Beachin' 2012: Shellin' and Chillin'

We're down to two remaining beach posts, so here goes!  One of Clara's favorite parts of the beach was collecting shells.  I remember combing the shores as a kid myself, hunting for the most perfect ones and adorning them on sandcastles or bringing them home to save in a treasure box (Hmmm... perhaps the beginning of my hoarding resourcefulness).  Clara wasn't too picky this year, but in the years to come we will teach her all the skill and strategy in collecting shells.

This post also includes some shots of Clara doing what you're really supposed to do on the beach: chillin'.  She's typically not much of a sitter or a be-still-er at all, but she did a little more relaxing than I thought she might.  The rhythm of the waves can lull even a busy toddler, I suppose.  Or maybe it was heat and pure exhaustion.  Nah, I'm going with rhythm of the waves....

And so I present, Act I: Shellin':

Click these to watch the video!  Go on!  Do it!!!

And Act II: Chillin':

 Hydration time.

 "Ahh.... this is the life."

 Sometimes a kid's gotta re-fuel with some Cheerios.

Here's my movie star look....

 Worn. Slam. Out.

 Oops... that little rest resulted in quite the sandy face.

 Stealing a few snuggles...

Sweet Mama grabbed some too.  Nothing like a lullaby on the beach...

Beach Prep: Water

We already knew that Clara loves the bath, but for the final phase of Beach Prep 2012, we got her in the swimming pool over Memorial Day weekend to see how she'd do with a bigger body of water.  The sand and the sun protection may not have been wild successes, but this girl loves some water.  Thank goodness.

First, put on an adorable bathing suit (thanks again for the handmedowns, Nikki!) and a matching yellow hat.  

Then, take Big Daddy's hand and walk towards the pool....

You can check it out a little slowly, if you'd like....

Or just go all in....

Kicking and splashing and having a BIG old time....

And loving every minute of it....

But due to low body fat, this babe got chilled quickly.  Good thing Sweet Mama was ready with a towel.

And there were plenty of snuggles to be found...

And as soon as she warmed up, she was back at it again....

No, I don't think the water will be a problem at all....

** Coming next: Beachin' 2012!