we've been to the ocean

i was so happy to take the kids to the beach for 6 days. it is at this beach that i feel most free and at home and my kids seemed to feel that same.

our days were simple. the weather was no matter. in the morning we played and enjoyed breakfast in the cottage. they often read books together while i sipped coffee and readied our beach bag with all the essentials.

then we walked to the beach and there we stayed for most of the morning-- walking, playing, digging, snacking, splashing, collecting, breathing. . . laughing!

then it was back to the cottage for snacks and naps. and here is me wanting to remember this one afternoon when everything was perfect and i watched my children wander the beach, so free. they laughed together and played and followed their joy. it was beautiful to watch. it was simple. restorative. and they began to reach further into their creativity. as did i.

the afternoon was full of anticipation. you never know what kind of beach you will see when you round the corner. will it be windy with big waves? will it still as glass? or somewhere in between? will it be high tide? low? MOON low? somewhere in between. it's anyone's guess, but most likely it is different than how we left it this morning.

back at home we adorned our nature table with some of our beach combing prizes. sea shells, rocks and our blessing. in the mail when i arrived home was this amazing starfish. more on that to come. this little scene reminds us daily of our beloved beach and the peacefulness, playfulness and of all the ice cream we enjoyed!