Fun in the Sun at Carp State Beach

Yesterday, when my mom came by after work to pick up Lucy for the last time, she was telling me of her weekend plans to go out to Carpinteria with my dad and watch Lucy until Saturday PM when Toby and Max would then be home.
She asked, "Why not come to the beach tomorrow?"
I could think of a dozen reasons why, if you know me, you know too.
I thought about it, remembered that out of the blue Emily had mentioned the beach twice this week!
I looked at my calendar, did not have plans at all (rare), and I had no time frame to stick to (arrive when I want, leave when I want). I thought again...Why not? Well, maybe I can take just Emily? No, I can do this!
Hey, why not!? I took a leap of faith, and told Emily of our super fun activity that we would do; she lit up like a candle.
We woke when we woke, packed the car, stopped at Target for a beach umbrella, and headed out to Carp. We went from 89 degrees (SCV) to 69 degrees (Carp). We parked at Bub & Toby's and walked down to the beach. It was pretty busy but there was a nice spot for us.
The kids loved it, and I was so happy to not be pulled in 2 different directions by them. Emily and Nathan loved standing knee deep in the ocean waves and playing in the sand--TOGETHER! We stayed from 11:15-2:15. We walked back to the house, got cleaned up and packed up and we hit the road at 3:15. We went from 75 degrees (Carp) to 104 degrees (SCV), arriving home at 4:40 (there was stopped traffic through Fillmore, & lots of fireworks stands).
I was whooped but told Jeff, "we have to do this more often."
I was proud of myself breaking away for the usual, venturing away from the house with BOTH kids, to do an activity that I generally do not like.






Thanks, mom for hanging with us! It made the time very special!

Toby, we will return. Sorry, we missed you.