Beach! Beach!

When Jen’s kids used to visit us in Colorado, their favorite place to go (besides the Cherry Creek Mall to play on the oversized breakfast food) was the “Beach! Beach!” – as they liked to call it. What they were referring to was a small lake (or large pond) located outside of Morrison at the base of the foothills. It contained about 30 yards of sand, 40 yards of swimming area and about 100 representatives (young and old) from the biker community. Obviously, we didn’t understand the appeal and always pushed for a short hike up Mt. Evans instead. But after spending 6 days on the sandy shores of South Carolina with Alex on his first beach vacation, I now see the attraction.

Nothing can beat the beach! It is a natural playground of sand and water, with unlimited potential and infinite room to roam (not that we would let Alex out of our arms reach). But the open space offers him a comforting independence and us a chance to sit and relax while he digs in the sand or splashes in the tide pools. Every so often, the routine would be broken up by unpredictable sprints to the Atlantic Ocean – with his arms excitedly waving, feet rapidly moving and mouth enthusiastically screaming. Alex showed no fear and was all too eager to tackle the waves (large and small), but he always emerged from the salt water with his signature grin.