Monday, June 6, 2011

Fifteen Minutes to Paradise

Which is pretty much how long it takes us to drive from our front door to The Number One rated Beach in the US.  Says Who?  Says Dr. Beach...and I'm guessing since he is a doctor of beaches, then he pretty much knows what he is talking about in his infamous Top 10 Beaches of 2011 List.

So, there the beach sits, and we rarely visit.  The thing is....no matter how nice the beach is, it's sandy and it's messy, and this time of year it's really hot.  I drag my feet about going to the beach...but when I get there...

It's a slice of heaven.

June_2011_0023-1-2


It's clear blue water.  Water just cool enough to refresh, but warm enough to enjoy.
June_2011_0042-1


It's powdered sand between your toes and time spent looking for shells and hermit crabs.  It's sunshine and giggles, saltwater, and fresh air.
June_2011_0037-1-2


It's God's best antidote for stress. 
June_2011_0015-1-2

On Saturday evening, we spent time together as a family at the beach.  The girls were content to dip their toes in the water for about 20 minutes before they both begged for swimsuits.  They combed the beach for seashells and sharks teeth.  They went with their daddy out to the sand bar about 20 yards off the beach.  We enjoyed ourselves.

June_2011_0024-1

As we piled back in the car, I declared again, for the hundredth time, that we really need to do this more often.  The sand, the mess, the slight inconvenience of driving over the draw bridge to get there...is all worth it.  It's worth it to hear the giggles of delight as my girls run from waves.  It's worth it to see their eyes alive with anticipation and wonderment.  It's worth it to connect as a family.
And, I'm fairly certain that we'll be making the fifteen minute drive to paradise a tad more often.

10 comments:

LeeAnn said...

We need to schedule a beach day...SOON! Bryce has never been, and Rylie has only been with my mom. Well, unless you count the Christmas pictures. ;-)

I hear you about dragging your feet because of the mess and hassle...I do it too.

I hope you guys had a great weekend!

Lexie Loo, Lily, Liam & Dylan Too said...

It looks like a slice of heaven! I'd love to live that close to the beach!

Unknown said...

How great! Perhaps you can be spontaneous and do this more often - even at night with all your clothes on :-)

Alisia Thompson said...

I totally feel ya on this! EVERY time we go (which is tragically rare) I spend the whole time wondering why we don't go once a week? Somewhere between the wet car and the sandy bathroom floor, I remember.

Cole said...

I'm beyond jealous - our closest beach is about 2 hours away. We hope to go a whole bunch this summer!

Jennifer said...

I am so glad you decided to brave the mess and hit the beach. It is always so fun once you get there. Especially that you live so close to a fabulous beahc!! We are literally 5 minutes from the beach and we go often in the summer. Well, not sure how Anthony is going to be this season....our trips might be less frequent with a toddler who likes to run..LOL! The girls are so sweet as they dipped their toes...great family time!

Mama Hen said...

You know I love it Carol! I am so happy you went to the beach my friend! The pictures are adorable! Listening to those giggles as your girls ran through the waves is what it is all about! If you ever get to New York I would love to meet. I know our horsey loving girls would get along great! Have a good night!

Mama Hen

Casey Martinez said...

I'm a tad jealous that you are so close to the beach! We used to be that close when we lived in CA but, here in NC we are about 2.5 hours away. Boy, the water looks beautiful but, your pretty girls take the cake!! So adorable in those dresses!

Moments and Impressions said...

15minutes!! Oh what a treat. Love them holding hands. That water is gorgeous.

Sassy said...

So missing the beach even more now! :) Glad you guys are enjoying it!!