a walk on the pier

We're back!  It's not often I'm awake after midnight but last night's drive saw us pulling in about 12:30.  And guess what?  No mercy from the littles this morning!  Luke snuggled in with us before 7am!  

So so good to all be together again!  And such a nice place to be together.  Another great day on the beach and then after dinner it was time to head down for a walk on the pier.

I was relieved to see that the railing looked plenty sturdy.  Still, we expended quite a bit of effort keeping track of the little two.  See John Paul considering a little rail climbing?

Out at the end we met a man planning to catch big fish.  Really big... last night he caught a six foot 175 pound shark.

I'm secretly glad we weren't there for the shark catch.  It does sound cool.  But a shark the size of my husband?  Ummmmm.....

A smidge closer to shore we cozied up to a few fishermen (and women).  Lucky us, they were catching lots.  And, even better (!!) they were willing to let our kiddos reel in the catch!

I would have paid for this experience.  This is MY KIND OF FISHING!  Someone else gathers the gear, deals with bait, casts the line, catches the fish.  Then, at just the right moment, they hand the rod to one of my children to reel in the baby shark.

It will surprise none of you to learn that John Paul eagerly reached for the sharks (only about 12 inches long) and helped toss them back into the water.  Must have been pretty friendly looking sharks because all the kids were clamoring for their chance to catch one and toss it back over the edge.

Recognize these two as siblings?  Luke's hair is still practically white but in this heat and humidity his curls rival Lydia's.

Just a beautiful evening on the pier.

Great end to a great day.