Cole

 Hey Beach Boy-

You grew up in my eyes on this trip.  Old enough to let wander down the beach alone.  Old enough to play at a new friend's beach house for the afternoon.  Old enough to swim with no floaties.  Old enough to once in a while share your beach creations without prompting.  Old enough to not require constant supervision on the airplane.  And old enough to let mom yank out the snaggly front tooth. 

Somehow, the two-and-a-half years between you and Annie seemed bigger on this trip and we found you hanging out more with the grownups or by yourself than with the little kids.  Staying up late reading on the front porch.  Wandering down the beach to find a creature or two.  Or 17.  You were content...as long as the little kids didn't destroy your hard work on the beach.  Sometimes they did. 

It was nice to just spend time with you.  We don't see you as much since you are in school all day.  I liked reading on the porch with you and laughing at the silly things the little kids were doing with you. 

As much as you seemed to enjoy your time being grown-up, it was very exciting for you to make a new friend when Derek showed up toward the end of the week.  You two had an instant bond and were pretty much inseparable the rest of the trip.  I wish I had been a fly buzzing around listening to the long conversations the two of you had as you wandered the beach looking for creatures. 

 

Of course, you were drawn to the water from day 1.  You were born a fish and are fearless about diving in no matter the conditions.  You did finally give snorkeling a rest when the waves just wouldn't stop washing over your breathing tube, but quickly picked it up again when the seas calmed. 

Cole, you were born to be a scientist.  You loved discovering everything about the beach and watching the creatures that you and Daddy caught.  Your mind just takes it all in.  From seagulls soaring over the waves to hermit crabs hiding in the sea weed, you soaked them all in.  

 

Of course, you don't travel without souvenirs and we made sure to make a stop or two.  It wasn't easy to tear ourselves away from the beach, but you just have to have them.  Your choice this year?  A harmonica.  And Pokemon cards.  Nothing reminds you of the beach like a harmonica and Pokemon cards, right?  You're a funny guy...
 

 It was a great trip.  I wish we were still laying in the sun with you shoveling sand onto my toes and the little kids following you around.  It was an easy life and you rolled with it well.

Love, Mom