Beachy Dreams

Often, when I think about how different our lives are now than they were in the Bay Area, I immediately think about taxis, subways and grocery shopping. It’s just what images pop into my head whenever I’m reminded about our transition from life in California. These are the biggest changes that I experienced as an adult and mother of now three little children and the most significant ways in which my reality was altered.

If you asked Jack and Zoe what they miss the most about California, they will both tell you that they miss the beach. Actually, my husband will say the same thing. We lived about 30 minutes from the Pacific Ocean in Santa Cruz, and spent many of our summer-and even some winter-weekends with our toes in the sand.

So of course, when I took the kids back home for vacation a couple of weeks ago, one of the stops that topped our list was the beach and we were fortunate enough to make it at least once with Justin’s parents.

There is no feeling quite like the freedom that enters your soul on a beach. Children understand this, too.

It was too cold to put suits on and go into the water, and they didn’t even really have any actual sand toys to build castles with. They dug their knees into the sand, danced in the wind and laughed together, because that’s just what happens on the beach. It’s nature’s finest playground.

In fact, the beach is the second most enticing part about moving back to California next year, and even more exciting that our future may even include living mere feet from the ocean. I’ve really become such a New York City person, but seeing my kids on the beach and the joy that it brought them made me want to move home pronto.

As the temperature is dipping down into the thirties tonight, the beach is taking up some prime real estate in my brain. We may have to head to Connecticut or the Jersey Shore (no really) this summer before our next scheduled trip to California in August.

This post was sponsored by GoGo Squeez in honor of their newest flavor, Apple Mango and new fancy packaging. I’m teaming up with them to encourage you to also bring the play.

Win It:

Together with GoGo SqueeZ, I’m hosting a giveaway for an assortment set of GoGo Squeeze four packs, including one of the newest flavor!

To Enter:

Leave a comment answering this prompt: “I always play______!”

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Contest will run from today, April 26th until May 5th at midnight PST. One entry per person. Open to US residents only. Winner will be chosen randomly.

I have partnered with GoGo squeeZ as a member of the SqueeZ Squad. Over the next few months I will be helping them pass the play.