Little Cousins at the Big Lake

As promised, here are a few photos from our trip to the beach with family.

Lake Michigan is a bit different from the Pacific Ocean we formerly knew as our local beach. First, it’s further from our house (a whole 15 minutes. I know. Cry us a river!). Second, the water is maybe 65 or 70 degrees, which is quite an improvement upon 55. Third, the air in summer is most definitely warmer–this day was a perfect 83 with a bit of a breeze. Perfect for jumping at the water’s edge with your uncle.

Lake Michigan beaches are a lot more crowded too, and due to the aforementioned warmth, much of the scenery is composed of bodies in various states of exposure and fitness. See: bikini butt, bottom right. (Hey, if I had to notice, I figure you should too. Bottoms up.)

The Joygirl actually was not so sure about going into the water at first. She was wary of the small “waves,” which is ironic since on the ocean where they were actually dangerous, she always wanted to run straight in. But after a while of her daddy holding her and help her “jump over” the waves (lifting her up enough that she didn’t take it in the face…very much), she started to like it. And once she learned splashing was legal? She loved it.

My nephew Tobo was a bit young for the water, but he did his share of dipping his toes, and the cousins sat together on the shore and dumped sand into their clothes and hair. Some of which is still in AJ’s hair, I think.

That’s what you call a great day at the beach.