Before and After: Beach Vacation

Besides for our all inclusive stay at Salem Hospital this summer, Craig and I did not take a vacation this summer. After looking at our schedules, we decided to rent a house on the coast for the first weekend in October. We were fully prepared for yucky weather (which would be the norm for fall at the coast), but we were blessed with sunny skies and temperatures in the upper 70's. Being that we live an hour away from the coast, we go quite often and stay overnight probably 5 times a year, but this time was completely different.

Before:Craig is a minimalist when it comes to packing for vacation. He is perfectly happy just bringing one towel to sit on on the beach.
Now: Grace is little, but she has a lot of stuff. For the house, we brought her pack and play, her play gym, a quilt, half a box of diapers, bobby pillow, bouncy seat, plus several changes of clothes. On the beach we carried out a sun shelter, the Ergo, her diaper bag plus three towels.

Before: In a four day trip to the coast I would have read at least 2 or 3 books.
Now: I read about 90 pages. Which is about 70 more pages than I read all summer...

Hanging out at a shipwreck, NBD

Gracie and Daddy

Before: We would have gone to several restaurants and I would have packed a nicer outfit for an evening out.
Now: We brought cereal, milk, snacks and sandwich stuff with us. We did go get dinner, but we brought it back to the house to eat. Gracie is usually okay if we go out with her, but if she is over something (like sitting in a restaurant) she lets EVERYONE know.

First time touching the sand

Clearly Grace was not impressed with the big WWII gun

Before: Naps on the beach all around.
Now: Well, one of us got a nap in on the beach.

Craig's nap did not last long

Even though things are different now, I love it! We had a fantastic first family vacation, and I can't wait to take more!

This selfie only took two tries. I feel like it should be in a selfie hall of fame. Even the baby is looking at the camera!