Some of Ellen’s family has been visiting us all the past week, hoping for some good beach days. There were a few, not as many as they might have hoped, but they had fun anyway.  Adam, Zach’s friend, joined them, left, then nephew Zach, Ellen’s sister Ann, niece Ina and Ellen. Ann’s husband Dave was also here a few days. I, unfortunately, had lots of work to do, so missed some of the fun, but I did get to the beach for a few hours on four of the seven days.

Monday was the best weather, and we did some sand sculptures. That’s me in the back working on a pointed arch, and in the front Ann and the boys built a castle.

Here’s the finished castle, looking quite good.

And the finished arch, with the castle behind it. Nothing very elaborate this time, but I had fun doing this.

Here are Zach and Adam relaxing after all that work.

Ellen and I pose for a picture with Ellen’s camera.

One day was cloudy with a little rain. In the morning, Zach entertained Tigger on the guitar.

Leo was there too, watching from the bookcase.

That day they went to the Zoo, and there were shopping trips, and of course ice cream at Springers in Stone Harbor. Most evenings we played board or card games. Ina made several meals we all enjoyed, including her own pizza, ratatoille and crab cakes. We also got some good sushi take-out.

The crew headed home this morning, the beach vacation is over for another year. It’s a lot quieter, but we enjoyed the company, and hope to see them again soon.