Day at the Beach

Tyler and I came to Boston for a conference this week. Aunt Jonell, Uncle Art, and cousins Payton, Cole, and Shelby took great care of Tyler while I've been at work. Now that the conference is over, I"m actually getting to spend time with them.

I hope and dream that Tyler will one day be my "dive buddy". But to be a dive buddy (aka scuba diving partner), you probably have to like the ocean. So I've been eager to get Tyler to a beach to see if he likes the ocean. Today was the day.

Jonell and Art took us to Crane Beach in Ipswich, by Crane's Castle. This is where they brought Tyson and me when we were first engaged.

Jonell pointed out the beach peas growing in the sand just before we reached the beach. They bloom so briefly, so we were lucky to get to see them today.

Tyler's been a bit cranky since coming to Boston - we've messed up his sleep schedule, changed his living environment, and worst of all, we've taken him away from his dad. He's definitely acting differently lately, crying when I walk away, even though I'm within his sights, etc. The only times he's seemed truly happy and at ease are first, when skyping with Tyson, and second, when playing with the neighbor's puppy. Note even here, the suspicious look in his eyes...

When we first set him down in the sand, Tyler was as cautious as he always is in new situations.

Uncle Art quickly picked him back up to lead him closer to the water.

But when Art put Tyler down again, he was ready to go! He dragged Art towards the water, then went in far deeper than we expected.

We were sure the water would be too cold for him, but he loved it!

Tyler enjoyed playing with the sand, too.

Thank you Jonell and Art, for taking us to the beach, and thank you Tyler, for turning a cloudy, rainy day into such a fun experience!

PS Tyson, we miss you so much! It's not nearly as calm and easygoing here as I make it out to be. Best quote from Jonell so far, just minutes ago, regarding our current, cruel attempt to get Tyler to take a nap - after letting him wail for a solid 15 minutes, Jonell took pity on him and went to console him. She quickly emerged, announcing, "Tyler just threw a naked tantrum! He was so pissed off, he took his diaper off and threw it out of his crib!"

We love and miss you!