“This is going to be the best day ever” thought Ava. Her family had been traveling for what seemed like forever (it was really only 10 hours, though). Ava’s mom, dad, and her two brothers were taking their first family trip to the beach. What would it be like? She had seen pictures on television and knew that it was going to be a wonderful family vacation.

“Look out the window. What do you see?” asked Dad. 

To Ava it just looked like the mountain skyline that was common to see back home. “It’s just the mountains.” replied Ava.

“No, that’s the beach! From this far away it does resemble the mountains, but just wait until we get a little closer."  

Ava continued to peer out the window trying to be patient. Now that she could see it, they could not get there fast enough. Oh yes! As they got closer, she understood what her dad meant. What looked like the mountains before was starting to be more defined and she could see the ocean waves. 

"I can't believe we are finally here!"

“The boys rushed out into the ocean water, but Ava was a little more hesitant."

With her Hello Kitty hat and purple beach towel she was ready to touch the ocean water for the first time.  

Tentatively she walked toward the ocean.

The sand went from hot and dry to cool and mushy under her feet. Then the water slowly lapped at her toes. Ava squealed with delight. 

Gingerly, she reached down to touch the ocean water.  “I LOVE the ocean!” exclaimed Ava.

After a long afternoon of playing in the water and sand, it was time to go to the condo and relax. With the setting of the sun, the beach began to quiet down.

The next morning, Ava walked up and down the shoreline collecting seashells with her mom. They did this every day and quickly discovered that the best seashells could be found early in the morning.

Although Ava was already a good swimmer, she spent a lot of time in the pool perfecting her technique.

One day, Ava went to the zoo to feed animals like this baby goat.

This funny looking animal wanted to play.

Ava was even brave enough to walk into the shark's mouth!