The BEACH!

Last year we went to two beaches in Florida, but this year we didn't venture out of Orlando. Although I have been spoiled by frequent trips to the Caribbean during our marriage and find American beaches to be very inferior in comparison, I had made it a goal a few years ago that our kids would get at least one day at the beach each year. Considering it's September, I knew we were running out of time. When I saw the weather forecast for this week (HOT!), I was hoping we could work it out for a quick getaway to a beach in New Jersey. Paul doesn't teach on Thursdays, and yesterday he got permission to miss tomorrow's faculty meeting. After he gets home from teaching his 8am class this morning (and Nadia finishes her school work), we are going to pile into the van and drive to the ocean! I made reservations for one room for tonight at a motel 2 blocks from the beach. The beach has a boardwalk, which is something my kids have not yet experienced. Normally you have to pay to use a beach in NJ, but it's free after Labor Day. We'll be coming back tomorrow. I thought when we were swimming on Monday
that it was our last time swimming this year, but I was wrong! When we get back from this getaway, then it will be time to put away our bathing suits until next year. I think the kids will have fun playing in the sand! Hopefully Oliver won't eat the sand like Nadia did in Antigua in May 2009.