Take Me Back

It might seem a bit repetitive and tiresome to visit the same place year after year, even twice last year, since Avery was one. But, to me, it’s quite the opposite. Going back to Newport is exciting and strings each trip’s memories together, easily accessible to remember the magic from before.
Eating a Balboa Bar covered in sprinkles or riding bikes to the end of the boardwalk where the sidewalk literally ends and walking to the pier every morning after dad makes pancakes are a must. Of course these kids have their not-so-great moments and I would remind them of the theme I set for our trip about ten miles after leaving our driveway–Be Grateful & Kind (you little stinker). But sometimes the monsters in them just want to be heard. ; ) They were pretty wonderful overall. I just feel that inner struggle of frustration when they are being tricky VS trying to enjoy every moment before they grow up. I hope I am doing it right. I hope my future self looks back and says, “You did it! You enjoyed every bit you could while they were young.” Because I really want to. I am trying to. And that’s exactly why we go there. To run away from things that distract from those sweet faces.

One night we went to Balboa Island for the typical Ferris Wheel ride and frozen banana treat. Oh, and don’t forget cotton candy. While we were strolling around trying to keep the kids together, which is similar to herding cats, a family asked us to take their picture. Then they offered to take ours. At first we said no thanks but we rarely get a photo of all of us together. So the next thing I know we are scurrying together, lining up against the wall where we were standing and just like that, in one quick snap, this square holds my whole heart.