A day at the beach with the Boyen Bunch!

I've been a bit spoiled in my life living near beaches. I lived in Florida for nearly 10 years and walked many beautiful beaches. When we came to Texas, I was judgmental, I'll admit. I might have, on more than one occasion, said Texas beaches weren't "real" beaches. After 20 years of living in Texas, I finally changed my mind about the Texas Coast...it truly is delightful.

After much begging and pleading, even though I tried to reason with the kids that we were in the middle of a pandemic, I agreed on a day trip to the coast. I am so glad I did!

Our first stop was a favorite spot of Bailey's, Lighthouse Trails Inlet. He had visited this location on a school field trip with his Aquatics class in high school, and then again with some friends and my mom last year. He said it was the best spot to see wildlife, and he was right! We saw a hermit crab, tiny fish, a comb jellyfish and the best part, multiple groups of dolphins!

Bailey had great luck with his casting net, catching and releasing tons of tiny fish.

Dolphins!!

Our second location was one of my favorite spots, the North Padre Seawall. There's a great public parking lot with bathrooms and outdoor showers, a ramp to the beach and a lifeguard on duty. The sand is fine and soft. The best part...it's so clean!

The waves did not disappoint!

My beach bums!

It was a perfect day. It felt "normal". We all managed to forget about the chaos in the world and any worries we had. And it was surprisingly easy to social distance. I have to admit...I'd love to go back again soon! (Shhhh...don't tell the kids!)

I put this quote on my memo board in the reading room this week...it's so fitting.

The summer of 2020 will be unforgettable.

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