Beach 101

Before our big beach vacation we thought it would be a good idea to take Penelope for a quick day trip to the beach and get her comfortable with the water. The last time we were at the beach was over a year ago when we went to Sardinia. That was when Penelope had no fears and still preferred eating sand to playing in it. 

It was a good thing that we did. Penelope started out terrified of the water. The huge roaring waves (a bit different than the Mediterranean) probably had something to do with it.

holding on for dear life

After several attempts at demonstrating just HOW! MUCH! FUN! the ocean was, I decided to call it quits. Luckily, Grandma came up with the brilliant idea of introducing Penelope to a little boy who was a beach pro at the ripe old age of two. He showed her how cool it was to play in the waves, and little by little she followed his lead.

"Wook! I standin' in the water!"

In no time Penelope was fearless in the water, and Grandma and I were actually hoping that she would be more cautious than she was so that she wouldn't get swept out to sea.

(Who's having more fun---the adults or the child??)

Time for some daddy time while the women take a rest

After being a little too brave Penelope took a wave to the face--which subdued her for a few minutes.

But not for long! Making a run for the ocean with Grandma close behind.

(my favorite pic of Grandma and Penelope)

Literally seconds after we got showered, changed, and back in the car Penelope was swept up into dreamland. We took a stroll through downtown Wilmington and enjoyed a quick dinner by the water before calling it a day and heading back home.