Back to the Beach

Just being Bea is not for good enough for me. I need to plan most of my special times prior to visiting with my granddaughter Molly. Of course, I like to leave some room for spontaneity. But as summer is approaching, I want to do my homework and make my visits with Molly memorable and well thought out. Like I often say, proper planning prevents poor performance.

I have started to think about what would be fun for my 2-year-old granddaughter when she comes to visit us at the beach. You might be thinking: Why do you have to plan something? Isn't a visit with your granddaughter enough? Hang out, have a dip in the pool, dig in the sand and call it a day at the beach!

When Molly was born, I thought to myself this is my granddaughter and I want her to have great memories of the times we spend together. It is not often we get to see each other because of distance and everyone's works schedules. I recognize that my daughter needs alone time with her family. They enjoy that time, and I have Skype when I need that quick fix of seeing little Molly.

How can I plan some fun activities for our summer visits? I have begun to explore age-appropriate options. I must admit that while thinking about this the other day during a trip to Bloomindale's, I saw a tennis dress for Molly. I thought, “Now is the time to start tennis lessons.” Of course Bea Bea and Gramps love to play tennis. How cool would it be if we could teach Molly? I am not her mother, so that thought lasted two seconds. Nope, I didn't buy the dress either. (Ralph Lauren pleated skirt bottom, so cute and on sale.)

I began to think about beach arts and crafts. We are blessed with the most beautiful beaches in Southampton, New York. Why not Bea creative?

Is there an art to sand castles?
How about making kites?
We could make shell creatures!
I could create a beach obstacle course for the entire family to attempt. I like this idea because it encourages exercise. Most of the time we are planning BBQs and snacks. This summer, I would like to focus on fun and healthy choices. If you would too, check out how I plan to create the beach obstacle course for my clan.

The Beach Course

What you will need:
Sand shovel and bucket, shells, seaweed

Directions:
Take a shovel and make a path for the course or use seaweed to define the course. Place different objects along the way. Encourage family members to follow these five steps.
1. Jump over the pile of sand.
2. Pick up three shells.
3. Hop over the letter M.
4. Skip to the finish line.
5. Touch the arm of grandpa at the end and give him a great big hug!

Do you have any outdoor activities for toddlers that you would like to share? When did you first give your child or grandchild a tennis racquet to hold? Just a curious Bea.

Of course we would end with a yummy barbecue and maybe frozen fruit ice pops…