before the crowds. We got our pick of sandy spots and settled in for the day. I know some people love the east coast boardwalk-type beach, but, as a western girl, I'm partial to the more wild, wavy beaches--which is why we love Assateague.



Our day involved swimming in the ocean, long talks with the waves crashing around our toes, and a delightful picnic on the beach. Much more social interaction and laughing than last time (also less sunburnt misery!) By 2:00 we were ready to go, so just as it got hot and miserable we packed up and headed to find something to eat. We were home by 7...and in bed not shortly after that!

a great set-up (umbrella = fabulous purchase for the fair of skin)

cute hats on braden and jason. whatever it takes to get some shade.

Bonus: I am hardly sunburned. All around, success on all counts, and totally worth the ugly early morning!