A day at the beach

It has been two years since I spent a day on the beach with my boys.

I love the beach.

It is my favorite place.

Peaceful.

When you are in the ocean, you are in the water that connects every shore. That is so amazing to think about. 

My BFF Chelley and I have been talking about a beach day since May! We knew it had to happen this summer, but our schedules have been crazy, and so we made a plan over a week ago to go!  

We had food, water, blankets, an umbrella, and sunblock.

2 moms, 7 children, and a mission- have fun! 

Well, it was a perfect day. 

This little piece of ocean is quiet, very small waves, and not overcrowded. 

We parked and got each of the children to help carry something. 

And away we went. 

We set up blankets, made sure food was in the shade of the umbrella, and headed to the water. 

From here it was splashing, swimming, running, and just loving the water. 

Some of the kids love swimming, 

And for some it meant overcoming fears, but she had help...

And was swimming in no time

We buried people in the sand: 

And made a pool on the beach:

We also were all in the water, even the moms! 

Addie loves to splash, and that laugh is infectious!

And it must be in the family because Millie loved to splash and laugh too! 

So does mom! 

Seaweed was overcome, 

And brothers were being brothers- 

And truly, it was a wonderful day. 

We laughed, didn't cry, played, didn't worry, smiled, and just enjoyed being together! 

At the start of the day we thought it was a bit intense to have this many kids with two moms, but at the end of the day, you can do whatever you think you can, so we did! 

We packed up, and headed out (which included towel shelters for changing into clothing!) 

And before we had even started the cars, the tiniest among us was doing the one thing that 6 out of 7 would be doing before we got home, sleeping! A sure sign of a great day!

Enjoy your summer days! We are!

~Melendy 

Why can we not just be humans?

I had an amazing time today with my BFF (do I sound like a teenager?)

We went to the beach with my sons, my nieces, and my friend's children. 

Her oldest daughter has Achondroplasia. Not sure what that is? Well you can find that out here: A is For Adelaide

And I have to say, our day was almost ruined, and I didn't realize it. 

I spent a large part of today playing photographer. I was grabbing candids and group photos and watching the children (all 7 of them!?!?) move about. 

Well at one point my friends daughter Addie was playing in the sand and I didn't notice it at first. She is not my child, so my senses were not tuned in to it. 

But then I did.

I noticed it.

I realized that the man of a couple was taking a picture of his woman, but there was no way he was getting his woman in the frame. (BTW I am a trained photographer) he was aiming for Addie.

A CHILD.

A HUMAN BEING! 

Why? 

Because she looks a little different? Because she is shorter than your child? 

Because she is amazingly beautiful and even brought her own paparazzi? 

Who knows. But I made sure that my face or  butt were in every one of their pictures, essentially ruining the chance of them getting a "good shot".

 But why did I have to? 

Because some people aren't human. 

Some people think it is ok to photograph others without their consent for their own pleasure/ amusement. 

And some people are just assholes. Period. 

So, the next time you go to take a photo of that person who is doing something different/ looks different/has colorful hair/ or is just not like you, imagine how you would fee if you saw pictures of you on the internet because someone wanted to laugh at you. 

No matter your intent, someone will get hurt. So think twice, and grow up. 

And if you find someone else is doing this, stop them. For them and you, and the person you might hurt. 

~Melendy 

P.S. You won't find pictures here as I thought that made my point pretty clear. 

The end...

This school year was a whirlwind. And we have been so on the move, that writing has taken a back-burner. 

The end of the school year was chaotic, entertaining, emotional and a relief. 

We had a wonderful experience at BCa, and the fact we are not returning is bittersweet. Seeing empty halls was strange, but I know the Lord has a different path for us. 

So, for the end of the school year the boys were in a production, 

Caleb was in the spelling bee...

I took my students to Old Sturbridge Village

Steve had a birthday 

Aaron graduated kindergarten

We had our end of year piano recital

Even got a picture of all 6 of my parents grandchildren:

Then we had field day

Track banquet

The last full day of school and awards for Caleb 

All three did so well

And even since school, 

A good bye...

But a new beginning...

Time with family, running races, being together...

I am learning a new job, and the boys are prepping for the Junior Olympics. Steve is running a Spartan Super next week, and I have a half marathon in October I need to be ready for. 

Also a new nephew to photograph

Even in the end, there are new beginnings and I am so grateful for the time to appreciate them!