Tuesday, April 27, 2010

We Went to the Beach

Sometimes, a family just needs to unplug and get away from it all. And sometimes, it's more fun to do that with good friends.

Sometimes, you need to show off your mad skills with the boogie board to your buddies. 


And when you're done, you just need to curl up on the warm sand under a towel. 



Sometimes, with enough sunscreen plus protective gear from Lands End, you can sit in the sun and dig for hours. 



Sometimes, you really prefer the shade. 



Sometimes, you need to get up close and personal with nature -- but not TOO close. 



Sometimes, you need to get so close you're actually rolling in it. 



And sometimes, you need to try to control the uncontrollable. It's you versus the ocean, and you. will. win.



Sometimes, you need to be able to fling great gobs of mud and sand around without any adults reprimanding you. 



And sometimes, you need an adult to be so cool that he lets you and your comrades actually lob those great gobs of sand in his direction -- and then dishes it right back. 


Sometimes, you, the mom, need to be somewhat extraneous to your children's entertainment. ("Need help?" "No, Mom.") In that case, you might retreat to your beach chair and read The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie (Four stars, y'all. Maybe five. My reward for making it through Light in August).


And sometimes, you need to know you're needed. Wanted. Valued. Irreplaceable. 






Sometimes, you need to prove you're powerful enough to summon a whole flock of seagulls with a handful of chopped hotdogs. 



Of course, sometimes what you really need is a little refreshment. 



Or a nap. 



Sometimes, you need quiet moments, preferably shortly after sunrise, to walk on the beach, stare at the sea, and realize that your Father's love makes that vast ocean seem like a morning drop of dew.



And feel so thankful for it all. 



(FYI: All this weekend loveliness took place in Port Aransas, a place we've visited before, and, our status as former South Carolina Beach Snobs notwithstanding, found surprisingly charming. We've stayed here and here, both super close to the sand and surf, before high season while the rates are lower. Recommended!)





8 comments:

Samuel said...

Great job of capturing some of the highlights from the long weekend, both in photos and prose (as usual!). We had a great time with your family and the Dixons, and are already looking forward to the next adventure together! (Kids + beach = winning combo. Smartphone + beach = disaster)

nicole said...

awesome! looks like so much fun :) great pics too!!

(and i LOVE Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie -- so glad you've discovered it :D)

Jared Dilg said...

Looks like you had a thoroughly relaxing trip! It's always better with other families too.

Amy Tague said...

And sometimes you take a minute out of your day to catch up on blogs and you find one that is so sweet and so beautifully written that it makes you tear up just a little.

Vanessa said...

Very sweet post, but there are no pictures of the photographer! I"ll have to email you some of the ones we took.

Jessica said...

love it! thank you for transporting me there with you this morning.

~cjoy said...

I confess I normally do not care much for the beach. But you just made me long for it. With good friends, to make it sweeter. :)

Kristen said...

Great photojournaling! It's nice to see it all.
For heaven's sake, why did you submit yourself to Light in August??