The Beach

 The first day at beach was rough on Tommy because the wind and the water were so loud due to an approaching storm. He did not appreciate the howling winds, the strange feel of the sand, or the crash of the waves. We only stayed about 20 minutes before he was DONE! So we followed his lead and went back to my Aunt and Uncle's house to visit instead.

Sand takes some getting used to.

The next day we tried again and he had a much better time at the beach. The water and winds were very calm and the weather was 75 degrees and sunny. It wasn't quite warm enough to get fully in the water so we just got our feet wet and played in the sand.

The water was much warmer than expected. A nice surprise!

He didn't know what to make of the way the sand shifted under his feet when the waves hit.

He needed some hugs and reassurance to process this new experience.

He did begin to relax and enjoy playing in the sand.

We took everything slow and let him lead the way. Since this trip was more a family visit than a beach trip it was easy to allow him to control the pace. You really have to remember how strange the beach would seem if it was new and you could not see it. It's VERY different from anything he had ever experienced before and I had to respect that.

Tom wasn't in love with the beach even after our second, more positive visit. I think it was a great learning and sensory experience for him though. He took it all in, that's for sure. He touched and tasted everything he could at the beach and he was a pretty good sport. I see more beach trips in his future!

To reward him for being so brave, we then went somewhere we knew he would have fun - the park! 

Swinging with Grandma and Great Uncle Kevin.

 He is in his element at a park. I am not sure if he likes the swings or the slide better. He's getting to be a little daredevil and letting go when he should be holding on sometimes... He's a bold one.