Evening at the Beach

On Monday evening we spent a few hours at the beach as a family. We had been without water all day and it seemed like a nice way to cool off from the summer's heat! With the exception of a brief walk on the beach a few days earlier, this was Ian and Alec's first time playing in the sand and waves here in Iquique.

It was fun watching the little boys dig into the sand. They definitely don't have "beach etiquette" yet, and I had to remind their brother and sisters of that several times when sand was flung in their faces! :)

All of the kids can get such serious looks on their faces as they dig and build. I love this kind of quiet, reflective play. There is something so peaceful about the dull roar of the waves in the background and the gritty feel of the sand under your toes. I am not a huge fan of sand, but I do appreciate the opportunities it provides for imagination and creativity!

Daddy is such an important part of a trip to the beach. He is the one who heads into the waves with the kids and enjoys getting utterly drenched while he's at it. He is the one who makes even the littlest child feel safe in the face of the biggest waves. I think the picture above is my favorite one from yesterday. I love how the wave is splashing so high and the sun is setting and Daddy and Ian are just standing together in the midst of it all!

Owen was so happy to run into his neighbor and friend Martin at the beach. The two of them play like, well ... boys!! Wrestling, running, racing, all the rough and tumble kind of fun that two kindergarteners like best. Their joyful skipping and scampering makes me smile.

These are the moments that make beautiful pictures hanging forever in my mind.