There and Back

I could remember our beach vacation by the horrific traffic getting there and back, or the windy conditions that made swimming impossible for half the time, the sickness that permeated the kids, the meltdowns, the torn off toenail, the elusive tuna, the sand that ended up in every crevice of every body part which I had to eliminate from three bodies multiple times of day.

Or I could remember our beach vacation as el sueno, the dream. El Sueno was the name of the house right at mile post 18.5 in Nags Head, NC situated right on the beach. Sunrises and walks in the surf. The time we spent having fun being together. Spending Father's Day with Daddy and spending the week with Nonni and Nonna and Teddy and Aunt Clare and Aunt Katie and Uncle Kevin. Watching you and your sister play together on the beach. Being with Lucy as she touched the ocean for the first time and discovered the magic and texture of sand. Encouraging you to jump in the ocean and let the waves break over you. Watching as you overcame your fear. Experiencing the excitement and joy that only a vacation can bring.

I would rather remember our time as a dream and not a nightmare (although at some points, it was). Get ready for a true photo bomb. This is my one and only post about this va-ca. Read the captions to discover what adventures we got into.


Our house, El Sueno is directly behind Lucy behind the grassy dune. 



Daddy's ready for the beach!

You took Daddy mini golfing for Father's Day.
And on the first hole you got a hole in one!

Someone loved the hot tub... ok both of you did. I loved the view.

Going to the aquarium with Teddy.

Lucy meeting a cayman alligator

Sunrise from our deck

Beach play with Lu and Teddy and Teddy's shovel.

Aquarium fun!

Lucy slept in a closet. Don't worry, it was cedar lined!

More playing in the sand.

Lucy meets a shark.

Lucy meets the ocean

Praise Jesus! ...Or gimme that kite!!!

Nonna and her babies

Father's Day BBQ... yes, they made their own dinner.

Moody Nora.

Nonni's babies.

Nora, you also took Daddy go-karting for Father's Day. Fun!

Sand castle building 101

Good morning Teddy!

My Lulu.

View from El Sueno's deck

Crazy Nonni!

You were transformed into 'Nautical Nora the mermaid' for a cool pirate adventure.

On the pirate ship, searching for treasure, and using the cannon to attack Pirate Pete! Argh!

Another sunRISE over the Atlantic

40 mahi mahi! Not a bad catch Uncle Kevin and Mr. Larry!

Someone loves the beach.



running from the waves.

Waiting for the waves

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!

I love Lucy.

Nonni and Nonna sure do love somone.

Nonna's special girl.

We should've left you there. Just kidding. well...

This is only a fraction of the pictures and of course the memories, both good and bad will live on and have becomed ingrained in us as a part of the story of our lives. Aunt Katie's toenail might never be same. And for the record, almost two weeks later, you still love to get a basin and play "I've hurt my toe like Aunt Katie."  Crazy girl. And when I tell you we are going to Nonni and Nonna's you ask, "To their beach house or their other house?!?" 

I wish the beach house option was always on the table too.

Great-Grandma

We try and visit the farm as often as we can because we want you and Lucy to know, to remember, to feel the love that exists there. Great-grandma Judy's love is so special and permeates every inch of the farm. Her love for the asparagus and rubarb and swings and porches. For traditions and pictures and stories. For AMC movies and pie or cake. And coffee. For beautiful dishes and fancy roast dinners. For card games any time of day and even late into the night. For cooking together and doing dishes the old fashioned way. For fresh laundry hanging on the line. For a love so deep and rich we yearn for it the moment we drive away.

How incredible a life and yet how simple. There is always work and chores to be done but nothing so pressing that we can't take our time and enjoy the pace of a place so peaceful and fullfilling. You, Nora have known great-grandma since you were two weeks old and she came to welcome you into this world. But for Lucy, she was 10 months when she first was able to know the love great-grandma has to give. So while you ran around at the farm comfortable in a love you have known for three years, Lucy was taking her time, allowing great-grandma to hold and comfort her. Making up for 10 months of missed time.

Sometimes when life here becomes so overwhelmingly hectic and we are all on edge, I like to look at pictures of the farm to remind me of the calm and beauty that thrives there.

 

Being Cousins

So it's just been that kind of day. I had an entire post already written and just deleted it b/c I'm an idiot. UGGGGGHHHH.

Ahem.

One of the best parts of our Wisconsin farm trip was the time we were able to spend with Thisbe (and her parents). The two of you were insanely adorable / cute/ playful and sometimes you both were irritable/ whiny/ grabby/ tattling little monsters. It was quite exhausting and fun (most of the time). The two nights / three days was just enough quality time. I think as the two of you get older the "I want what she has just because she has it" syndrome will subside. Every toy, book, food, drink, experience had to be done two-fold for both you and Thisbe. God forbid one of you get something the other did not have. Big Nora had it right when she made you a quilt for your baby dolls and then gave Thisbe one exactly like it! Genius for your toddler minds!

If you look at the pictures one would think you and Thisbe had a jolly time chilling out together, walking, reading, planting flowers with great-grandma, and hugging. If you watch the videos, you will think how did their parents survive their time together? Oh the screeching! The non-stop movement! The craziness!

I wish we lived closer to Thisbe (and her parents). However, even with the time and distance between seeing Thisbe, somehow it only strengthens your relationship with her. Each visit the two of you grow closer, more fun, more like actual friends. It is heart-warming to watch. You are one lucky girl to have a cousin who is so close in age. I know the two of you will be life-long friends.

For now I will hold onto the memories of you and Thisbe as 2 and 3 year olds running around the farm in the sunshine squealing and laughing, exuding pure joy and love for life. What a great way it was to welcome in summer.

Saying goodbye in front of Uff Da Mart in Westby after a delicious Borgens lunch!



These are the quilts Big Nora made you two