cape may

our trips to cape may have changed over the years. as children we jumped out of bed early to get to the beach. we swam in the ocean, collected shells, dug for sand crabs, and built sand castles. we played skee ball at the arcade, walked down to the lighthouse, and ate big slices of pizza on guerney street. as teenagers we slept in late and then snuck out at night and tried to get into trouble in this quiet beach town. as adults we walked the little shops, visited the spa, bought fudge, enjoyed mimosas at the mad batter or cocktails at the virginia hotel and watched cover bands play late into the night at carney's. and now as parents we see yet another side of this place.

our kids jump out of bed early, anxious to get to the beach. we stroll through the shops, but quickly, before the next feeding or nap. we were once seven people. now we are sixteen. the house looks like an episode of big love, with sister wives holding each other's babies, changing diapers, and entertainging the older kids. everyone goes to bed early and the house is alive even through the night as babies wake up to eat and be changed. football games are watched from home instead of the local bar. we take turns making meals because none of the restaurants can hold all of us. we sit on the porch and share tips on how to swaddle.

this is how we have changed and this beautiful beach town has been our mirror. each time we visit we glance into the looking glass and see a different version of ourselves. energetic child, troubled teenager, carefree adult, and cautious parent. i am most happy with the version i see now. it makes me thankful for the lives we have lived, the faces our children will see in the future, for the memories they will form here.

as i sit here on the couch my sister and brother in law are in the kitchen making bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches for breakfast. tom and my mom are deep sea fishing with gunter and annika. my dad has taken amelie down to the beach to collect shells, and everyone else is relaxing on the porch and sipping coffee. ephemeral though it may be, we are most defintely in our version of heaven. and loving it.