To Beach Or Not To Beach

Brian was traveling last week, so the kiddos and I decided to head to the Outer Banks with Nana and Baba! We had a wonderful time, and I am eternally grateful for the help and extra sets of hands. Ella had a blast and loved goofing around with her Nana and Baba.

One thing Ella did not love was the beach itself! When we arrived Tuesday evening, she and Baba headed for the beach. Ella collected shells and threw stones in the ocean, and all was going well until a very mean wave came up and got her shoes wet. Catastrophe. That was the end of the beach for Ella. We tried again twice to take her back to the beach, but she just sobbed and clung to Nana and screamed that she just wanted to go back in the house.

We're headed back to the beach in June. I'm hoping this traumatic event will be forgotten by then!

Chillin' with Baba.

Happy on the boardwalk leading to the beach. This changed as soon as we set foot on the sand.

Having a heart-to-heart with Nana about why she does not want to go out on the sand.

Ella was happier on the playground. Mama, Nana and Baby Cooper took a turn on the swings as well.

Skateboarding!

The biggest change we've seen in Ella since Cooper arrived is that she is more huggy. I'll take it!

Love how she throws her arms around everyone.

We tried to entice her to come back to the beach with a kite.

No luck. She was completely miserable and only felt safe on the boardwalk.

She really, really was not a fan of the beach.

Headed back. Enough trauma for one day.

We thought wearing Baba's goggles might help, but no such luck.

Modeling her cool suit.

And trying on Mama's shades.