Things I Learned From Days At The Beach

Last evening we returned home from our days at the beach. It was a special time, a time of fun, work, learning, and time spent with the dearest little children on this planet. Notice I did not include "relaxation"...a word often used in with the word "vacation". No, not this time. My husband was away for a few days spending time with his brothers in the west. Her husband was away on business. Her, her three babies and her two on the way, her 10 year old neighbor who helps her by playing with her children in the summer, my mother, and me. Off to the beach we went in her van. Now, I must tell you that I have read and conversed with others of my age, about the "sandwich generation", that some of us find ourselves in. I will now be able to discuss that more intelligently with others after the last few days of finding myself in that exact position. I found myself asking what is my role in each given situation. Life's experiences and lessons are all part of the journey, and I would not have traded the last few days.

We pulled out all of the stops in coming up with ideas to entertain these precious children. This moving aquarium light was something that did just that. Each time they saw it, they were captivated.

Here we are walking on the boardwalk...double stroller, single stroller, great grandma, maw maw and neighbor girl. Can you imagine getting caught in a heavy downpour in this situation, or trying to walk into any of the stores, or dodging bicycles that are allowed until 11:00am?

Swimming in the toddler pool and the big pool...so much fun!

The neighbor girl(what a big help she was on this trip) purchased this hermit crab, which proved to be another form of entertainment for the children. I wish I could tell you some of the questions this little guy had regarding this newly discovered pet.

Mealtimes were challenging. Helicopters, tablets with crayons, and caterpillars that crawl...we used them all. They did great, eating broccoli soup, grilled cheese sandwiches, french fries and peaches. Oh, did I mention chocolate milk?




Each new thing they discovered was exciting! The youngest ones were not quite tall enough to see through the holes without help, but that did not stop them.

Pizza...some of the best pizza ever...we all enjoyed this together, from the youngest to the oldest, a favorite!!

The lights and sounds of the boardwalk always bring back memories for me. I have been coming to this beach since I was a little girl. I have walked on this boardwalk, swam in this ocean, and sat and read on this beach. Now, here I am years later, pushing a stroller as a grandmother to these little ones...how did it happen so fast? The wonder, intrique and excitement in their little eyes, took me back. The joy and blessing of these moments in time, were priceless.



Like everything, the time came too quickly to say good bye and leave for home. Yes, it was an extremely busy three days but I would not trade the memories of it. I observed and found an even greater respect for my oldest daughter and her management, creativity and patience with her three babies and the two on the way. It truly did my mother's heart good to observe her in this role. My mother is at the opposite spectrum of life, and I enjoyed observing her in her role as great-grandmother, and the wisdom and kindness she portrayed. Me...I am continuing to learn in my role in this journey, when to speak up, when to be quiet, when to help, when not to help...living, learning and loving it all.