My college friend, Lisa, and I are gearing up for a beach trip, but this time it’s a different ball game. We’re bringing the kids along, leaving our husbands behind, and recently dove into the logistics of our journey. What began as a chat about babysitters quickly spiraled into a discussion about wine. In our eagerness to plan this escape months ago, we didn’t really think about how our dynamic had changed. After all, how many beach trips have we shared over the last two decades? We’ve always known how to have a good time. But now, with five children aged 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 in the mix, things are looking quite different. Here’s how:
1. Naptime Realities
Back in college, a nap at the beach was typically a result of either a wild night or too many drinks. Now, naptime is a precious commodity—akin to hidden treasure when you’re juggling toddlers. It’s not about peacefully drifting off; it’s about seizing those fleeting moments of silence. If we do manage to kick back with a pitcher of margaritas, we’ll still have the late afternoon to navigate. So, our conclusion was simple: we need our babysitter to arrive by 3 p.m. sharp.
2. Snack Shopping Spree
College beach trips usually kicked off with a stop at Publix for essentials: beer, bottled water, and easy snacks. This time around, I’ll likely be dropping $400 at Costco on things like individual snack packs of goldfish, veggie straws, ZBARs, and Capri Suns. And trust me, those will disappear in a flash.
3. Entertainment Evolution
From ages 19 to 22, our entertainment revolved around anything lively—be it music, fishing, or the latest TV shoot. We’d lounge at the beach with sunscreen and snacks in hand. Fast forward to now, and our beach bag is stuffed with a DVD collection, bubbles, a kite, a suitcase filled with chalk, 30 Elsa costumes, and even a karaoke machine. Applying sunscreen will likely transform into an Olympic event, and we expect an audience.
4. Beverage Choices
In our college days, beer was the drink of choice, and shots were a staple. On those rare occasions we felt fancy, we’d mix vodka with V8 and call it a Bloody Mary. These days, we opt for quality wine in much smaller doses, which helps with recovery. A mimosa here and there might still lead to that familiar hangover feeling, though.
In essence, our beach trip has evolved from carefree fun to a carefully orchestrated adventure filled with kids and chaos, yet we wouldn’t trade it for anything. For more on parenting and making memories, check out our other post on home insemination kits. They’re an excellent resource along with this heartwarming story about a couple’s journey to parenthood. Additionally, March of Dimes offers valuable insights on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary: A beach trip with my college friend has transformed dramatically over the years. From napping and snacking to entertainment and beverage choices, our getaway now includes managing kids and planning around their needs. The carefree days of college have given way to a new kind of adventure that still holds the promise of fun and memories.