Beach Days

 After spending last year on a cruise ship instead of at our beloved Fort Walton Beach, we were all ready to be back at one of our favorite vacation spots. So, as soon as co-op was over for the year, we packed up and headed to the beach. Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Becca, and Abby joined us too. 

We usually vacation at the beach in late summer, so late spring felt a little cooler. The water was a little chilly, but that didn't bother the kids at all. They were ready for a week of boogie boarding and sand castle building. 

We headed to the beach every morning of our trip. The boys immediately swam out to boogie board for most of the day. The girls spent more time in the sand building creations. Elisabeth always makes a sweet shop and lots of sand baking creations. 

Katherine hopped up one day and started building a sandcastle all on her own. She did a fantastic job. I felt like that was a representation of our vacation this year. Since taking a year off, I noticed so much maturity and independence from the kids. 

The boys were out in the water alone boogie boarding, when in years past, they would need Matt's help. Katherine and Elisabeth could build sandcastles on their own with no help. It's bittersweet watching them grow up. I told Matt that we've been training them for this since they were babies, helping them have fun in the sand and the water, and now they're able to do it on their own. 

It's vastly different than our first trip with the four of them, when they were unable to be in the water unsupervised, and Matt and I would take turns playing with them while the other one watched Katherine on the shore. No need for naps or help with snacks. They even apply their own sunscreen now. 

Matt and I were able to sit on the shore, read, and relax much more this trip, which was nice. It's such a joy experiencing these vacations with them at each stage of their childhood. I'm praying for many more beach trips with them. 

We spent plenty of time at the pool this year as well. It was a little warmer than the water in the ocean.

One afternoon the kids asked to go for a walk along the beach. They were determined to walk all the way down to the pier (a couple miles away). We warned them that it was farther than it looked, but they persisted. I didn't bring a camera, but I wished I would have to capture the image of all four of them walking together chatting away. Matt and I brought up the rear and just watched them trotting along. And they achieved their goal and made it! They were dragging a bit on the walk back. That was a fun new memory that I want to remember for years to come. 

Beach days truly are the best days!