Spring Photo Op, Part 4

Will and I had probably the world's busiest day yesterday. But it was also super fun because we spent the whole day together. And let me tell you: this handsome feller, at the grown-up age of almost-four, is so much fun to hang out with!
Following our trip to Riehm Farm in the morning, we drove back up north, past our home to Maumee Bay State Park for a picnic lunch by the beach. We read some of our library books while we ate the lunch that I packed and we watched the crazy people doing unicycle races and pogo stick jumping in the parking lot.

Then, because we had some time to kill before the surprise I had planned for him that afternoon, we kicked off our shoes (by Will's request) and walked on the beach to the water's edge. Of course, you know I had my camera with me... right?

Doesn't he look beachy? It was tough planning an outfit for him that would be fitting for our whole day because of all the commitments we had planned. But in the end, it didn't matter 'cause this one got a little ruined while we were here. We had to make a pit stop home for a change of clothes before moving onto our next adventure.

I absolutely adore his expression in the next two pictures. In previous years, he hated the beach. Last year, he wouldn't even walk on it when we came here for a family hike. But this year, things have changed. He walked out there, clearly enjoying each step with the sand squishing between his toes and watching with interest as the water gently came back and forth onto the beach.

{Will's fake smile upon request. :)}

Umm... okay.

{Another obvious fake.}

He'd actually stumbled in about eight or so inches of water, and fallen onto his bottom in the water. Oops. His shorts were pretty soaked... He also had a small stain on the belly and collar of his shirt from the grape tomatoes he'd eaten during our picnic. Will didn't seem to mind at all, so we stayed and played awhile, hoping he'd dry a little, but ended up stopping home to change clothes before moving on.

We moved on to the play ground on the other side of the park for a bit.

And then crossed the lawn for more pictures on the cement steps by the water. You can see some wood benches surrounding a fire pit in the distance. Just beyond that are a looong stretch of deep cement steps that climb directly down into the water... no beach at all.

Gazing out at the sea gulls on Lake Erie.

Love these.

He wanted me to take a picture of him jumping.

This expression cracks me up. And hands in the pockets? He is sooo Craig's son. :)

I love this boy.

One of my favorites of the day... Love his silliness. :)

Taking pictures is easy with such a handsome subject!

Okay! Time to move on! Things to do. People to see.

And we're off!