mom beach day
On Saturday we had our first "Mom Beach Day", and I hope it becomes a yearly tradition.
During the summer we spend a lot of our time at the beach. I loved the ocean when I was a kid, and my children love it as well. There are endless ways to spend your time: running from the waves, looking at tidepools, collecting seashells, building sandcastles, chasing the seagulls... The beach is the only place where my children just play! I have to remind them to eat lunch, to drink some water, to put on some sunscreen.
And though I love going to the beach with my children, I can't say it's entirely relaxing for me. I'm always watching to make sure the kids stay close, or that they aren't about to be knocked over by a wave, or that they don't accidentally shovel sand on the person sitting next to us.
This year I sent out an invitation for "Mom Beach Day". It said something like "Join us for a child free afternoon at the beach. Read a book. Go boogie boarding. Plug in your iPod and relax! You don't have to worry that your kids are drowning!". We started at 3 PM, so that people could still spend the majority of the day with their families (and attend soccer games, etc.). Everyone brought something to eat for dinner and a little snack to share.
It felt strange to walk down to the beach with nothing but my beach chair and a good book. My husband even took Baby M (who turns three months old this week!). And I loved seeing all my friends arrive, one by one, without children in tow. I can't say I got much reading done, I spent most of my time just chatting.. it's so much easier to have a conversation when little hands aren't pulling you to the swings or reaching in your purse for crackers.
When it started to get a little bit chilly, we built a bonfire and kept on talking. And at around 8 PM, JR called and reminded me I needed to head back (to feed my baby, to kiss my children goodnight). And very happily I came home.
09.20.2010
Reader Comments (25)
Good for you. My sisters (who are Moms) meet a group of their friends every other Monday night. Each lady takes turns hosting so they alternate homes. They drink tea, eat snacks and catch up (no alcohol involved). Its a really great release to just chat without being interrupted and enjoy some female company. I live in a different place so I can't partake but I always love getting to go along when I am in town. It's a great investment in your own sanity.
that is such a fantastic idea! Love that...a great idea to take a little R&R away from the kids. :)
My, that sounds like heaven.
That sounds just lovely.
What a fantastic idea.
The bonfire puts this story over the top into the perfect way to spend an afternoon.
This is such a lovely post, what a good idea. I can't wait for summer to come so I can gather my mum friends without their children (and hopefully our non-mum friends will want to join us!)
That's such a great idea, and a sweet gift for your friends.
Sounds like a beautiful afternoon
Wow, cannot believe 3 months have passed so quickly.
What a nice idea. A little time for you in a very beautiful place with dear friends. :)
Great idea! And definitely well deserved for you moms.
I think I just may use your idea for myself and a few mom friends.
Love your balloon party too!
Sad, but I have never thought of doing something this!! I mean, I get together with moms (kid-free), but @ the beach- where we would usually bring our kids- is a whole different story!! How NICE it wold be to just hang out together, and relax (with no drowning worries!!).
That sounds wonderful! I am so jealous. I want to go play on the beach sans baby.
What a nice story and a great idea. You deserve to have it be a tradition!
(Thank you again for your beautiful blog. I read it every day and eagerly await your new posts. Everything about your site makes me feel inspired and happy—its the perfect feeling to shoot for on my own blog!)
Best. Idea. Ever!
Hi Brooke, I have been very behind on my blog reading (and closely reading) that I totally missed your baby was born! Congrats! I have a nearly 4 month old! - hence the behind on the blog reading. Hope she is doing great. And this is a great idea. I love love the beach.
such a wonderful idea, brooke! i want to join :) xoxo so glad you're having a good summer and happy three-month birthday to sweet baby M!
sounds lovely! i love the image too. hope you're enjoying your weekend.
what a great idea. I know this sounds terrible, but i really hate taking my kids to the beach alone - too crazy - as soon as we get unpacked somebody has to use the bathroom (or poops in the last remaining diaper), everything gets too sandy, i get cold, etc etc. I still take them but it's with a sense of duty/obligation/resignation. I know it will get better as they get older but in the meantime, i will plan a grown-up ladyfriend beach day for next summer.
brilliant idea. totally need one of those.
Wow, that is an amazing idea. I too spend all summer at the beach with my neighbors and our kiddos. We love it. But it's not exactly relaxing. I know they would love a Mom's day at the beach. I'm going to suggest this. Thanks for the great idea!