Time on the Beach

Imagine laying on a sandy beach, the sun shimmers on the water and glints light onto the sailboats and paddle boats in the distance. People around you stretch out on towels tanning, sit under umbrellas burying their noses in books, or simply look out at the children splashing in the water. The sound of waves undulates behind the cry of seagulls and the murmur of laughter and conversation of the other beach visitors.

Is this some distant Caribbean paradise? No -- it’s Crystal Lake, Illinois! After living in Crystal Lake for eight months, we decided this afternoon to explore the area that gives our town its name—the lake. I experienced incredible surprise that our home lies 5 minutes away from this rather expansive lake with a sandy beach, boat rentals, a swimming area, and concessions. Amber, Makayla and I took a paddle boat out and glided along the shore looking at the impressively colossal lake houses. Makayla pretended to fish off the back of the boat, catching and releasing loose blades of grass that she called her fish. Later, we returned to shore, watched Makayla splash and swim, and then all sat on our family beach towel as Makayla made sand castles and we looked out at the boats on the water. I only wish I had brought my phone or camera so I could take a picture of it, but I guess I’ll just have to capture the moment next time. What a great asset to our little home.