Lake Erie

We now live a block from Lake Erie and about six block from public access in a park.  Today was hot and muggy, so after the potty training drama, we went swimming. The nearby beach is small, but not crowded at all.  The shore had sand and lots of rocks and shells...but after about ten feet out, the bottom was mostly sand. The water was nearly waveless and very clear, we the occasional seaweed and minnows drifting around.  I didn't think Jude we go in, but I had hopes that Tamlin would enjoy it.   However, both kids had a great time in their own way.  

Jude at first clung desperately to me...like legs wrapped around my hip in a death grip clung to me.  I gave up trying to wade in with him and just sat in the shallows with Jude only lap.  This was acceptable, especially once I started handing him rocks to throw.  The kid loves rocks.  He sat in the water around his chest most of the time, just throwing rocks to watch them splash...and then wandered the shore picking up handfuls of rocky muddy sand.

Tamlin was a little nervous at first...but plunged in and waded out right up to his chest.  He liked exploring with daddy...climbing over some of the big rocks, walking on the brake wall, splashing around, and being carried out into deeper water. He eventually found three rocks that he insists had to come home with us...though one of them was for Jude.  

We spent an hour playing on the shore and it totally reminded me of another reason why this move was a good one.  Then we came home and showered, of course.