As you may recall from yesterday's post, this past weekend was blazing hot. So hot that I actually consented to a beach trip on a weekend day. Years of being a SAHM have spoiled me for going to popular places on weekend days; alas, the school is awfully picky about the kids attending on weekdays . . . so when Social Butterfly wanted a beach day, it had to be Sunday. I was struck by how the times had changed.
Not my picture, but it is our beach . . . La Jolla Shores. Great bathrooms!
Going to the beach with:
a toddler-- YOU pack a large cooler full of snacks, drinks, etc. YOU gather sand toys, towels, umbrella, etc. and load the car. YOU apply sunscreen to a whiny child who doesn't want sunscreen applied. YOU get up early because a) the toddler does and b) it is imperative that you get a spot in the parking lot. YOU schlep above mentioned items like a Sherpa. YOU never, ever, for even one nano-second, take your eyes off your child.
When you get home YOU unload over-tired, possibly crying child, hose child off in the front yard and (hopefully) put child down for a nap. Then YOU unload car, rinse items as necessary, put everything away, shower yourself, think you'll lay down for just a second (you know how the sun takes it out of you) and OMFG your child is awake and it's dinner time. Your head explodes.
a teenager--You wake up at 8:30 and check gmail and blogs for about 15 minutes. Jump in shower. Teenager comes in to inform you that car is loaded, drinks are packed, and to apply sunscreen to your back. You drive car to pick up friend, stop at store for a giant sub sandwich to be shared by the three of you, and drive to the beach. Because you could walk if you had to you decide to take just one quick pass through the parking lot (surfers tend to be leaving about 10) and get a spot in the front row. The three of you together carry the umbrella, towels, and chairs--not too much for any one person. You sit down and read your book for 3+1/2 hours. They do some stuff; you can't really say for sure because you don't actually need to WATCH them.
You drive home. While you shower and take a nap the teenager unloads the car and puts the towels in the washer. You don't fix dinner (you know how the sun takes it out of you); everybody fends for themselves.Your head does not explode.
Sometimes all you hear about teenagers is doom and gloom. There is another side.
Years in the trenches are worth it for that heaven...
Hey, I have been to your beach! It has been awhile, but it is NICE. I don't remember the bathroms...ugh.
Posted by: HRH | May 25, 2008 at 03:33 PM
Hi! I followed your link here from Diva's review of Toddlers Gone Wild.
I enjoyed this posts... sounds blissful - that's exactly what I want beach days to be like.. but my kids are still small, so I'm still in the first category. Now I have something extra to look forward to.
Posted by: Reluctant Housewife | May 27, 2008 at 10:51 AM
After reading this, I see the light at the end of tunnel :)
Posted by: Lisa | May 28, 2008 at 07:11 PM
Can I trade teenagers with you? I'll give you five-for-one.
Posted by: Kalynne Pudner | May 28, 2008 at 07:53 PM
You know this only lasts until they start to drive, don't you?
Your post sounds like the times I used to share driving with 3 other moms for our boys to go to surf camp. I loved it! Pack them in the car, drive out to Malibu Broad Beach, let them do their thing while I sat on the part of the beach that's legally public (don't get me started!) reading my book and looking at the cute butts of the surf camp teachers....sigh!
But as soon as My Son learned to drive and got his own car, he was off to the beach on his own, and I, bereft, was left to my own devices!
Enjoy it while you can!
Posted by: g | May 29, 2008 at 11:12 AM
Thanks for giving me something to look forward to...
Posted by: Don Mills Diva | May 29, 2008 at 09:18 PM
While we're not QUITE there yet, we're definately showing signs of getting there. I don't mind the schlepping, though (but would gladly give it up). I am, however, basking in the lack of need to constantly watch and guard and chase. THAT is exhausting.
Posted by: coffeeyogurt | May 30, 2008 at 09:23 AM
I love this post and am totally jealous...ugh. Weird thing is I remember commenting on it (did I dream that. I remember saying that now you are just bragging...). You did earn it so I will give ya a pass! And someday it will be me.
Thanks so much for linking today!
Posted by: texasholly @ June Cleaver Nirvana | October 01, 2008 at 09:53 PM
OK, I am now officially tired. I just noticed I was COMMENT #1! hahaha.
Posted by: texasholly @ June Cleaver Nirvana | October 01, 2008 at 09:54 PM
Lucky Duck!
Posted by: jubilee | October 02, 2008 at 01:03 AM
This is so true. Teenagers can be absolutely wonderful. I have three.
Posted by: Debbie | October 02, 2008 at 11:20 AM
That is why I had kids. Great post!! Love your blog!
Posted by: jill | October 02, 2008 at 03:22 PM
Okay. I need a couple of those teenagers then.
This summer, I had two toddlers. It took two of those cart thingys to get all of our stuff down to the beach. Then another hour to pack up and get it off the beach once the kids reached melt down.
Posted by: Val | October 02, 2008 at 03:59 PM
Wow, that's a really clever way of tnhkinig about it!
Posted by: Lisa | November 15, 2011 at 06:52 PM