I often wonder what these frequent shore experiences might lead to as you get older. You see, when your dad and I were growing up, we only got to go to the beach a few times a summer. And usually, we'd spend one week living right on the beach-- waking up to seagull sounds, spending the day on the beach, walking the boardwalk all night, and going to bed smelling the salt water. Point is, we looked forward to those beach days all year long... because we knew that they were special.
You two, on the other hand, are growing up just 15 short minutes away from some pretty fine Monmouth County beaches. And we go to them often-- maybe two or three times a week. Some days we pack a lunch and head out early (with your bikes in tow); other days, we meet up with Daddy when he gets away from work and finds us playing in the sand, eager for a dinner picnic. If the weather is nice, we go. If not, we stay home, or do other things. But it is nice to have the option available; nice that I can take you whenever we want to go.
You visit the beach so often, I have dozens of awesome pictures to blog.
You know what tidal pools are because you've touched them.
You know how to make friends easily because EVERYONE is your friend when you are digging in the sand. I've observed that all boys have the same goal: dig as deep as you can. Bury things in the sand. Watch the water fill up your hole. Jump over the hole. You make stuff up on the fly, and everyone wants to try it out. No tears are shed when castles are swept away by the water. You simply make a new one.
This year, both of you have decided that you have no fear whatsoever of the ocean. Trenton, you boogie board like a pro. And when you're done with that, you go back out just to jump/duck/dive through the waves. Oliver, you can hold your own in the shallow parts with a board, too.
Sometimes, you rest. Have a snack. Talk for a bit. Read.
We've skipped some nap times this season so that we can spend a longer time at the beach. You are both so good about wearing sunscreen (and reapplying), and your SPF beach shirts.
(Daddy, not so much.)
I'll look up and see you running around, and around, and around. Chasing after sea birds.
Jumping off of things.
Oliver, I'm so thankful that these shore towns were able to get enough donations to re-build playgrounds on the sand. Because to say you love them is an understatement.
You're both getting so big, so fast. At home, you can drive each other (and your parents) crazy. But at the beach, there is very little arguing. Lots of imagining. Lots of squinting at new things.
T, you've found at least six sand dollars this year, just by looking down in the water as you slowly and carefully walk in the surf. Ollie, you found a HUGE one the other day.
Below, you are enjoying root beer/cherry/mango/vanilla & peanut butter/cherry/vanilla.
But I wouldn't have it any other way with you guys.
And no, I do not want this summer to end and for you to go back to school. You two and Daddy are the best beach buddies anyone could ask for.
Love,
Momma
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