The Beach

We're back from a week-long trip to the beach with my side of the family. Jeff couldn't go because of class and work. He's taking Arabic and can't get behind. My parents rented a house in Gulf Shores, a beautiful beach, and several of my brothers and their families were able to make it, too. It was such a beautiful time of watching the little cousins play and interact. They simply love each other.

Mommy-duty was kind of hard without my trusty side-kick, and I think I won't travel without him ever again, if possible. This was our family's first time at the beach. The children don't know how to swim yet, and I couldn't take them in very far. Not past my knees since I can't get the central line site, on my chest, wet. It was rather upsetting moment of acceptance, for the beach is my most favorite place in the whole wide world. I wanted to elope with Jeff and get married on the beach, but we knew my parents might not have liked that idea too much.

Anyway, I do wish Jeff had been with us to take the children in further than knee-deep and to help them get used to being around water. Our kiddie pools in the back yard aren't exactly the same thing. The children had a fun time anyway, in spite of my regrets. They helped their uncles build sand castles, we went for walks, they had bubble fights with their cousins, and they jumped the itty-bitty waves as all three hung onto me. Even Lexi would scream "NO" when I'd turn around to head back to our towels. And when she'd go for a walk, if we stopped for any reason, her little two-year-old voice would pipe up "keep walking." I hope they'll inherit my love for the beauty, the serenity, and the oneness with God that I feel staring out across those watery depths.

And one day, I pray, I hope against all odds, that I'll be able to shed my central line for good and immerse myself in the salty bath with my children and my husband by my side.

It was pretty cold the first few days so we stayed bundled up. It didn't stop the children from having a great time, though!