Ladybugs at the beach?

A big part of my homeschooling goals have to do with getting out in nature and enjoying what each season has to offer. We have found that making regular trips each week to the Sandy Point beach (only 10 minutes from our house) provides us with constant adventure, gives us that comforting feeling that you get when you have your feet and hands on and in the earth. We call our weekly trips homeschooling at the beach. I know, not very creative, but definitely to the point. Yesterday, we got to the beach and were amazed to see hundreds of ladybugs all over the sand near the water.

We held them and named them and talked about all the different colors of ladybugs we saw. Some had lots of spots and some had non at all.

After that we sat on our beach mat for a little snack and Jetta took out her journal to draw a picture of the ladybugs we saw and to write something about it. I just love the Strathmore Kids Story Drawing Book that I got from Art Things. It is perfect for her as she begins to enjoy putting some words to her art. Here is what she came up with.

I am still not sure why there were so many ladybugs at the beach. I researched and found out that it could have something to do with them coming out of hibernation and maybe a big windy storm pushing them to the water, but I still don't know for sure. If you do, please let me know.