Back in June (I know! I'm trying to get caught up!), we finally made it to the beach! We had looked at a calendar and realized, between my work schedule, Charlie's summer work traveling, etc. that Charlie and I had only 2 or 3 weekends OPEN all summer. We checked with Dede and Dede Daddy and the only time they could go too was the following weekend! So Deda made all the plans on Monday and we headed to the beach on Friday.
This was Arlo's very first trip to the ocean. He's in a hurry to get there!
Want to see pure joy and excitement?
After he got over the total awesomeness of the ocean, he discovered shells.
We stayed in a great beachfront and poolfront condo in North Topsail. It had a little porch on the back with a high pub table and chairs. Arlo found his niche underneath. He loved sitting under there having snacks while the adults chatted and enjoyed delicious beach-y drinks.
The ocean view from our deck. It was so peaceful and beautiful. We spent the mornings drinking coffee and searching for dolphins, while Arlo pointed out each and every boat and bird that got near.
After coffee and breakfast, we headed out to the ocean. I didn't take many pics (sand + wind + camera = not good) so these came from Deda who was braver than I.
If you know Arlo, you will not be surprised that he loved every single thing about the ocean. The waves, the sun, the water, the sand, the shells, all of it. Except maybe for the salt (I don't like saltwater in my eyes either!).
Refueling.
We are not usually beach people - when we go on vacation, we usually go to the mountains - so I didn't know much about North Topsail. It was quiet and scenic and peaceful - just what we wanted!
The tidepools at low tide were my favorite part. They allowed for lots of running and splashing and "swimming" (laying on belly and kicking legs) without mommy worrying about the baby being swept away by a rogue wave.
But the waves did have a certain allure to this daredevil.
Just like at the pool ("Deep end!"), I think he would've just kept on going if I didn't hold him back.
When we'd had enough of the seawater, we'd spend some time in the pool. Then we'd head in for lunch and a long nap and do it all again in the afternoon.
We do love the mountains, but the beach sure is awesome, too. Especially when you get to see the joy in your child's eyes as he discovers it himself.
We can't wait until the next beach trip!
