22 May 2008

Hi Ho! Hi Ho! It's Off To Seaside We Go!

It's hard to believe that another year has gone by and we're heading off to Seaside once again. I know that some people think we're crazy for loading up 2 vehicles, 5 kids, 4 high maintenance women and driving more than 5 hrs to sit on a beach. But it's more than tradition now...it is the glue that holds us together. And every year that goes by brings new challenges and sweet memories.

Some of my favorite Seaside moments: Convincing my sisters to eat at Norma's the first night we were there and loving it so much, we eat there every year! The "don't worry about your diet" pass that we use while indulging in our favorite snacks...which contributed to the year my jeans stopped fitting half-way through the weekend! (whoops). Buying salt-water taffy from the Candyman. Watching Amy and the kids enjoy the Tilt-A-Whirl. Being the only brave souls to stay on the beach during one particularly nasty rain storm...and the lifeguards driving by and waving to us...probably not because we're super hot women...but because we looked hilarious wrapped up in beach towels still reading our books determined to enjoy every moment of beach time we could.

Going from being the unmarried Aunt to the engaged Aunt to the just married and pregnant Aunt to the bringing my sweet baby boy for the first time Aunt! We've learned important lessons from each trip: Amy is not allowed to swim in the deep end. Jack will fall down when a wave hits him. Always bring loose pants. Buy your water when you get there. Some restaurants are not baby friendly. Take the third Kelso exit...or was it the second?! Be thankful for every minute we have together! We leave tomorrow for another great adventure...ready or not, Seaside here we come!!!