Thoughts From the Beach

The beach in October is my favorite beach time of the year. There’s something about going when it’s not vacation season that makes it all the more enjoyable. The crowds are minimal and the weather is mild. It’s harder to get here because of the missed schoolwork that has to be done and all the carpools, lessons and activities that have to be rearranged, but once we’re here, it’s always worth it.

This year I am even more grateful for my parents’ unending generosity. This is their place and they let us crash every year. We bring the grand kids and a few meals to share and they take care of the rest (and spoil us all rotten).

My favorite thing about this week has always been the fact that it forces my kids to entertain each other since there are no cousins and very few young people around. When it comes down to it, they love each other and get along beautifully.

It’s been bittersweet the past few years because we’ve had to bring Mackenzie back early. Once they reach middle school, we’ve learned that missing a full week of something like a fast moving math class that covers a new concept every week can really hurt them. This year Aiden, MUCH to his chagrin, had to go back with her.

It was a sad afternoon for all of us when they left yesterday. It’s so funny how the addition of the baby has had me pining once again for them all to grow up. It’s been hard for me to understand friends of mine who are bemoaning having seniors or college kids who are moving off to school. Independent young adults sound pretty great when you’re still changing diapers and getting up in the middle of the night.

However, yesterday I got a glimpse of what they feel. I understood that Mackenzie’s time with us will get shorter and shorter. Aiden and Dawson won’t be far behind. And, one day soon, it will be just the two of us with poor little Felicity hanging out.

Yes, the grass is always greener on the other side until you get a closer look. The trick, I think, is to appreciate the grass you’re walking in every step of the way.