Growing up on the Jersey shore, there’s nothing better than taking a
leisurely stroll on a nice, quiet beach, somewhere far away from the
increasing sprawl and turmoil of living a suburban life – especially,
now that I have done my part in adding to the population growth –
unless, I’m with my husband and we decided to getaway and, you know,
leave all of our children at home.
"Who’s got the kids?"
I tried not to look guilty.
"Well, you know, it wasn’t an easy decision."
Especially, since nearly everyone on our short list of babysitters was also away and attending the same wedding.
"But, I’m sure they are NOT missing us and my in-laws are undoubtedly spoiling them rotten."
Still.
Collecting shells and pretty rocks just didn’t seem as much, you
know, fun and sounded a lot like a scene from "Something’s Gotta Give."
"Why are you picking those?"
What?
"The rocks."
Oh.
"Um…because, well…I don’t know…actually, I think it’s called sea glass and they’re…you know…really pretty?"
So, I stashed the rocks…I mean…sea glass in my purse and we
continued our hike along the beach and onto one of the many nature
trails, way too long to take with kids, without having to stop, and
making a potty stop, or telling someone to "Be quiet," and "Don’t touch the poison ivy!"
"Oh, look…just like in the "Swan Princess" and…wow…is that a nest she’s laying on!?!"
I couldn’t help and think about how much Mini-me would have enjoyed being this close.
"Shhhh…yes and be quiet!"
But, it was as if all my kids were already there and enjoying the day along with me.
"Ew…look, a snake!"
Where?
"There…in the water…right there!"
Little Man would have been impressed and…oh, man…we didn’t see
half this many wildlife the last time we were here, you know, with the
kids.
Heavy sigh.
But, we were followed by the cutest little black-capped chickadee.
And…um…I know that you really can’t see it, very clearly…but,
I’m sorry, there is NOTHING lovely about this muskrat and there were
quite a few of them, you know, hanging around.
"Quick, there’s one, let’s stomp on the walkway and scare him!"
What?
Okay – so, we acted like a couple of kids – but, I finally figured
out at least one of the reasons they call it a "rat." Because it
looked an awful ‘lot like what I’m used to seeing on the subway and
just the thought having one of those running around under my feel makes
me want to sort of, you know, shiver.
So, we had ice cream!
"Um…I’ll have a…uh…I mean…wait…how about a…oh, what’d ya’ got that’s big, totally fattening, but good?"
It was a perfect end to a wonderful day, but – as the afternoon
progressed and we started getting ready for the wedding – anyone living
near a beach knows that the weather can turn, rather quickly.
The skies turned gray and, in a matter of minutes, it got so cold
and windy, we were glad when the bride arrived – in a horse drawn
carriage, no less – and that the rain held off long enough for the
bride and groom to share their vows.
And exchange their wedding rings.
They really do make a beautiful couple and – as Mini-me wrote on the
wedding card, "You guys make a perfect pear!" – the bride and groom were kind enough to invite all 4 of our children, but totally understood why my husband and I chose to enjoy Cinco de Mayo, alone.
"How was the wedding?"
Thing Two text messaged us the next morning and I smiled while sending her my response.
"It gave me the shivers!"
So, we’re back home…again…and were bombarded by hugs at the door and questions, like:
"What did her dress look like?"
"Who did you sit with?"
"What did you eat?"
"Did you see any snakes?"
Ah, now I’ve really got something to show Little Man, but don’t have
many other pictures of our wedding weekend away, because…well…my
husband and I were, like, too busy dancing, eating and having fun.
What?
Oh, about the heels, the spa and all that "private time" I got spend with my husband?
Wouldn’t you like to know!?!?