SHARK BAIT

There are not enough adjectives in the English language that can describe how amazing our day was today. We all awoke to the delicious smell of pancakes and bacon that Aunt Bonnie was cooking upstairs. After we all ate we all changed into our bathing suits and headed to the beach. We loaded up the truck with everything you can imagine that you would need on the beach including a charcoal grill. In North Carolina you are allowed to drive onto the beach...how awesome is that! So we found a nice quiet spot and parked. We all hopped out and we all made a mad dash to the water...including Halainah. It was so exciting to see her amazement on her face. My daughter has no fear as she ran straight towards the waves. She laughed when the first wave hit her and she was hooked ever since. We have a beach bum on our hands.

Alyssa quickly named Halainah, Shark Bait. Reason being is that she would keep running further and further into the ocean if you let her. The waves would knock her down and she would jump back up only to run further into the water. And if you brought her back onto shore near our chairs, one slight turn of your back and she would be jumping in the waves again. 6 months ago in China she screamed in fear of a bath. And now you simply cannot get her out of the water.

The ocean water was like bath water today. The only ocean water that I have ever felt this warm was in St. Lucia for our honeymoon. We all went swimming today and if you were to ask Tony, I never go swimming. I haven't been in the ocean since I was a little girl. And that is what it felt like today...like we were all little kids splashing in the ocean water and riding waves. It was so refreshing. We ate the best peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for a snack which are a must on the beach. And for lunch we had hamburgers and hot dogs on the charcoal grill. It honestly was the best hamburger I have ever had. Halainah didn't want to miss anything and after a few hours she was a walking zombie. I took her for a little walk and she was fast asleep on my shoulder after about 10 steps. She slept so peacefully for 1 1/2 hours.

Unfortunately we all got a little too much sun. Except Halainah since she was well covered with 70 SPF. The rest of us opted for 8 SPF and we should have at least stuck to 15. So I think tomorrow we are hanging by the house instead of the beach to recover from the dreaded sunburn. We are truly having a blast. It is beautiful here and the company, the food and the memories we are creating are truly priceless.


Daddy and Uncle Mario showing Halainah the ocean water for the very first time!

Uncle Mario and Halainah both have expressions of pure happiness!


Dada and Halainah loving the first wave!

Uncle Mario taking Halainah further into the water!

Halainah had her feet in the water at least 90% of the day.

Aunt Bonnie and Halainah having a peanut butter and jelly sandwich snack.


Halainah didn't mind being buried in the sand.

Fast asleep after an exciting day on the beach for my very first time!