Over the weekend we decided to head to the beach to celebrate the holiday and enjoy some serious summer weather. It would certainly be a memorable trip since my 9 month-old daughter has never stepped foot on the sandy shores of the Garden State. Already having a 3 year-old son, I already knew what was in store for me…
A Theta Mom knows the reality of the packing and organization needed to bring children (especially those under the age of 2, no make that 1) for ONE DAY (or should I say ONE HOUR) to the beach. If you saw the trunk of my car you would have thought we were traveling to Belize for three weeks with the amount of “stuff” we needed to bring. Nope, not Belize, just heading down the Jersey shore…for a few hours.
I have to say THANK GOD for the invention of the Wonder Wheeler! Oh yes, they should have named this the Wonder-ful Wheeler. If you hit the beach and have not yet discovered the Wonder Wheeler, let me do the honors…You can find it at Wonder Wheeler, but I must warn you, it’s completely life changing.
After filing it to the very top, I am still convinced that this thing could even fit my children inside. It’s amazing. After loading up the Wonder Wheeler with bottles, water, formula, diapers, bibs, toys, teethers, bathing suits, extra clothes, wipes (tons of wipes), sunscreen, towels, sippy cups, snacks, chairs, strollers, pack-n-play, umbrella…ok, you get the point…we headed out for our first beach adventure with our bambini.
Once we finally reached the steps of the boardwalk, I have to say I already reached my threshold. As any Theta Mom would admit, I didn’t see the point of packing all of that stuff for such a short amount of time. It seemed like more work than it was worth.
But then, once we were settled, I took one look at my adorable little baby wonder…and it hit me.
This is why.
This is why we do it.
This is why we agonize over the drama and soon forget about it. This is why we trudge to the ocean with what seems like all of our possessions because the amount of time we are there is nothing short of precious.
Watching my son (he’s the one in the red vest) have fun with his cousins was another wonderful moment for me.
In the end, my little wonders made it all worth the ride.
I can totally relate to you! I have 3 kids 3 and under, we live in Florida (only about 5 miles from the beach) and it amazes me how much work goes into our 1-2 hour trips to the beach! But I agree – the wonder wheeler is AMAZING!
I just found you on MBC – am following you now. I am also new to blogging – http://www.3little1.blogspot.com/
just found you in MBC and started following…you definitely struck a chord with me! I pack for every possible scenario when we go away with the kids, I even bring a nebulizer! It's pushing it, but my son has had pneumonia twice, so I'd rather be prepared for anything!!! I'm over at http://www.imasleeperbaker.blogspot.com
SUCH AN ADORABALE BABY! She is so cute with her little hat.
I'm now your Google Follower.
Your Twitter tag takes me to the Shabby Blog Blog and not to your Twitter????
I noticed that you are also a SITS girl…me too.
I found you at Twitter Moms and the MBC :o)
I love your pictures! I always love pictures taken from a behind view. They are so cute. So is your little angel!
That looks brilliant – I haven't seen anything like that here in Australia. What great beach pics too
I'm a SITS girl too – so wanted to drop you a line! Adorable pictures and I'm following your blog – feel free to follow mine at http://momof2boyswifeof1.blogspot.com
I thought I was the only mom that thought like you! We actually went to Fl. about a month ago, and I remember seeing many parents with those little carts, and I wish I had one!
That is a great idea!
We just packed up for our first weekend down the shore with our 9-month old… whew… long gone are the days of just throwing a few things in a bag and heading off!
Love your blog!
I completely agree with you! Unfortunately for me my husband and 3 year old are having fun at the beach right now and I am at home with a sick baby. Oh well, there's always next weekend.