Fairhaven Beach 2010

On Monday I took the kids to Fairhaven Beach on Lake Ontario. This is the second year in a row that my sister Brandee and I have taken the kids, this year we were joined by our good friend Crissy and her three children.

It's exciting to make traditions for my family that are similar to the ones that I experienced growing up. I can remember countless trips to Fairhaven Beach as a child, day trips and overnight camping trips as well. Every time I return to this beautiful park I am reminded of my childhood, so many of my best memories took place at this sandy paradise. Fairhaven Beach isn't far from home and it doesn't have any extravagant qualities to speak of but for me, it will always be a very special place. A place where I spent hours on the beach with family and friends, taking walks down the pier and eating sandy peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

For Brandee and I, one year made all of the difference. Last year we had a great time but pushing strollers through the sand was a challenging task. In one year all of the kids were now able to get around on their own two feet and they managed to keep up with the excitement, even without a nap. This is only the beginning of the memories that my children will have in the years to come. I pray that they will embrace each moment that we spend together and that they will cherish the time spent with family and friends.

When we first got to the beach Natalie and Ryland both had smiles from ear to ear.

So many fun things to do in the sand...

Walking down the pier...this year we actually made it to the end!

Ryland was very sleepy and took a ride on mama's back.

Ryland watching the sailboat.

Ice cream was a delicious way to end our trip!

Fairhaven Beach...what a magnificent place to make the perfect memories!