Several years ago I was given a gift certificate to the Kalaloch Lodge on the Olympic Peninsula and we finally got a round to using it as an end of summer get away. We had the perfect little cabin and excellent weather for our little excursion away from it all.
Quiet time even at the beach:
We trekked to find The Tree of Life not far from our cabin. AMAZING how life can find a way...
Mila:
This was a big trip for you; there was lot of new sensory input and a lot of trust development. The Sisters took you to the beach every summer for a week or two, so the concept of the beach itself is not new, but you were flabbergasted when I told you this beach was too cold to swim in...Wait What? AND we had to hike down to get to it. AND we are going to climb over rocks and trees AND probably touch gross things in the tide pools. EXCUSE ME?! It was a lot for you to take in, BUT you did it! Getting to the beach itself was your motivator and with the convenient aid of a walking stick from the cabin, you did remarkably well. I couldn't convince you to walk on wet sand that had actual water on it, so crossing little and not so little streams required that I carry you on my back, but it only took one or two times for me to learn to warn you ahead of time and you quickly jumped up and giggled until we crossed. Touching anything your brother & I found on the beach was a no-go, but I was glad that you acquiesced to be near while we explored. (Also, Santa may be bringing you a walking stick...)
Isaac:
You, sir, gave me the scare of a lifetime when you changed course chasing after a seagull (a favorite beach activity), got 100 yards away from me, CROSSED A CREEK FLOWING INTO THE OCEAN IN WAIST HIGH WATER (your waist not mine) and climbed up into a bunch of semi-deadly driftwood...all with a proud smile on your face. With Mila in tow and a bum leg, I COULD NOT EVEN!!! I ended up having to climb a tree over the creek, drop 5-8 feet down, rescue you from the tetanus pile of death (that you were happily playing on), haul your 60lb wet body UP the tree, over the creek, and back onto the shore where I had left your sister with your shoes, all while sweetly yelling "Mila, listen to my voice! I love you. Stay right there!"...and limping like the Edgar-alien from Men in Black because of, you know, a ruptured calf muscle walking on sand and climbing a tree over a creek. DUDE. NOT COOL. Needless to say, we had a serious chat about listening & obeying and staying close even when we were having fun. Later as I was calming down with my leg elevated, it occurred to me, I taught you that. I spent a lot of time exposing you to new things, specifically outdoors, so you wouldn't be fearful. Loud sounds at the beach aren't scary because we've spent time there. Different textures and sensations don't have to end our day. Exploring and trying new things is something I've built into you. Your sister hasn't had those experiences and we spent a lot of time this week, helping her feel safe walking on wet sand. Clearly, you have overcome that fear. It appears, however, I need to refine the exposure curriculum a wee bit...
Climbing on all the things! (this pile was allowed)
Touching all the sea anemones!
This kid, I tell ya...
Me:
In a very unexpected turn of events, I got to snuggle down with a blanket and a book outside our cabin and watch the sunset over the ocean TWO NIGHTS IN A ROW. I did not even know that was going to be a thing or I would have mentally prepared for it or something. To add to the shock, I started and finished a book cover to cover. WHAT?! I was so cozy in my little chair and blanket several people walked by and said "hey, you look pretty comfortable right there!" Well, in fact I am! Thank you for noticing. My daughter didn't get her feet wet, my son didn't die, my leg didn't fall off and I'm watching a sunset over the ocean. That feels like a solid vacation moment to commemorate!
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