Breaking a promise to a 7 year old is hard. I mentioned last week that we promised him a day at the beach if his daddy’s unemployment situation got straightened out. It didn’t get completely straightened out (we’re still missing a week and I suspect we’ll never see that money) but we did get some so I felt like I couldn’t back out because school starts Monday. I was up at 6AM (or maybe 6:40, but I’m not telling) to get our stuff together, make lunch, and pull out of the driveway before 8AM with a van full of beach stuff and still-sleepy children. We used a gas card someone had given us months ago that still had some money left on it, bought some ice, and hit the road towards Fort Fisher.
The weather predictions told us that things were iffy, but we figured that we could visit the aquarium if it was rainy…one way or the other, we were going to the beach. We got there right around 11AM and broke out lunch for the hungry crew. There were some dark clouds and a drop or two while we were eating, but it seemed like the weather was clearing (or at least not bad enough to skip the beach) by the time we were done. The van was unloaded, our spot staked out, and children sunblocked by noon.
We played in the water. We played in the sand. We played in the water AND the sand when I decided to sit at the water’s edge and just play, something I never do because it means sand ends up in every nook and cranny and crevice. But I did it, and loved every moment of being there with my babies. I nursed my little girl with the sound of the waves in our ears…she hasn’t nursed the last two mornings and I suspect that we are near the end of that part of her life. So I sat there, doing nothing but focusing on her for that precious time, her eye peeking up at me from the towel I used to cover myself. We were surrounded by people and noise, but for those few moments it was just the two of us.
There was lots of
and
and
and even
!!!
It was a glorious day…despite the 3 hour ride home in a wet swimsuit filled with sand (um, ouch!) and the discovery upon reaching home that the sunblock I used was expired (double ouch!) and finding that all of the problems I’d left behind for the day were waiting on me as soon as I got in the door. In the end, we were out only the $2 we spent on ice for the cooler and the gas card we were saving for a rainy day. We packed our lunch and there were no parking fees or park admission fees. No stopping along the way for snacks or drinks. Just a beautiful day in the sun with the people I love the most. I chose to find joy in today, and it was there just waiting for me to discover it.
Kate
July 19, 2010 at 10:15 pm
Fist time commenting – Love your blog. I am in the Apex area and would also like to recommend Jordan Lake. It is 6 bucks a car for the beach, so while not free, it is a lot closer. I’ve camped there and 4th of July was my first experience on the non-camper beach. The downside – my hubby tried to come about 2 hours later but the beach was “full”. I honestly think that was due to the holiday.
themama
July 19, 2010 at 10:30 pm
Thanks Kate! I definitely want to try Jordan Lake…the waves were rough on the little kids and it was hard work keeping up with all 3 of them when they wanted to play in the waves! Someday soon!
Kelly
July 20, 2010 at 10:18 pm
Looks like a great day. I love the photos (and especially V’s suit). We’ll join you at Jordan any day. We prefer to use the campsite beaches, but it’s really nice to have something so close.