our minimal summer vacation budget has a bright side. we are enjoying a ton of local adventures, like our recent trip to 31st street beach.  we hit the sand mid-morning and found few crowds and an overabundance of lifeguards.

colorful splash park at 31st street beach, chicago

jude loves chasing seagulls and had plenty of opportunity here.  we love to see him develop his friendship skills. he went up to another boy to see if he wanted to join in. the bird hunt went well til other boy's mother decided to yell at said boy whenever he got 20 feet away.  perhaps next time she can get off the blanket and walk with them like me?  hmm.

but we had a nice time on the sand, digging a sand castle wall and water pond.  jude gets bored quickly despite my enthusiasm.  he soon decided to see what happens when you poke holes in the sand wall.

jude with our sand water fort

i wish these photos were not sideways.  a google search says others have this issue with blogger and photos. but i decided watching jude upside down in the photo is kinda cute, right?

one-year-old harry is finally over the whole eat sand thing.  he pulled up on the stroller like a pro and moved his trucks.

harry watches the gear at 31st steet beach

after plenty of sand we took a walk to look at boats in the marina. that's when we discovered the cool colorful splash park and playground. next time we'll include plenty of time to hang there.