As my college friend Sarah and I plan our upcoming beach vacation, there are a few critical factors we must address. This time, we’re accompanied by our children, leaving our partners behind, and we recently held a detailed discussion about the logistics of our trip. It began with arranging babysitters and quickly transitioned to the topic of wine. Excitement filled the air as we started planning months ago, but we didn’t fully consider our current situation. After nearly two decades of beach trips together, we thought we had it all figured out, but now we find ourselves wrangling five kids aged 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6. Here’s how our beach trip is set to be quite different now:
1. Naptime
In our college days, beach naps were typically the result of either a late night or too many cocktails. As parents, however, naps have taken on a whole new meaning. They are now the elusive treasure of our daily lives, rarely long enough and often interrupted. While we may dream of enjoying a peaceful moment to ourselves, our arrangement with the babysitter will ensure they arrive at 3 p.m. so we can catch a break.
2. Food
Past beach trips began with a trip to the local grocery store, stocking up on essentials like beer, bottled water, and snacks. This time around, I anticipate spending a hefty $400 at Costco on child-friendly snacks like goldfish crackers, veggie straws, and juice boxes. Unfortunately, I expect those supplies to vanish in mere minutes, leaving us to grapple with hungry little ones.
3. Entertainment
From the ages of 19 to 22, our entertainment consisted of anything that was live—music, fishing, or even television shows being filmed on location. Now, our entertainment arsenal includes a DVD collection filled with cartoons, bubbles, kites, chalk, and a karaoke machine. We expect to turn the sunscreen application process into a competitive event, complete with spectators!
4. Beverages
Back in college, we indulged in copious amounts of beer and shots, occasionally mixing vodka into a V8 for a makeshift Bloody Mary. Nowadays, we prefer quality wine in moderation, recognizing that starting and finishing early is key to avoiding hangovers. A celebratory mimosa may still be on the menu, but we will likely feel the effects nonetheless.
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In summary, our beach trip will be a blend of nostalgia and new challenges, as we transition from carefree college days to the realities of parenting. The preparations may be different, but the essence of friendship remains strong.