April 15, 2014

Extreme Waterfront


We enjoyed a little last minute family vacation over the weekend and got our first taste of the ocean for the season. Our friends generously offered their waterfront cottage on the south shore, and I think we were all amazed by just how close we actually were to that water! It really felt as though we were out to sea, inspiring a game that had Little Smith spinning in circles giggling, 'I've been swept out to sea!' for the better part of an afternoon.


It finally has been feeling like spring here (I am not discussing the forecast for the rest of this week though), and I think the taste of warm weather got to my head because I somehow entirely overlooked a coat for Little Smith. He weathered the very windy and occasionally rainy trip in doubled up hoodies and his trusty hat, and despite an accidental beach soaking, I think he managed to stay warm enough.

I always prefer being anywhere in the off season, probably owing to my hermit tendencies, but I can't understand why anyone likes a crowd. Strolling around the sleepy streets and beaches and hearing little beyond the roar of the ocean was my perfect idea of a weekend.


This was also our first attempt at letting Little Smith sleep in a regular bed (aside from his big boy bed at home) and he did beautifully, but poor baby Roo was a mess in her travel crib and despite that amazing ocean lullaby, none of us got much sleep. The silver lining was a truly glorious sunrise, who knew that having children would give me 'the opportunity' to appreciate so many sunrises (ahem, yeah... trying to find the positive in a life wherein sleeping until 6AM feels indulgent).

The best part of the trip, aside from getting to stay closer to the ocean than I ever dreamed possible, was that it only took an hour to get home. I sometimes wonder why we have chosen this city to raise our family, it's so expensive, the winters are brutal, the people aren't always the warmest and it can be difficult to make friends... but then I drive up to New Hampshire and enjoy a great hike or sneak in a quick trip like this one to the ocean and remember how rare it is to get the benefits of city life with such proximity to nature's wonders. It's probably just the promise of spring talking, but I am feeling very lucky to be right where I am.

*and since we were in a super photogenic place, of course our camera battery died before we could get a single shot. Thank you iPhones, for always bailing out our flaky selves!

11 comments:

  1. Wait, you took these photos with your iPhone?!!! I'm blown away.

    Such a beautiful place, such great shots. I'm so glad you and your lovely family got to vacation for a couple of days. That always leaves me so refreshed, especially being near water. Sorry about the sleep! I would offer advice, but we have terrible sleepers (especially on vacation)- until they get old enough to just go until they drop, it's hard to travel with babies!

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    1. You would be surprised how many photos come from my phone (it is my mission to get you to come to the dark side!). And yeah, I just assume that when we travel there will be no sleep. I try not to let the hassle prevent us from going places... sometimes it's hard to summon the energy, but I'm always glad we did.

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    2. Well, then you'll be happy to know that Andrew has been looking into iPhones lately... I'm still not 100% convinced, but I know once I "cross over" there will be no turning back. Just looking at your Instagram photos makes me weak in the knees, ha!

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  2. That looks like, Scituate?...where our family is currently calling home. Off season is the best, I agree!

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    1. It is Emily! What a beautiful place to call home, I'd never been there before but it was lovely. Very exposed though, definately might be nervous during a storm. Still, lucky you :)

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  3. yes, I was feeling very pouty about the extreme winds of today, but also very grateful for the richness this area provides. :)

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    1. As long as there isn't any snow right? So great to hear from local people, looking forward to checking out your blog and thanks for taking the time to stop in!

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  4. You're such a cutie. Mamas snuggling babies is the sweetest!
    I love the foggy, chilly side to these photos.

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    1. Thank you! I love a blustery beach myself :)

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  5. Jealous right now...so jealous. I love the ocean, and we live nowhere near one. I think it's in my blood because my people are from Nova Scotia. ;) It's funny you are questioning where you live, because I was just telling my husband how great it is that you get to live near Boston and the sea! :) (I prefer it without a lot of people too! Especially when they have cell phones conducting business on the beach. ;))

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