Sand, Sun, and Survival Mode

Beach vacation with a five-year-old and a baby: expectations versus gloriously chaotic reality. I had visions of leisurely walks along the shore, cute family photos, maybe even reading a book. Instead, I got Sophie channeling her inner architect and Theo discovering that sand has a very interesting texture between his tiny teeth.

Sand, Sun, and Survival Mode

Sophie has officially declared herself the Frank Lloyd Wright of sandcastle construction. She’s been working on this masterpiece for two hours straight, complete with towers, a moat, and what she insists is a “drawbridge for the sand people.” Her focus is impressive. Her technique is flawless. Her vision is uncompromising. Meanwhile, Marcus has been on constant Theo patrol because our son apparently thinks the beach is an all-you-can-eat buffet. [IMAGE_2]

Marcus hasn’t sat down once today. He’s carrying sunscreen, snacks, toys, towels, a diaper bag, my water bottle, and what’s left of his sanity. Every time he thinks he can relax for thirty seconds, Theo makes another attempt at achieving his daily sand intake goals. I keep telling him this is what memories are made of. He keeps muttering something about needing a vacation from our vacation.

But look at these faces. Look at Sophie’s pure joy over her architectural triumph. Look at Theo’s sandy grin that says he regrets nothing. Even Marcus, despite the chaos, has that smile that means he wouldn’t trade this for anything. This is summer. This is family. This is beautiful, messy, perfect chaos.