We have endured more consecutive rainy days than I care to count this last week. At first, the wet weather was not so bad, and it gave us the perfect excuse to stay inside and enjoy some much needed down time. However, when those tiny rays of sun eventually did come out for a short time this weekend, we could not get outside fast enough! We spent the morning at the beach in weather that was more overcast and cool than one might associate with a beach day in June. In our haste to get out the door, we brough next to nothing with us, not knowing when the sun would decide to disappear and our rainy streak would be back!
The children, who clearly do not feel the cold the way we adults do, had a wonderful time dipping their toes (and eventually, their entire bodies) into the surf. New friends were made for the morning and I don't think that any of us sat down for the entire time we were there! I learned that this year, it seems that neither of my children have any fear of the water what so ever, so I am expecting that most of my beach days this summer will be of the non sitting variety!
I was able to wander off for a few moments while daddy looked after the kids, which gave me some much desired quiet time. I don't know if I appreciated wandering on the beach just that much more because we had been in the house for so many days, but I was completely aware of how my senses were flooded by the environment. The smell of the sea air, the taste of salt on my lips, the wind blowing against my face, the sound of the waves crashing on the shore, the feel and sight of the shells and stones that I walked across as I looked for treasures. I remember thinking how wonderful it felt to be so absorbed, like I was on a mini vacation.
Our time at the beach was way too short and by the late afternoon, it had, in fact, started to rain again. I am so thankful for this tiny window of time. We have realized that you don't have to do much in the way of preparation or allow hours of time to create opportunities for meaningful family time. What is important is just getting out the door!
How did you make the most of your time this weekend?
a.
I totally agree with "get out the door"! We had made no plans because of the iffy weather but in Saturday morning once the showers stopped we all ran around throwing whatever we could find into the picnic basket and running out the door. We ended up on a grassy patch overlooking the river. The girls had a great time discovering what had eventually made it into the basket, picking wildflowers, bird watching and tree climbing. Perfect day!
Posted by: by little hands | June 15, 2009 at 08:25 PM
Glad to catch up with you. We have been having lovely weather and I have been away from the computer (not such a bad thing)...I got a warm excited feeling when I looked at the pics of your kids reminded that we have so much to learn about little Poppy...hard to expain...
Wish we lived by the sea!
Glad you are well.
e.
Posted by: apples for poppy anne | June 16, 2009 at 01:33 PM