I am not sure if it possible to be at the beach and not have fun! From the minute we got out of the car all of the kids (and the adults) were happily roaming and collecting and wading. The water was oh-so-cold, but the toes went numb after a couple of seconds and things were fine after that.
The beach has a way of bringing out the kid in anyone. Even finding a sand dollar laying on the sand is a treat.
We explored tide pools and walked in the pier where I was reminded that wearing shoes on a wooden pier is essential. I was also reminded to be thankful to have a hubby that is willing to remove splinters from my feet. I was also reminded to be more gracious and understanding when my kids have splinters in their feet and they scream while I take them out. It hurts!
My hubby got in on the "being a weirdo at the beach" action:
It is hard to take him places sometimes, but he more than makes up for it with sweet notes:
My hubby and I discussed moving closer to family and closer to the beach, but it is simply too expensive for us. In fact, that is why we left California 15 years ago. I suppose that in reality the beach would lose some of its magic if we had access to it all the time, the same way the mountains and trails and rivers of Colorado can seem so uninspiring if I am not careful to notice their beauty.
I guess that is what a vacation provides: the opportunity to notice. A cross-country move might provide a more perfect backdrop, but not the eyes to comprehend all that surrounds us. For that, a relaxed vacation mindset is all that is necessary. Now I just need to figure out how to bring that into my day-to-day life.
Have a lovely Monday!
