For the second time so far this summer we spent a relaxing day on the beach with good friends.  While we are there, we (I say “we”, really I shouldn’t take any credit as my friend does all of the work) set out fishing poles to try to catch some fish while we play.  Vera decided to take it a step further this time and suggested that I catch a fish with my hands (maybe my punishment for not owning more of the work with the poles).  

I took the opportunity to have some fun with Vera and splash her.  I would pretend like I was going to grab a fish and then splash her with the water.  I figured she would tire of the game quickly and not want to be splashed.  Boy was I wrong.  Instead of complaining about being splashed she just laughed and then tried to teach me how to catch the fish.  She would tell me to get on my knees in the water, then show me to cup my hands.  I would follow along but end up splashing her with water each time.  

After being splashed she would laugh and tell me I was doing it wrong, so I would tell her to show me again.  We must have played this game for over an hour all together.  

I am sure I will be in trouble some day in the future if I don’t expand the story to include the “sea monsters”.  Another silly game that became a huge hit with the girls.  Seaweed that floated by became the “sea monster” and was thrown back and forth trying to hit the target.  Most of the time we missed, but everyone enjoyed the occasional hits.

It is such a joy to see the girls have fun.  These are the times when I recognize all of our blessings and thank god for bringing us all together to make this unique family (with such wonderful friends).