Beach Buddies, a photo by here we wander on Flickr.
Routines and rituals are important for our boys, especially the twins. After several days at the beach, we have settled into a pretty predictable routine.
In the mornings, Connor and I sleep in, while Grandma and Grandpa have taken responsibility for if not getting up early with the twins, at least getting them up early to go to the bathroom and then putting them back to bed to either rest or fall back asleep. Grandma has a way with the twins that does not allow for disagreement.
Everyone manages their own breakfast, and watches with some disbelief as all of our neighbors start hitting the beach by 10 o'clock. We're still waking up and eating at that point, at least Connor and I are anyway. After breakfast, I usually take my solitary walk for a little peace.
After lunch, Grandma and Grandpa have been taking their walk. And as it usually includes Connor, it also includes several stops to play in the ocean. Connor is always quick to ask which building they have to walk to, since his primary concern is where he will get to stop and play in the ocean. He gets to swim at the turning around point, and then again when they get back to our condo. Grandpa joins him on the second swim, so that he can go out further into the water and enjoy the bigger waves that have been crashing on our beach.
After a few hours of walking and splashing, his next stop is always the pool. One must follow the other, at least in Connor's eyes. Some days I walk down with the twins to join them, either at the beach or perhaps just at the pool, and some days I let Connor enjoy his time on his own.
Then it's time to either grill or cook dinner (hence our big grocery trip on our first day after arrival). We prefer the convenience (and taste) of cooking our own meals on our own schedule, and not having to worry about cutting activities short to shower and change and make ourselves presentable. If you eat in your room, you can come in your swimsuit if you want. Connor and I like that.
And so we've spent nearly a week doing roughly the same thing every day. The boys know what to expect, and have seemed to enjoy their vacation at the beach, despite the heat. It's hard to believe that in exactly one week school will start back, and the beach will be a distant memory. Guess we better enjoy tomorrow - our last full day - for all that it's worth!