The Long Trip and a Visit to the Beach

You would think that having grandparents in California, and ones that are within 2 hours of the beach, that we would have been many times over the years. But no. I learned this last trip that my dad actually doesn't like the beach because you come back with so much sand in everything. That and the fact, once again, that when we usually come it is for such a short time with so many people to see that we just haven't done it. Unfortunately, my (past) surf boarding husband was not with us to experience the kids first time really going to the beach.

After a week and a half of being in California I realized I had an old roommate that I hadn't seen in years that lived in San Jose and I actually had time to see her. So we decided to meet for a fun day visit to Santa Cruz. It was the beach I grew up going to when we would visit my grandparents (before and after my family moved there). I beat her there, but only because I had a posse (aka my parents) getting me ready for the little trip. Maybe it was because they were excited to have the house to themselves for the day (ha, ha)...but it was really nice.
When we first got there, the kids were wearing shirts to try to avoid too much sun exposure. That didn't last too long as they were not swim shirts and were just hanging off of them. But the kids loved the water. I honestly thought they would last 2-3 hours and that was it. We had been going to my parents pool and Katie didn't last over an hour there. They were the energizer bunnies...6 hours and I finally had to say it was time to go.

Look at those sweet cheeks. This boy can't keep a swimsuit up if his life depended on it. At least he never completely lost it.

This is my friends little boy, isn't he just so cute. He wasn't into the water scene. We just hung out with him away from the water and enjoyed watching the kids.

Her other son found a big strand of seaweed. It was fun for the kids to go and discover.

Christian and Joseph were born the same month. They really got along and had so much fun together. They took a little break from the water to build.

Below are all four of our kids that were willing to get in the water (obviously someone got in the way that was not part of the group.). Her little girl is in the pink suit and was just adorable too. By the end of the day, the waves were really getting big. The kids loved it. It was fun watching them, as long as the undertow wasn't too strong.

It was fun to finally get together again after about 8 years and see each others kids. Reconnecting with those we have loved and still love is so important. Thanks for a great day Maren! We will have to do it again sometime.

(Katie took this picture, I had to throw it in somewhere for her. I really like it)