crane beach

We got out of the house early today so we could get to the beach ahead of the crowds.  We were going to Crane Beach in Ipswich, MA.  Although we have never been, we heard very good things from friends and online reviews.  Right away I was impressed by the huge parking lot and the size of the beach.  It is a gorgeous day out too!

We wasted no time.  As soon as we parked we got to the beach, set our things down and headed to the water.

Bennett actually cried a little when he first went in because the water was really cold at about 65 degrees.  He ran out and a few seconds later ran right back in.  

Gearing up for the cold water.

It was nice to be some of the first people to arrive at the beach.  There were very few people in the water.

Bennett liked running but he also liked playing with his bucket.  He would fill it with water then dump it all over himself.

We did some digging as well.

It's amazing how quickly an hour flew by and it was time for a snack.  We played in the sand a little after snacking.  Bennett found a dried seaweed which amused him a lot.  He said "WOW" many many times.

There happened to be a big circular hole in the ground near our things.  So we spent some time digging in the sand.  

Bennett loved climbing in and out of the hole.

This kid is not afraid of getting dirty.

We figured we would take him to the water one more time before heading back home.  He was getting a little tired.  I think he is trying to lay down for nap.

Bennett dug in the sand as we gathered out things.

He was covered in sand by the time we left.  I hope my little beach bumb enjoyed his time in the sun.

We stopped for lunch before leaving the area at a restaurant called Salt.

It had an interesting appetizer called Fried Milk.  The waitress said they boil down milk until it's custard like consistency and then add lobster cover it with flour and fry it.  We decided that was worth a try.

It was pretty tasty.  Different but good.  The inside was doughy and sweet.  I loved the crispy outer shell.  We really enjoyed our lunch here.  I got fried chicken with bacon waffles which was amazing.  Nick loved his bison meatball sub and my Mom her lobster reuben.  Wish we lived closer to this place.  

Bennett slept for 20 minutes of the ride home.  We were all happy for the DVD player in the Pathfinder.  It took us an hour or two to come out of the food coma after lunch.  Our night was very low key.  We spent the majority playing outside.  Bennett stayed awake the entire time.  He must be too excited to sleep while Grandma is visiting.  He is going to be one tired nugget tomorrow.