August 04, 2007

To the ocean

We're packing the beach towels and the beach umbrella, the tents and the ice chest, and whatever camping equipment we can fit into our vehicle. It's time for our August vacation, the week we traditionally take with just the six of us. Our house is so often filled with extras or extended family that it's nice once each year to spend a week with my husband and kids.

I don't know how much longer this kind of vacation will be possible: this coming year is my daughter's senior year in college. It's slowly starting to hit me that my kids just might grow up and move away someday. Then again, I still take vacations with my parents. And Schoolteacher Niece, who recently finished her grad work at Big City School With a Name That Sounds Like a South American Country, just accepted a job teaching in Snowstorm Region, proof that maybe not all of the younger generation will desert us.

August means that soon my oldest two will be moving back to campus, leaving the house much quieter. But for another week at least, we'll all be together, jammed in a car or tent or huddled in the tiny shade of a beach umbrella, arguing about where to go next or what activity we want to do. We'll swim in the ocean, take a ferryboat to an island where we'll rent bikes, walk marinas and fishing piers in the evening, hike along a cliff, explore an old seaport, fly kites on the beach, sit by the campfire at night, and play cards in the tent long after dark. Boy in Black says there will be some Ultimate Frisbee playing as well, even if the teams are small. One more week of camping and swimming and sunshine before it's time to think about fall semester.

11 comments:

BeachMama said...

I want to pack myself in one of your bags and go along for the trip. I know you don't want extras along, but you would hardly know I was there ;). I guess I will eagerly await your posts on your return as they will make me feel like I was right there with you. Especially when you go to that Island on the ferry, it all sounds so wonderful.

Patti said...

We're going to the ocean in a couple of weeks. Can't wait to boogie board!

OTRgirl said...

Sounds wonderful. I loved your Blue photo. Gorgeous.

I can't believe summer is almost over! How did that happen?!

landismom said...

Have a wonderful time with your kids! Hope you are able to get some one-on-one time with the two who are about to depart.

Anonymous said...

I think about my kids living far away too. I know their heart or their job may take them miles from here. I want them to follow their dreams. But secretly I hope their dreams are within a day's drive.

Rev Dr Mom said...

They do grow up and move on....I'm very much missing LD#1 who's been in Korea for two and a half years! I miss her!

Hope you have a lovely vacation.

purpleteardropsofhappilymarriedness said...

I hope your trip goes well! As a kid the farthest my parents took me and my brother was the Water Park with the Giant American Lumberjack. Even if your children move away they will visit. Trust in that.

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Michael Campbell said...

I read with envy your summer trip to your parent's lake, and then to the mountains. I'm glad to read now that you're packing for a vacation--you must need the break!

Will you adopt me? I'll do dishes and mow your yard.

Liesl said...

Thinking about fall already? Wasn't just last week or so you were posting photos of picnic tables buried in several feet of snow?

Nonetheless, enjoy your family trip. It sounds like so much fun.

Anonymous said...

I do love your life, and don't take this in a bad way, but it seems like you have so much more vacation time than me!

Jealous,

Bitsy