The Best Summer Day

It was the first day of summer vacation. Milo woke up early. The sun was warm and bright. Birds sang in the tree outside the window.

"Today is a beach day!" said Mom. Milo jumped out of bed and ran to pack a bag. In it went a red bucket, a small green shovel, and a big striped towel.

At the beach, the sand was soft and warm. Milo wiggled their toes in it. The waves went swish, swish, swish. Milo laughed and splashed in the cool water.

Then Milo began to build a sand castle. It had four tall towers and a deep, wide moat. Milo found shiny shells to put on top. Each one sparkled in the sun.

A little girl came by and smiled. "Can I help?" she asked. "Yes, please!" said Milo. Together they dug and patted and piled. Soon the castle was the best one on the whole beach.

But then a big wave rolled in. Whoosh! It washed over the castle and the towers fell down. Milo felt a little sad for a moment. Then Milo looked at the new friend, and they both began to giggle.

"Let's build another one!" said Milo. And they did, a little farther from the water.

At the end of the day, Milo ate a cold, sweet ice pop. The sky turned pink and gold. Milo yawned and smiled. Summer vacation had only just begun.