Martinez Rules!: Beach Is The Word

Psalm 19:1-6

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands
Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.
There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.
Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun, which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is hidden from its heat.

Sand and Surf Action

Madeline has always been inclined to run headlong into the ocean, without inhibition or fear, and will roll around in the sand for hours until she resembles a sugar donut. Fiona, however, has only recently conquered her fear of sand. So, it was a treat to have them play in the sand together this trip. Fi still won't go into the ocean without holding my hand, but we're working on it.

Hangin' By the Fire (hot fiah!)

Fiona is keenly aware of the temperature of fire: hot! The girls got nice and gooey eating roasted marshmallows, and then Madeline became overwhelmed with fatigue after her long day of gallivanting on the beach. She conked out after round one of marshmallows.

Other Diversions

When the beach becomes tiresome, it's all about play-doh and coloring. Oh, and photography. Madeline doesn't quite have her parents' ability for perfect self-portraiture, but she's working on it.

When All Else Fails, Bury Them in the Sand

Madeline has a far more trusting nature than Fiona. She allowed me to bury her up to her neck. Fiona would only go as far as the waist, so we made her into a mermaid.

Maddo and Daddo Antics

I don't know how long it took them to dig this hole, but I'm pretty sure it went at least halfway to China. The best part was when an unsuspecting couple came walking along the beach with their dog, and Madeline, who was entirely concealed within the hole, popped up and surprised them.

More Fun on the Beach

Fiona's distrustful nature surfaced yet again when she refused to let her father take her out into the waves. She ran back to the refuge of Mama and declared, "No osh-ahn." I also enjoy Madeline's SI Swimsuit Edition cover pose.

Obligatory Self-Portraits

Fiona Celebrates Life

Maddo and Daddo Brave the Waves...

and are almost swallowed up by one. Madeline was brave to let Daddo take her so far out in the ocean.

Our Majestic Beast and The Frolicking Family

Fiona shows off her new pet ladybug, perched on her shoulder.

A Visit from Aunt Athena

The girls had a lot of fun "building" sand castles with "Auntie Fina." Fi Kong usually demolished them before they could become actual structures. I watched her gently pet one of the towers and then violently smash it with her fists. There was A LOT of wildlife activity on this day, so it was cool that Aunt Athena got to see a bunch of dolphins, birds, fish, and even a sea lion with the girls. Fiona very astutely observed, "Dawphahn fwim osh-ahn." Athena missed the big, fat, giant, squirrel that came right into our motorhome while we were inside the day before. Maddie, ever quick on her feet, grabbed the broom and "shooted him out." Fi pitched in on the squirrel shooing efforts by shouting, "SQUWOO OUT NOW!" This guy was bold though, and kept attempting to reapproach us. Finally, I threw a rock at him and he left us alone.