Our supposed three days at the beach actually turned into six days at the beach, thanks to the radical generosity and thoughtfulness of some friends. We haven’t been away from home (and life) for those many days in a row since our honeymoon 9 years ago. After day two, we were able to “break free” from schedules, thoughts of home and things left undone, and life’s momentary troubles….and were able to fully relax and enjoy our time away. We arrived home refreshed and rejuvenated, just what vacations should promote.

Ever since he was a tiny little thing, G has taken to the seashore like a fish. He loves all things ocean — sand, sea, sun, and seagulls. On our way home, he asked us how old he had to be to move out of our house and move to the beach. (Slow down, there, son! I’m not ready for those kinds of questions yet!)

R doesn’t take to the water quite like G does. She stood in the tide, looked down, got dizzy as the waves went out, fell down, cried, and never touched the ocean water again during the trip. But she was a happy little clam in the sand, building sand castles for imaginary mermaid princesses.

Among other fun activities was a spontaneous sunset boat ride…

and a culinary lesson in crustaceans.

And there was plenty to do back at the beach house, too. In fact, G was pretty stoked….he had his two favorite things in the world there: A vacuum cleaner and an elevator.

Blessed beyond words, we were, all throughout our stay. I’m currently planning and assembling a “hospitality thank you gift basket” to send up to the family who invited us up…then begged us to stay.

And I highly recommend traveling to the beach in late April/early May! The weather was pleasantly warm but not hot, the crowds were minimal, and the tourist-hiked prices were still reasonable. I think it will become a yearly tradition for us!