Brandywine Creek

At the end of this busy week, Andy had the most perfect idea. We at a delicious supper: steaks on the grill, corn from last summer, mashed Yukon gold potatoes and zucchini fritters from zucchinis that were picked this week. Then, we hopped in the truck and went to one of our favorite spots, Brandywine Creek.

The water is cool, clean and fresh. And the perfect depth for wading. Ahhh, like nature's air conditioning!

Above is the "whitewater" that Hannah had to try. She said, "Mama, it's carrying me away!"

We waded in and out of the water, to a sand bar in the middle. Abigail collected shell after shell, just as delighted when she found the 51st as when she'd found the very first.

Andy skipped rock after rock and the girls and I loved watching the splashes made by the smooth, flat rocks. I'm a total amateur at rock skipping, though it's still fun. He could probably win contests doing it. A skill honed on the river as a child.

Abigail took our picture...not our best ever, but truly us at our most relaxed.

More river walking...Sometimes Hannah needs a hand and sometimes she doesn't. Other times she just wants a hand to hold. Abigail certainly didn't need help finding shells, but isn't everything more fun when Mommy is helping?

Yes, those are pajamas. She would live in them if we let her. We rolled the pants up but eventually they were wet anyway. The sandbar behind Hannah (below) was homebase for shell collecting.

Abigail began to get tired and took a break from splashing and shell searching. She was really taking in the reflective water and cool air.

"Mommy, please take a picture of these ones I just found!"

And then it was time to go home. Perfect supper, perfect little getaway to a natural paradise. Followed by a perfect bedtime. Yay!

Some people are blown away when they learn that we basically drive 15-20 minutes to do any kind of shopping (even Walmart), for doctor's appointments, the park, etc. 35 minutes to a mall, 45 minutes to downtown. But this perfect spot, about 2 minutes from home. We've walked there before. Some of our family pictures were taken on the little island and the banks of Brandywine Creek last fall. It is peaceful, quiet, and so pretty. We would choose this convenience over modern conveniences ANY day!



Once we got home, the girls went right to bed and the grownups got to enjoy a cool evening on the porch.

This was our view: