We’re home from our wonderful time at the seaside last week, and oh how lovely it was! We shared a spacious beachfront rental home with a handful of our friends (and their children) from college. We spent our days preparing large meals, sitting around the table, eating, and talking about anything and everything, making our way to the beach, reading books, eating donuts (and drinking lots of coffee), hunting for purple seashells, splashing in the ocean, and doing all the other beach-y things.

The home we stayed in was perfectly situated. We had our own [basically] private little slice of beach paradise. Our home for the week was on the beach, with just a short walk over the dunes to get our toes wet in the ocean. In past years, we’ve stayed close-ish to the beach, but have always had to cross a highway AND I personally felt the need to pack everything I needed for the entire day at the beach and lug it all to the beach. It was incredibly convenient (not to mention the morning sunrise was spectacular) being this close to the beach this year, especially with our growing crew of 10 littles! Joe and I were even able to leave the girls at the house during their nap and spend time at the ocean together!

I’m learning that less is more at the beach! A few towels, sunscreen, sunhats, a book for me and a couple of toys for the girls. Most definitely our new beach tent from Lovin Summer (have you ever see a more beautiful canopy?). It provided so much shade, which was awesome, since Naomi’s favorite beach activity is sitting in the shade and munching on whatever snacks are in my bag. Not much else is needed at the beach! I love when the girls get creative and use seashells for shovels, chase sandpipers, decorate their sandcastles with pebbles and feathers, and just roam the beach, scouring for treasures.

One of my friends brought a book that the rest of the girls all alternated reading during our trip. The book is The Nesting Place: It Doesn’t Have to be Perfect to be Beautiful. I just ordered my own copy, and I cannot wait to read the entire book. I was so encouraged, in just the first few chapters, to embrace where I am with my home, to continue to [try to] make it beautiful (despite its flaws), to strive towards creating a welcoming space, to embrace its flaws, and to define its purpose! Such a beautiful read for anyone who wants a beautiful home, but might not have the know-how, funds, or time they *think* they need!

There’s just something about the sea air that rejuvenates and inspires. I’m so thankful for this little vacation with this group of friends! Now that summer is coming to a close, I’m looking forward to Autumn, and feel full of energy for this next season of life!