Summer is my favorite because it is almost synonymous with the word beach. Okay, not really, but it does bring up a lot of good memories and dreams for future trips. Growing up in Florida, summer lasted almost 11 months in a year. Also, growing up in Florida meant that once you could drive, you kept a chair and a towel and swimsuit in the trunk of your car. Never let a good and free day pass you by without thinking about going to the beach.
Then you become an adult. And you have kids. Now you need a lot more than a big towel and sunscreen to go to the beach. You need snacks and a cooler with drinks. You need several towels because each child needs one to sit on and one to use when they dry off. Better bring some toys, too. Nothing ruins a relaxing beach day like bored kids.
Let’s talk about sunscreen, sunburn, and aloe. If you grew up in a coastal state, you’ve been sunburnt at least once. Most of us have been a red lobster more than we care to admit. You know the drill when you get home: cold shower, lather on the hair conditioner, pat dry, drown yourself in aloe, and take some Tylenol. Then be prepared to not sleep all night, and in a few days watch as the first layer of your skin peels off like you’re a lizard.
Okay. It doesn’t have to be that way. I found this cool beach tent that provides shade and is super easy to put up. Well, my oldest daughter found it first. I just found a bigger one. It has air vents and these awesome pockets on the bottom you fill with sand so it won’t blow away. Of course, it came with stakes but who knows where those ended up in my garage.
https://amzn.to/42wh4Ro
Use the link above to get your own tent!
There are so many reasons to love the beach! The feel of the sun on my skin, the sand between my toes, the salty water that is refreshing and sticky, the sound of the waves, the scent of cheap suntan lotion, and the fact that you barely have to wear any clothes are all reasons to spend the day at the beach. If you have the willpower to get up early, a beach sunrise is amazing! If you are watching the waves and the sun in the opposite direction, there is nothing like a beautiful sunset over the water. No matter the time of day or even the weather, the beach is my happy place.
This is the point where I add some photos to embarrass my children. Enjoy our beach trips over the years and remember: it’s better to put on sunscreen before you get to the beach, and even if it’s overcast, the UV rays will find you and burn your skin if it’s not covered up with sunscreen, a hat, clothes, or you are inside the beach tent.
The beach is our happy place, but we also like all things outdoors. Especially soccer, cheerleading, and running. Check out our Amazon search list “Things we like to do.”
Things we like to do