Swabby Mates and the Pirate Ship

So many of the kids would not keep their hats on their heads, but thanks to Captain Kyle and the other dads, the Scurvy Swabby Mate crew was born.

For less than $2 a pop, we purchased bandanas for the kids.  Their pirate hats would keep their mow-hawked heads safe from the sun while in the water and on the boat.

It worked perfectly.  Even the 18 month olds would happily keep them on.  And the infant pirates as well.

So in their pirate hats, they were beckoned to the pirate ship, UB's boat anchored just slightly off shore, to jump the plank.  And they did this for hours.  They did this for 7 days.  It was great to watch and be a part of.

It is pretty funny, now, because the tale of Captain Kyle started before our trip.  He convinced Boog and Mudge that he was in fact a pirate.  He had the sword to prove it.  They believe it and have asked if they are now part of his crew since they walked the plank and said "Arrr" all week.

Lube 'em up!

Oh mister sun, sun, mister golden sun, please shine down on me, but only when I have my sunscreen, hat, glasses, and UV shirt on...

Now with the weather getting better quickly and more and more appealing, just wanted to shed some light (pun intended) on the importance of sun safety

According to the Melanoma Foundation of New England, the sun is twice as powerful in the summer when it reflects off the water. It can also be magnified off the mist on a cloudy day. So it is very important to protect you and your family's skin dailyThe Center for Disease Control and Prevention also agree that children should be covered at all times.

So here are some tips:
Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 15 (MFNE recommends at least SPF 30) 30 minutes prior to going out- but don't forget to reapply at least every 2 hours, more often if sweating or swimming. And if you are as pasty as me you don't leave the house in anything less than SPF 50...

Wear protective clothing like hats, sunglasses, and shirts. Check out Coolibar which has received recognition from the American Academy of Dermatology, The Skin Cancer Foundation, and the Melanoma International Foundation.

Be aware of your skin. Check for funky looking moles with asymmetry, color and border irregularities, diameter over 1/4", and evolution (growth in size or height)

So lube 'em up and get 'em out...

Just FYI here is a link to The Skin Cancer Foundation's list of approved sunscreens