We went to the ocean!! Unfortunately, our oldest son couldn't join us, as he had a prior commitment, but we packed the rest of us up and went to York Beach, Maine for the day. We realized that college girl is leaving in two weeks, so we decided to do something fun with her before she goes. We had a great day.
When I was growing up, we spent time every summer in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, as my mom had family there. I LOVE the ocean! The briny smell of the sea, the salty air, the squawks of the seagulls and crashing of the waves...I don't know...it rejuvenates me somehow. It is so easy to feel the presence of God at the ocean and to see and feel His majesty and power.
We first visited the Nubble Lighthouse. It is so charming and picturesque. The tide was out and all the big rocks were exposed. We climbed on the rocks and found little tide pools. Even though it was beautiful, the kids were itching to get to the beach...so off we went.
After driving around for an hour (no kidding!) we finally found an open, legal spot and pulled in. Apparently, the car behind us (after we pulled out at an intersection) thought that the space should've been hers, and shouted out her window as she passed us, "You're welcome!" We just looked at each other and shrugged. We understood her frustration. Finding parking was a BEAR! Anyway, the kids dumped their stuff on the sand and raced towards the water. It was as cold as I remember it being, but oh, so fun! Sammy did not want to go to the ocean at first. Apparently, his brother has been telling him shark stories... hmmmmm...But Sam sure conquered his fear! He is definitely a water-lover and is always the last one out of the pool. It was the same at the ocean. He couldn't stay out of the water.
Surprisingly, Ethan's soccer pal, Kelsey, and her family were at the same beach. What are the chances of them being in the same part of the beach at the same time we were there--2.5 hours from home! It was fun to see them.
Since the tide was out, there was a large tide pool on the beach that Annemarie thoroughly enjoyed playing in!! We found shells, barnacles, snails and little crabs. The tide pool was much warmer than the frigid Atlantic, so Annie hung out in the tide pool much of the time.
In the late afternoon the tide started to come in and the tidal pool disappeared, but we enjoyed the big waves. Well, most of us did. Annie kept running away from them.
On our way home, we stopped at the restaurant I used to stop at as a little girl. It was great! Fresh seafood and lots of ice cream! The perfect ending to our day.
It was the type of day where we could forget all about construction loans, student loans, health insurance and work, and just enjoy God's beautiful creation and each other. Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of this day.
Hottie on the beach!
Ethan in silhouette and sand
Our Little Mermaid -- not!
Ummm, what is he looking at!?!
Oh, and we're also rooting heavily for these guys. All of us except hubby, who likes the Lakers!!! It gets pretty tricky when a lifelong New England boy refuses to choose the local teams as his favorite. Luckily, our children are learning the right way. Go Celtics!
