We have arrived at the beach. I’m pretty sure the entire afternoon can be summed up in one sentence:

Why did we wait so long to do this?

Sadly, I have no clue. The water of Lake Michigan was a balmy 76 degrees today, and while the clouds are moving in, the air was very comfortable in the low 80s with very little humidity. (sigh…perfection)

Matt and Preston have been to the beach only once before, in New Hampshire, 3 years ago, so this was practically a new experience for them. Matt, as usual, was ready to hop right in; Preston took awhile to warm up to the waves, even with his life vest on. Once he was comfortable though? There was no stopping him! He was screaming with joy, laughing hysterically, getting smacked in the face with waves. It was perfect.

Can’t ask for a better start to a vacation than happy kids.

The boys and I went to the local water park today – it wasn’t too hot and was mostly cloudy, so perfect weather in my eyes. I wanted to do something with them that didn’t involve cleaning or decorating or shopping. We had a very good day together, although it was difficult to get them out of the pool at the end of the day.  After over 5 hours in the water, I was pruned beyond recognition and just wanted to come home. The boys, apparently part fish, could have stayed MUCH longer. (I can’t really say anything, as I generally feel the same way about being in water)

While I was at said water park, I learned and noticed things:

1. I’m not letting my sons turn into snotty pre-teen/teenagers. The language! The annoyance! (no, I have no clue how to do that, but I did enjoy telling a group of boys that they needed to watch their language today!! #getoffmylawn)
2. There is no reason to scare the crap out of your young child if they don’t want to get in the water. Yes, I understand it is hot out, and yes, I get that it’s only like 6 inches deep to start, but scared is scared. Find another way.
3. I saw a man lounging on a chair today and thought nothing of his cat nap until I saw him reach IN his shorts and adjust himself. GAG. People are gross.
4. There was such a variety of people there today – what I watched most were the women. I was conducting my own little experiment about body image and esteem.  I found most women were outwardly pretty comfortable in swimsuits, hanging around in the pool, old and young, fat and skinny and everything in between. That was nice to see.
5. One woman bothered me and I couldn’t stop glancing over at her. She was probably late 20s and overweight, which, really, whatever, but she had on her bra (I know this only because she said aloud it was bothering her), a tank top, a swimsuit and a pair of shorts. I felt bad for her because she obviously was so insecure that she needed layers at the pool.
6. I learned that the only thing that matters about other moms or people at the pool is that they are having a good time with their kids.  I don’t care what you look like in your suit, but seeing you getting splashed and laughing with your kids is awesome.
7. I also learned that reapply often when it comes to sunscreen means about 20 times per hour, because even on an overcast day with multiple applications of 70 SPF, I still got burned.  For the first time in forever. And it freaking hurts!! (And my mom is totally going to yell at me tomorrow morning)
8. I don’t understand how women who wear the full body covering (burkas?) do it.  It’s hot, they are at the water park and they are covered in black from head to toe. Although, I was surprised to see a couple of them get in! Usually I see them sitting on the sides, just watching.
9. It was a very nice day with my boys – quality time away from the house and social media, lots of giggles and perfect water.
10. I told the boys why they had to wear sunscreen today, pointing at my scars and telling them it was because I never wore sunscreen as a kid. I’m not sure how much they really understood or if it’s going to come back and bite me in the ass later, but now they know the word melanoma as it’s applied in real life to their mom. (that sucked, fyi)

Tomorrow, back to reality.  My house is a wreck and I have to work, but tonight, I was just too fried (mentally and physically!) to do anything but hang out and play Toy Story 3 on the playstation with P.

I keep wanting to blog, but my time and inspiration have been limited (I still have to tell you about Chicago! And the bug and frog on my porch! And Preston’s room! And…)

Instead of blogging tonight, I sent an email to my two favorite cousin-sisters (like sisters to me and sisters to each other!) because even though we communicate here and there through blogs and text and facebook, I miss actual conversations with them.  They’re coming here Labor Day Weekend and I am SO excited!!

So, for your reading pleasure, a random list of thoughts!

• I finished both seasons of Dollhouse.  I loved it. I am so disappointed it got canceled – I need more! (Although, in knowing he was getting the ax, Whedon did a fine job tying it all up in a neat little bow).
• I have too many shows to catch up on on my DVR.
• I’m enjoying the new show with Angie Harmon called Rizzoli and Isles
• Preston’s room is mostly done.  I even got away with not painting his walls except for the chalkboard squares I did! Yay me!
• The boys are out of control with being lazy and losing brain cells, so that’s about to change. Like tomorrow.
• Dr. K has been out of the office this week, so work is quiet.  I fully expect (and hope) that will be the opposite of next week.
• We have a LOT of work to do on our yard – the weeds are out of control, there needs to be serious work done on the play area and a lot of mulch put in the back.
• I’m still purging the house – up next: linen and laundry room closets. Then, the playroom (heaven help me!)
• I am starting to work on the birthday party for the boys – we’re doing a Lego theme!! (if you have any ideas, tips, tricks, please let me know!)
• I bought a new sewing machine today, thanks to the freak electrical power surge we had in the house a few weeks ago. Bright side? It looks awesome!!
• It’s been so damn hot around here this summer – I could use a little cool down before dark to get some outside exercise time in!

ok, that’s all for me for now.  What have you been up to??

one year

365 days

one biopsy, one diagnosis

one surgery, one recovery

another surgery, two scars more and another recovery

swelling, numbness and tingles

appointments, more appointments and additional appointments

no more cancer

(so far)

(the first 5 years after diagnosis are the most critical and most likely for recurrence)

(one year down)

Just a couple of new pictures from last weekend I love.