Trip to the Coast (Part 1)

Few things are more refreshing than a visit to the seaside.  Mama was feeling a bit tired, overwhelmed, and grumpy so Daddy made the executive decision to pack everyone up for a trip to the coast.  Memories of this spur-of-the-moment retreat will be cherished for many years to come. Watching our little one taste salt water for the very first time, searching through endless piles of seashells dumped on shore by the comings and goings of the tides, drooling over a farm nestled on the shores of the ocean, walking barefoot on the slippery patches of seaweed, breathing in the scent of  saltwater, and feeling the cool ocean breeze on our faces...I want to remember and savor it all.

It was one of those perfectly sunny, warm days that just needed to be spent at the ocean.  Hubby and I both felt like we all needed a break from the routine, and, although packing up our large brood and driving two hours away isn't necessarily an easy task, we were willing to accept the challenge.  After throwing a few towels, bathing suits, and changes of clothing into a bag we were off, stopping at the grocery store for a few snacks on our way out of town.  The little ones were so excited to be going to the beach that they forgot to fuss and argue as they usually do when we are all closed up in the confines of our vehicle.  Instead of going to the heavily populated, more traditional, sandy beaches, we drove in another direction to our state's rocky shore; we are so taken in by the beauty around us, no matter how many times we visit our charming coastline.  Hubby and I spotted a beautiful farm overlooking the ocean near to where we stopped.  How dreamy to be able to raise sheep, yet fall asleep to the sounds of the ocean at night!  We swam, tasted salt water, searched for treasure, had a pretty shell contest, made castles and canals in the sand, and ate junk food; I'd say it was a pretty good day!

More of our day away to come...