Most families have special things they do together — camping, biking, cooking, game nights, movies, etc. Ever since Songbird was little, flying kites has been one of our family’s “things.”

A few times a month during the summer, we’ll find a wide open space and let the wind do the rest.

Naturally the Atlantic Coast Kite Festival down at the oceanfront this weekend was our idea of a good time. We packed our sand toys, kites, and a picnic lunch to meet up with friends for an afternoon under the clearest blue sky we’ve seen yet this year.

Songbird is our resident kite master. This bird kite was the only thing she asked Santa for last Christmas and he happily obliged.

Hey, look at me for one more picture.  “No Mom, I have to watch my kite!”

The day was absolute perfection. Warm sun, strong steady breeze, and not a cloud in the sky. I typically judge an outing’s success by how many times the word “bored” is uttered. Not once in 3.5 hours… ah, the sweet sound of true entertainment.

Miss J was all about getting in on some flying action. Then she accidentally let go and got a front row lesson in aerodynamics. Fortunately, it didn’t tangle anyone else’s kite on it’s way several hundred yards down the beach.

Then there’s Bug. My ever-cautious watcher. He enjoys the kites, but does not like the tug of the line. After our runaway kite incident, he demanded we put all the kites away in their bags and was very upset for awhile when we refused. I wonder if he will always value safety over adventure as he gets older.

This was our first time on the beach since last fall, so he also had to be reminded of a few sand rules. Yikes!

Eyes to the sky and deep underground. Half the time we were there, these two hand dug pits as deep as they are tall. Go for it. If getting sand in every facial crevice you have allows me to sit unpestered in the sun sipping a soda, then dig till your heart’s content.

It seems our wild weather has finally turned warmer for good. Things are really looking up from here!

Literally.