Beach Kids

We've had a few gorgeous days at the beach lately. The skies have been clear and blue, and the sand wide and open. There's been plenty of room for making and selling "mud ice cream":


turning the beach into our personal soccer field with Gigi and Papa (Ryan could have played for hours):jumping waves:


and getting cozy in a warm towel.


Ryan was mesmerized by a pair of skimboarders on our last beach visit. While he has a few more years until he can try that sport, Chris found two used boogie boards at a family swap meet that the kids can't wait to break in. The ocean is still pretty cold, but when things warm up, I think we'll have a tough time getting these two out of the water. They love it.

Following the Paw Prints

Easter Bunny be warned. Ryan and Lucie have begun to recognize handwriting and can quickly spot your signature paw print. While last year's hunt was pretty tricky, this year's wasn't quite challenging enough for two quick four-year-olds who work together.

The kids found their hidden baskets after just one clue, not the six you carefully hid (note for next year: do not hide the baskets in the same room as the first clue).

Fortunately Lucie and Ryan enjoy a good hunt, and were more than willing to overlook Ryan's premature find and follow all the clues to the prize -- baskets filled with a Hello Kitty coloring book, dot-to-dot worksheets, fruit leather, a new Strawberry Shortcake book, play money, chocolate bunnies and and a kitty and dino stuffed "loved one".