Beach day! Angelia rented a spot on the beach for two days that included a chair and umbrella. I wanted to make sure Jayden got to be in on at least one day. We had to take her back to the airport and would leave the beach around 2:00 in order for her 5:00 flight. I knew we were paying a hefty rate to have the beach spot and wanted to make the most of our time and money. The cost was more than we had every paid for a chair or cabana on the beach. I was up at 7:30 dressed and packed to go find our spot at the beach. Our family was up and ready, but the other girls were still in bed and our friends still in pajamas drinking coffee and in no hurry at all. My patience was really being tested and I could feel myself getting upset. I felt bad for Jayden, wanted to make the most of her last day too. We couldn't walk to the spot on the beach, so had to wait until everyone was ready. It was 11when we all got on the beach. Mark was overly worried about getting Jayden to the airport on time, so we left the beach at 1:00! That was an extremely expensive two hours. We all got in the water, right away when Jayden felt a jelly fish sting. She said it felt like a piece of glass swiped her leg. It stung, but it wasn't terrible. Lizzy got stung right away too. I know Luke too well, if he knew the girls got stung, he wouldn't even stick his big toe in the water. I figured if it wasn't that bad, he would be fine if he got stung. I would rather he have fun and enjoy the ocean than worry. And that he did! He was all smiles splashing and jumping the waves, he loved it and never got a sting. As we were leaving the beach for the day, we noticed the flags and the warning sign. Apparently in these conditions you are to beware of dangerous sea life. In other wards, conditions were likely to have jelly fish, sharks, and other prickly creatures. That explained why there were so few people out in the water. I know if I had seen the signs earlier, we probably would not have enjoyed ourselves as much.
Day two on the beach was very similar, everybody was moving slow . I explained that I would like to get to the beach by 9, then take a break during the hottest hours 1-3, then return and enjoy some more. It got so crazy hot, even under the umbrellas you feel you will overheat. This time we had our beach spot closer to the beach house, or so we thought. Since the rest of the group was slowly moving, we decided to walk with our gear to the beach on our own. Our friends took the golf cart and met us later. We had a long hot walk to the beach, then a long hot walk down the beach to our spot. We were sweating and thirsty by the time we found our spot. We got to the beach around 10 and left around 4. Luke got himself an awesome boogey board with sharks on it. It was too tall to fit in our luggage to come home, that was a bummer. He would catch a wave and body surf back to shore. He never got in the water deeper than his waist and the waves were fun to float on. Mark and I spent a lot of time out in the water wading and floating. It was so nice in the water. We were in and out of the ocean all day. The water was a little less wavy and we didn't notice as many jellyfish or stingers. Luke had his boogie board and enjoyed riding the waves. it was great as long as he didn't think about jellyfish. .All it took was him thinking about the jellyfish and he was out of the water. Dan and Mark swam with floaties out to a light turquoise area in the water. They saw a jellyfish the size of a pizza pan. It always makes me nervous when Mark has his wild ideas. They swam many yards out and there is sea life including sharks that one must be on the look out for. They had floaties, however I was glad when they returned on land. Dan and Mark have so much fun together, joking and laughing, telling stories and educating one another. We were on the beach 10-4.
In the evening, We went to Seaside for supper. One of my favorite parts about the stay was our evening drives to and from Seaside AKA downtown, in the golf cart. The ride home was always dark and smooth. The golf cart would zoom along so quick and smooth, it was relaxing. It was so much better than taking a car and we never had a problem finding a place to park. The temperature was perfect every night, no wind, no bugs, not even a chill. It was quiet and we could enjoy the view and houses all the way back. It was a good 15 minute drive and it my favorite way to end the day.
One morning Dan, Mark, and Luke woke up really early to go fishing. Luke was all about fishing and he was the one who got a catch. He caught himself a big fish and had quite a time reeling it in. He was proud of his catch and brought it home ready to cook. Angelia helped Luke figure out how to fix it, baked it in some olive oil and spices. Dan thought it was the best fish he had ever eaten! The three of them ate every bit savoring each bite.
During our stay we enjoyed many activities outside of the beach and pool. We played ping pong in our house and rode on an electric bike. The bike had a little motor that really zips along and you don't have to pedal. One day we went paddle boarding. I decided to play it safe and kayak with Luke. Mark and Dan were the paddleboarders, Mark only fell in twice. A couple times we enjoyed locally made homemade popsicles that were amazing! We also browsed at the many local shops, the only places in the area where you were required to wear a mask. Abigail kept up with the adults, didn't take naps, stayed up late and behaved very well. She is a princess and loves to wear dresses and enjoy everything she can. She is very well spoken and grown up for a little girl who is soon to turn 5. She is the apple of her parent's eye!
We went out to dinner several evenings and also fixed meals in the kitchen of our house. We loved piling onto the golf cart and taking it wherever we wanted to go. We had a great trip, enjoyed our friends, the weather, the activities and the time away. I am so thankful for a loving husband that enjoys us and taking us on nice trips.
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