Marathon Day at the Beach

Weekend adventure with the kids: Just because my sister put a damper on our mood for part of the weekend does not mean the kids and I didn't have fun. We had fun!

The car ride was great. Somehow the kids and I have a great time on extended drives. We listened to "Prince Caspian" from the Chronicles of Narnia. This was a good adventure story and we enjoyed it. My kids tagged along my work and were extremely well behaved. It was also exciting that we never got lost (sometimes this happens on our adventures!). On the way home we listened to another book on tape (since we could go no further with the Chronicles until we finishing reading the actual books together -- my rule is that we read the book before listening to audio or movie versions).

My kids met my cousins and their kids again and actually had time to play and interact on Friday. I learned the difference between first cousins, 2nd cousins, and first cousins once removed. My many cousins get a vacation place each year that used to be a summer camp. This way all of the kids could fit with all of their kids. My Uncle T and Aunt A have 7 kids and 16 grandchildren. When they vacation in our state I try to go see them for the day. I've made 2 of the last 3 years with my kids. The kids and I brought the goods to make smores. YUM! There were games, chatting, dinner, swimming on an inland lake, and a great bonfire!
I treasure this time with my cousins. It is a wonder to see them somewhere other than weddings and funerals!

Okay, Saturday was HOT. We spent an eternity on the beach (more pictures to come!). My sister was left town while we were at the beach so we had the place to ourselves. Our normally quiet beach had a lot of people, but it was still quite fun. I felt my mood lighten as small waves kissed the shore. My kids moods lightened as well. Somehow they always pick up the vibes when there is conflict. Even if they don't say anything they are crankier.

When my sister left we all lightened up. I felt bad that our fun weekend had been partially overshadowed, so we made it a marathon beach day. We stayed until sunset! It was a gorgeous sunset too! There is nothing like a sunset on the water to bring peace into your soul. We got back to the house at nearly 10pm and I let the kids stay up even later. We had the house to ourselves.

It is WONDERFUL having this house to ourselves. I enjoy spending the 4th of July there with family, but I really love when it just my kids and I. I'd be okay to let hubby come with us, but he had class and a test so it was just us. Me and the Wonder Kids. They are a ton of fun, I'm blessed.

We took balloon rockets, beach toys, kites, snacks and water with us to the beach. We were prepared for a long one and I'm glad -- we stayed at the beach over 7 hours! I can make my tired self hang in there when I know we are making memories. It is worth is to push through your aches and pains. It is worth it to stay late even when you are tired. I love it when we've squeezed everything we can from an experience. Yesterday we did. It was the best!

Sunday morning: We are slowly going through the ritual of closing the house. I am not as intense on it since I come back alone this Friday. I'm taking a class somewhat near the area so I'll be staying in the house again next week. There is something truly wonderful about knowing I'll be back in less than a week. I love it here. I like to leave it better than I found it. Where did that lazy kid go who hated to do work? How did I become that person who wants to leave things nice in case someone besides me comes along? We made more memories with kites, water shows (you should see Wonder Boy perform!), balloon rockets, sandcastles, and sunsets. I'm glad for the wonder of spending 7 hours at the beach and never opening my book.

It was the best!