The funny thing though, Philip and I both agreed that from all the people we asked about Shell Island, not a single person really gave us an accurate description of the place. People kept telling us it was a great place to explore and look for seashells. I was thinking we were going to do a lot of digging and would come home with a bucket full of beautiful shells. Not the case. At all. There were a few shells scattered around the beach. Fragments, really. But nothing that we don't see at our normal beach. Regardless, we had fun and made a big deal to Coop about the teeny tiny shells we did find (because we talked about shells so much).
Cooper was again so curious about the sand. Last year he didn't really like the sand on his hands or feet for very long, but this year, it was like he was really examining it. At first he would pick up hand fulls of sand and slowly watch each grain of sand slide through his fingers. Then, he pretended to be a crane and he'd pick up a hand full of sand, make his crane noise, turn around and dump the sand in a different spot. Cooper was in his own little discovery world, so Philip and I just sat back and enjoyed watching our little guy's curiosity at work. (And, of course, took a ton of pictures.)
He kept resisting to check out the water, but finally he decided he wanted to check it out, too. So he cautiously walked to the waters edge with me. (Warning...you are about to see several pics of a very pregnant chick in a bathing suit.)
Not so sure about the water crashing over his feet.
But then, he got really adventurous and we braved the waves together. He immediately loved it! He squealed and giggled and smiled from ear to ear each time those waves crashed into us. I wish I could bottle up that excited little voice. And, I have to admit, I was totally shocked. This is my kid who never wants to leave my side when we swim in a pool. He's very cautious in the pool and almost fearful. Well, not this beach kid! He was fearless when it came to the water and these waves! The waves weren't big by any means, but still the way they crash and wash over your feet can be a little intimidating for a new beach goer...well, apparently except for Cooper.
Just before lunch, we caught the boat back to the resort. We quickly cleaned up and packed our things just in time to meet Gammi downstairs, who had just arrived and drove up in our rent car. Santa Rosa here we come!
Philip and Gammi headed to the grocery store while Coop and I unpacked and got settled into the condo. I love that we've stayed at the same complex for the last three years and in the same unit for the last two years. It helps to make it feel more comfortable and more like "ours" for the week.
It wasn't long before we suited up and headed down to check out the beautiful beach we'd be playing on for the next week. The sun was starting to go down, but that didn't stop us from playing and splashing. Gammi surprised Cooper with a new dump truck for the beach, and he couldn't wait to play with it in the sand.
"1...2...3...JUMP! I do it again! 1...2...3..JUMP! Again, again!!" Over and over and over again, Cooper wanted to jump those waves. I love the different expressions on Cooper's face before the wave, during the wave and after reaches us. It's anticipation, focus and pure excitement.
Just after this last picture, Philip headed up to get things started for supper. Cooper and I stayed down to play a little longer, but after awhile I started asking if he was ready to go up yet. He would reply with, "It's not dark yet." Over and over I heard this until it was so very dark and he finally gave me the ok to head upstairs. Philip came back down to help us, and in the sweetest voice, Cooper looked up at Philip and said, "Thank you for taking me to beach, Dad." 
08.27.2011
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