We did end up going to the beach after all, but not before we stopped in at the new library so the boys could check out a stack of books and videos. The Dickens threw a minor, "you're a stupid poopoo and I hate you," fit when denied vending machine goodies, and Willow decided that all of the books in the children's section looked much better on the floor.

We left the 90 degree heat of the valley and headed over the hill to the beach, which was fogged in. A steady wind blew mist and sand across the beach while the girls shivered. I gave The Dickens my sweater to wear, and it was so big on her that she could tuck her feet inside it. I tied the sleeves around her to keep it in place. We met up with some friends there, who went and got a large pizza for us to share. The seagulls thought that this included them, so hovered above us waiting for an opportunity to make off with anything that looked unguarded.
We decided to pack it in and convene back at our friends' house for ice cream and a fire in their outdoor fireplace. I finally got to try garlic ice cream, which is much better than you might think. The banana ice cream was pretty good too. The kids (between the two families, there were 7) all had a great time. The whole scene brought to mind a tribe sitting around their campfire at night. We sang songs and told stories and relaxed (as much as you can relax when 7 small children are bouncing all over the place, anyway). Good times.

Tomorrow I start the final week of the summer camp season. It's a camp called Wild Wonders, and is kind of a general overview of subjects that naturalists study.