INDIAN BEACH

the thing about North Carolina is that it makes up for it's small towns that have absolutely nothing to do with it's beaches.

the beaches are gorgeous. and the small-time charm of surf-side towns? oh, they restore my soul. there is nothing like driving down the highway with the blue ocean to your right and a handful of seafood restaurants, brightly colored houses that always have a beach-inspired name and surf shops to your left. with the windows down and music blaring, of course.

North Carolina is known for it's beaches. i grew up with a strong love for the ocean and it only grows stronger as I watch my daughter grow her own love for the ocean.

lately, we've been having quite a few family days at the beach. we look slightly crazy walking to the beach in a crowd of 7-12 people lugging towels, boogie boards, chairs, coolers, wagons, kids, sand toys and picnic baskets. oh, but it's so worth it.

I think I've found Lia's new summer-do. It's easy and keeps her hair up and out of her face. Not to mention it's adorable!

we typically hit up Atlantic Beach down by Fort Macon but last Sunday we decided to check out a new beach. beaches change every so often, either by the surf and tide or man-made changes. our typical beach site has gotten a little rough and we've left with a few too many sea shells stuck in places they don't belong. uncomfortable to hear, uncomfortable to deal with.

Indian beach was just the change we needed. the walk from the parking lot was slightly ridiculous with it's long uphill & winding walkway with the big drop of stairs that we didn't know about... but again, it was oh so worth it.

the Carolina blue skies overhead and the clear blue water was waiting for us. the water was cold at first, but soon warmed up and felt amazing against our skin. the tide was so easy-going. it was the kind of beach where we could (and did) let Lia sit in the tide playing with her buckets and sand toys.

there were sand castles to make. crabs and minnows to catch. dolphins to watch. books to read. naps to take.

my nephew trying to catch a fish.

hard to see, but there were dolphins! we missed the photo-op but one jumped right through the air.

it was one of the best beach days.

we topped it off with chocolate milkshakes and a worn-out toddler.

a perfect day.