Bodega Bay - Not Just for the Birds

With two weeks left until school starts, the boys and I were in need of a little time away, something fresh for entertainment. So after we picked up Thomas from day camp, we took a road trip to Bodega Bay. I'd never been there before but I know we'll be back. It was flat out gorgeous. A few clouds, no wind, mild temps and three energetic boys made for a great afternoon.



Some might call this an ambitious undertaking...three kids to the beach, 2 hours away, by myself for the day. I would probably have thought myself crazy six months ago. But somehow, this has been the summer where I feel like I have undergone a transformation. I call it "putting on my big girl panties and dealing with it". haha

What I mean is this: I am almost 40 years old. (Well, in two years...that is soon enough) I have a husband and three children. I no longer have a career...my job is to be a mother to these boys. It's a job I'm going to have for much, much longer than any other career I have embraced, and it's infinitely more important. I might as well love it and become good at it. I love my kids fiercely...that's nothing new...but loving the not-very-fun-and-glamorous parts of parenting is an acquired skill. Like wiping bottoms and scrubbing floors. Making eighteen snacks a day and cooking and cleaning up meals constantly. The never ending stacks of laundry. I have never thought of myself as a natural at these things. I like having time to myself and being able to wear something besides sweats. I have more high heels in my closet than I will ever be able to wear out. Handbags are my hobby. So relishing my role is something I have to work at. I am realizing that there is no one else who is going to clean up that mess in the kitchen, so I might as well just do it now and stop complaining and hoping someone else will take care of it. Sounds simple when I write it out, but really for me it has been a big thing. After this summer, I know I can take three kids anywhere successfully without having a meltdown...and that, friends, is what big girl panties are all about. And I can still do it with my nice handbag, can't I?