Summer escaped me this year. Big Boy Boot Camp took up all of August. I was sick for half of July. That meant that I hadn't made it out to Greenwich to buy day passes for Island Beach or Great Captain's Island. Last week, I had to make it a priority for our family trip. I bought an extra day pass - just in case. I'm so glad I did.
Last week, I promised Alex that we would use our last day pass to go to Island Beach. He loved his trip to Great Captain's Island so much that he was eager to go when I reminded him that another island with beaches and a playground existed. Island Beach closes on the 15th. The weather report predicted rain for that day, so today was the day. We had to make tracks!
Alex was all for it. He started to pull out everything under the sun. 'We need the tent', he told me. I wasn't going to bring it, but he insisted. Then he pulled out so many toys, they wouldn't fit in his beach backpack. I had to bring the Sassy tote. I drew the line at the umbrella. He said he needed it to protect his head from the sun. I reminded him that's what hats are for.
'OHHHHHHHH!' he laughed! 'I'm so siiiiilllyyyy!'
I dragged a little in the morning. I got my daily morning chores in and then we made tracks. We spent a wonderful afternoon there. Once there, I wondered why I'd delayed it all summer.
Alex was able to have his potty treats on the ferry boat over to the island. This year, since Alex could walk to the train station and dock, we were able to sit on the top deck and really enjoy the ride. Far away from the engine, the ride is much quieter. Alex was able to see more and was really loving it.
We'd brought a picnic lunch, but I purchased a lunch for us at the snack shack anyway. Alex was thrilled to have our cheeseburger and onion rings in the indoor seating area. "No bugs!" he told me. I think he also didn't like the idea of seagulls begging from him - and boy do those birds on Island Beach beg.
There was play on the playground. There was looking for seashells. There was exploration and lemonade. There was running from the cool surf and squeals. There was even chasing of those begging seagulls.
When it was time to go, Alex was none-too-happy about it. While on the ferry back, he asked when we could go back. I hated the idea of telling him that it wouldn't be until next year. I have an appointment with Gail tomorrow at 2. I'm now seriously considering calling her in the morning to ask if she'd make it Friday instead. That is, if the weather is supposed to be good.
Alex had too good a time to let this last chance go by.
Tuesday, September 14
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