Scotty and the sand

Once upon a time, there was a little boy who loved to play but hated the feeling of dirt on his hands. Or his toes. Or his shoes. One day, his wonderful mama decided to take him to the beach for a whole week! Would the little boy love the ocean despite the sand? Or scream the entire week and drive everyone crazy?

It all started like this:

You have to click on the above picture--it's too great for words.
My favorite part is the flexed toes...he just couldn't STAND the feel of the sand.

Of course, if he was distracted, he would wander out to see the cool sea weed...


Wait a second...


Yes, you're seeing that right. Socks and tennis shoes with the swimsuit.
Killer fashion statement, Scotty!


Day 2: Ever seen the movie What About Bob? We baby stepped out onto the sand and all the way up the stairs. I did bribe him with strawberry toddler puffs, but he did it.

See? Proof!


Day 3: Scotty is spotted out in the sand, crouching...is he playing?


Looks like he's enjoying himself folks! Even getting casual and tossing the sand around a bit!

Scotty has conquered his sand aversion! It looks like there might even be sand in his hair, and he's totally fine...

Ok, maybe not.


Fortunately, on day 5 we found this cool log for him to sit on.


He even wandered off it occasionally to play happily with his cousin, Max.



Ok, not always happily.



Will this kid ever get over the sand enough to enjoy the water? So far the only things he likes about the beach are the helicopters that fly by every 10 minutes.


He likes to wave.


Day 6: we finally discover the trick. A pristine towel.



Look at him...


Meditative bliss.


Unless the wind picks up or someone runs by!

Proof that Scotty had a good vacation:

It was kind of nice to have him rooted in place from time to time!

Oh, well. How could you not love this kid despite it all?

And look, another helicopter!

*for the record, Scotty actually had many happy times at the beach. On the last day he would even run and chase the waves with his Papa and cousin, Adien. It never lasted very long, but it did in fact happen. Besides, it wasn't torture to take him--every time we headed out he skipped and ran excitely all along the path! Clearly he likes the ocean, and a little sand panic isn't going to change that for him.