Life is a Beach (Free Florida Fun)

Obviously you can't talk about Free Florida Fun without mentioning the beach.

I am sure I have been to the beach at least twice as many times in the two years since we moved here than I had been in my entire 26 years of previous life. We are a beach loving family. And you can't hardly beat it in the "bang for your buck" department. Especially now that we live only 15 minutes from the beach.

Okay, yes, you do have to buy swimsuits and beach towels somewhere along the road. An umbrella and a few chairs don't hurt either. But when you consider how much you aren't spending on heavy winter coats, boots, hats, scarves, gloves, snow shovels, and ice melt every year, These purchases seem rather small in comparison.

We like to go there an hour or two before sunset when the crowds have thinned and it isn't quite so hot. This also saves money on sunscreen since you don't have to use as much, if any, by this time.

Trekking across the expansive desert to the water's edge.

Jessie is balancing a huge rubbermaid planter 

containing all of our beach toys, towels, and other necessities

on top of the double stroller.

He's  kind of a stud.

(If you are too embarrassed to walk next to us in this getup,
don't worry, the beach is very wide)

"Cheeeese-Peanut Butterrrr!"

is Eliza's mugging phrase of choice.

I'm not sure why. It's actually very unhelpful.

Once there, you can frolic in the waves 

with reckless abandon

or build a sand castle with Daddy

using the rubbermaid planter as a base.

You will probably have to pose for some pictures

before you leave.

And you might be wrangled 

into holding a baby for awhile.

C'mon. You know you wanna.

Total Cost: Well, ok, this beach does have metered parking. $3 (plus gas and blah blah blah).