July 29, 2021

Beach Trip

We thought this would be our last time to visit Grandma's beach house in Long Beach. She had told us months ago that she was going to sell it, they started to pack up their personal belongings and moved them to Phoenix, and they did some renovations to get it ready to sell. I was so sad because I love it there, so when Fox started summer break at the end of May, we immediately packed up and drove to Long Beach.

He is my outside kid through and through.

We also invited my friend Natalie and her son Atticus to come along.

He slept so good there. For the first time EVER, I had my kids sleep together in one room without me. I thought it would be a disaster, but worked out great.

Last year when we came, Fox noticed all the locks on the bridge down by the boardwalk. This year we came prepared and brought some locks to write our names on.




We took a walk up to the light house while Atticus was napping in the stroller. The boys played for a good hour and were so happy. Here they are belly bumping, they both thought it was hilarious.












Running up and down the hills was a big hit with both of them.


I didn't bring a stroller, but Grandma's wagon came in handy everywhere we went.

For the first time there, we took a harbor tour, which lasted about an hour.


My kids were more interested in playing on the bottom of the boat, versus enjoying the view from the top deck, but it was still fun.

On our second day there, we left Fox with Grandma because he was tired and grumpy, and the rest of us went across the street to play on the lake side. When you ask Finn what his favorite part about Long Beach was, he will tell you that it was "playing sand toys" and "going up the elevator" (at Grandma's house, it's three stories). 




I'm pretty sure he could've stayed there all day, he was really busy!

On our third day there, we decided to visit the Aquarium. I had been with the boys two years prior with one of our half siblings family, and Fox and I loved touching the jelly fish.
They had this new exhibit where you would draw your own fish and design it any way you want. Once you were finished, you could release it onto the big screen on the wall with all the other fish and it would "come to life" and swim around. I thought it was really cool.

He was showing Finn how to do it, I love watching little moments like this.


Our favorite: touching the jelly fish!










All tuckered out after a long day of fun.

The next morning we took a little walk with the kids and let them burn off some energy.






Still my baby...



The sun came out, and we returned with all three boys to the lake side once again. The ocean side is not very safe for the little kids, or even Fox, because the waves are super strong.




Fox never wants to leave the house. Ever. We basically had to force him to come with us, and what do you know...he had a blast, as usual. 




Everyone did really well on the six hour drive, but the two Mamas were exhausted after all that fun at the beach. 
And we received the best news right after our trip: Grandma decided to keep the house, so we will be able to go back!!! Wohoo!