We’ll have some fun in the waves.

And that’s exactly what my boys did.

This past week, we enjoyed our last summer vacation before BOTH of my boys start back to school.   As with every summer, we went to North Myrtle Beach, SC home to Vanna White and the beach I grew up going to.   My parents have a cute little condo and being the old retirees that they are, they forgo their summer week since it’s too hot and usually too crowded.  For as long as my husband and I have been married, we’ve taken their summer week.

Back in those days, we could really call it a vacation since my husband and I actually relaxed.   These days it’s consider more of a trip, but as my boys get older I’m honestly finding it more and more enjoyable.

This year we kept our agenda light.   There was to be no running around, no going to shows, no attractions.   This year we were going to save money and enjoy the beach, the ocean, and the pool.   In the future, this may not pose to be as exciting for the boys, but for now they had a blast.

It warmed my heart and my soul to hear their giggles as they both attempted to out run the waves before they crashed upon shore.  I felt content and blessed beyond measure at seeing the two of them so wrapped up in their daddy, a man who willing allowed them to splash him, cover him in sand, chase him, and cannonball him in the pool.   How fortunate we all are to have him.

We took the opportunity to learn about sea life each day.   Davey was fascinated with the shells, and their “feet” that would help them burrow into the sand after a crashing wave.   He never knew sea shells were alive.   We talked about the birds and the sea gulls.   Davey watched in awe as the gulls would dive bomb into the water, scooping up a fish or two in it’s beak.

We flew a kite, fed some fish and ducks, and enjoyed some of the best seafood around at Captain John’s in Calabash, NC.   We kept it light, and for the first time in a while I genuinely had fun.   We didn’t rush to stick to a schedule and for once I didn’t overthink things for the kids to do.   I just let them go.

At night, when the boys were tucked away in their beds, my husband and I hung out on the back porch, a bottle of wine, a deck of cards, and the sound of the waves crashing on the beach to entertain us.

Growing up, Myrtle Beach always held a level of excitement for me.   We spent some of our vacations with my dad’s family, camping at Lakewood Campground, other summers we rented condos, and then my parents bought into their current time share 25 years ago.   Back then, the Pavillion was still on the boardwalk at the beach.   We could sit up top and watch the teenagers “cruise”.   The amusement park flashed lights across the street, with giggles and screams abounding.   Pinballs would light up, skee ball signs blinked and ice cream was the treat of the night.   The Bowery was the place to go, to see where Alabama got their start.   I get nostalgic when I think about my summers as a kid at the beach, and I smile when I think about how my children are doing the same thing.   When I was a teenager, I never thought I would be coming back to Myrtle Beach, SC.   Truthfully, I can’t think of anyplace else I would want to take my boys.   Memories of my childhood mesh with newly created memories of theirs.   I love it.

Of course, the sad part is always leaving and even at 40 years old, I get sad when our car pulls out of the parking lot.  I look back over my shoulder to see the Atlantic Ocean, the sunlight glittering upon the waves, and a lump forms in my throat.   Today, Henry looked out the window and repeatedly said, “bye, bye, beach” as he waved until he could no longer see the ocean.   Davey, on the other hand, almost began to cry as he exclaimed he wanted to stay forever.   A good vacation will do that to you.

I wanted to stay in that vacation, in this past week, forever.