And the pictures begin loading backwards, ugh. Our day began sleeping a bit late and taking our time getting to the beach by about 10:30 AM. It was a little cold in the morning, so we were not in a big hurry, but at the upper 60s to mid 70s throughout the day, shorts and tshirts would be fine for everyone except for Magan, who looked like she was prepping for a snowstorm in multiple layers and wrapped in a towel. Dear me.
Once on the beach, I realized we would need some sand castle equipment and beach games to at least get me through the full day on the beach. So after getting everyone set up, I drove up to the "Pacific" store that had some really cool beach chairs for only $10, and some sand castle building materials, along with one of those velcro ball and catch games. I think Magan also had me bring her another jacket.
Once the sand castle was built, and me and Ruby setting the velcro ball and catch record at 19 in a row, we finally sat down for a lunch of uncrustables. But I think Ruby actually had leftover salad from the night before out on the beach. And looking around, I realized that we three seats because Belle did not want one...but she was now sitting in mine out in the ocean with Ruby. So back to the "Pacific" for a 4th chair and while I was there I picked up a kite.
The kite was a cheap $6 version and was fun, but quickly went into death spirals and knotted itself up really good. So, it was fun while it lasted. Ruby and I walked along the beach for some seashells again. Mom listened to her book bundled up in her chair, and Belle laid out trying to get a little sun. Ruby and I then got the velcro ball out and set another record, this time never to be beaten at 54 catches in a row. We laughed some more about some almost "liver flips" getting into our chairs. And some more IPN2DC messages.
Then I saw both my girls getting deeper into the ocean with some waves crashing around them. "Com'n Dad" they called. I am only getting in if we are close to getting out. By this time it was later in the evening around 5, so they smiled and I ran in with them. Besides unlimited fastpasses, this was probably my most fun time with the kids, as all three of us could not stop laughing. The waves were huge crashing about at my neck, and knocking the girls back several times. The water was freezing but after about 20 minutes, we were numb and just laughing with each new wave. I know magan grabbed hundreds of videos and photos, as I had to search thru them to get to the few below. Belle left a sand mermaid below, and Belle caught a "sticker" image of Magan in the water. The waves were so much fun, and those cute girls smiling reminded me of a girl that crashed in the waves with me 25 years ago down in Gulf Shores. Belle's smile reminds me of her mom, I don't think either of the girls completely lose their eyes like their momma when they smile, but both laughed and held my hand and made me the happiest dad in the world.
That evening we drove into Southport and found Alex's house from the Safe Haven movie, and actually parked where a temporary storefront was built of the movie. It has since been torn down, but Belle and I had to run over for another picture. Next, we visited the Ports of Call Bistro where Katie and Alex had their first date in movie, and we actually got the same table they had for dinner. Magan and I tried to create the scene pictured from the movie directly above our table. After dinner, we visited a local gelato place just down the road. And I did not even notice that the girls were recommending different sherbets to me, as I saw a cherry gelato, and wanted it. After finishing a full thing of cherry gelato, I could feel a rumbling that was not good. I remember laughing tho at Ruby getting Belle to taste her coconut flavor, and Belle saying "That tastes like my shampoo".
Back at the van, the girls were arguing about who would sit in what seat, and they will remember that I jokingly, but not so jokingly told them they better sit down and be quiet or I would leave them. The rest of the trip home was just a prayer for no red lights, a prayer for no slow drivers, then a strange shuffle to try and keep my butt cheeks clinched while walking up 3 flights to our condo. But the crisis was averted and no additional clothes needed washed that evening. We got started watching Safe Haven that night, but could only watch about half since it was already a little late. But it was really fun watching and seeing places we had just visited.
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