Updated
August 7, 2002
The weeks lately
have been focused around one specific thing in our house: the weekend
trip to the beach! Katie and I realized about a month ago that we
are so close to the beach that it is a shame we don't go more often.
We took the boys down to Galveston one Sunday morning -- and took
along some cold fried chicken -- and realized that if we were organized
and prepared, a trip to the coast really wasn't all that taxing. And
it can be tons of fun!
Since then, we've
been making the trip once a week -- either Saturday or Sunday, depending
on the activities of the weekend. I put all our beach gear [tarp to
lay down, chairs, kite, tarp stakes, buckets, shovels, etc.] in a
laundry basket and bought a cheap broom, and all that sits ready for
a quick toss into the Explorer before heading out. It really is quite
easy -- Katie gets ice and some bagels or donuts when she gets up
and I pack the car. We just get the kids packed into the car once
they wake up, and we're off.
Jackson and Porter
truly love going down there -- walking in the sand, playing in the
surf, looking for shells. I found a crab shell and claws last weekend
when I was setting up our spot and put it somewhere the boys could
'find' it on their own. Jackson saw it and showed it to Piddy and
they really enjoyed discovering the little surprises the beach has
in store.
Porter gets tired
a little earlier than Jackson when we're out there, but that's not
saying much -- they both go go go to the extreme! So much so, in fact,
that they are whipped for the rest of the day and much of the next
whenever we get back.
All in all, trips
to the beach are the highlight of all of our weeks. I have always
loved the beach and I am so glad I am experiencing it now not only
for myself, but through the eyes of my two boys. I can't wait to teach
them how to surf!
