Beach party USA

My first day at the beach this year was spent with two friends who are big brother and big sister to a 10-year-old named Jakari - who came with us along with my friends' dog, Miko.

Even though I laid under this umbrella, my back got fried.



It's hard to take a good, anonymous photo of yourself.



Here's an action shot of Michael brushing off his blanket made sandy by Miko.



Miko protected us from a helicopter flying overhead.



Jakari will undoubtedly become President of the United States one day.



Denise and Jakari emerging from the surf:



A friendly game of catch: