Thursday, July 10, 2008

Did you know South Bend was in California?

We went to the beach yesterday. It was absolutely beautiful. Sunny, not too hot, a little breezy. A perfect West Coast day. Except it was up in Michigan. Off Lake Michigan. Now I don't know about the rest of you, but I don't think "Michigan" when I think "beach", but there we were, in St. Joseph, Michigan (correct me if I'm wrong, SB Ladies, but it was Michigan, right?) playing on the beach.
The water was a little chilly for my tastes, and Olivia had warned me all morning that she was not getting in the water. All those crocodiles, fish, and sharks had her really worried. However, it seems she forgot her fears once we got there, and she was doing her very best to bodysurf those Lake Michigan waves.
Now, everyone from Toledo--I want you to specifically notice that there are no signs that say "The State has determined the levels of bacteria in this water are too high for safety." I didn't really have any worries that my children were going to emerge from the water with a couple extra toes or an ear growing out the back of their head.
And the beach sand went for quite a ways out into the water. It wasn't thick, gooey Great Lakes mud a couple feet in. It was a lovely, lovely beach.
This little fella is Luke Brady (isn't he cute?). I've taken and posted the picture of him in a pink dress for future blackmail purposes. Not every little guy can pull pink ruffles off like he can.

So, all you Toledo-ites and Indianapolis-ites and Utah-ites and Alaska-ites--come visit. We'll see the beach. (The invitation is also extended to the Californians, Hawaiians, and Marylanders, but I don't know if it's as tempting for them.)

11 comments:

Bonnie said...

I love it! It was such a great day! Who knew this was here waiting for us to enjoy! I'm loving south bend more and more!

Lyndsay said...

We were similarly surprised by Lake Michigan's beaches when we visited Ludington, Michigan. I highly recommend it if you're up for another beach day.

LaVaun Story said...

Awww. The beach. Any beach. We've been in Utah for just a few days and we're missing them like crazy. Looks like you all had fun and I'm glad to see you're keeping the kids safe and sound with life preservers.

Sara said...

I've heard about St Joseph's. Aren't there great shops and a cute little downtown? Did you see that?

How fun to have a beach!

Sara said...

Joseph's (in the possessive) referring to Joseph's beaches/stores/etc. Right? Right.

Elizabeth Reid said...

Awesome! How nice to have a beach close by. And I also must add, your kitchen looks fabulous. I just love the handles on your drawers. They just shout out for someone to use them.

Jeff and Larissa said...

I'm glad you loved the beach! We were so surprised when we first went. I'm glad you snapped the picture of Luke. Quite manly.

Denise said...

At that age beach is beach whether in Michigan or CA! Looks like a lot of fun!

mags said...

When can you ever come to Alaska and have a free place to stay? You must must must come!!! We would love to visit south bend again, let's go to a game!

dockters said...

Never would have guessed those pics were from Lake Michigan! How beautiful! What a fun day!

brittani c. said...

Those pictures put Lake Erie/Maumee Bay to shame. What a fun little play spot.