This entry was posted on Tuesday, September 9th, 2008 at 7:32 am and is filed under Bay Area Backroads, Friends, Out and About, Pictures. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
There is something amazing about theme parks in general and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is no exception. Sure, it’s not a DisneyLand or Six Flags, but the old-school rides, carnival food and gaudy atmosphere make this something special for old and young alike. For me, the park is exciting for more than just rides. It’s the proximity to the ocean that makes this place special for me and the fact that nearly every ride provides a view that is unmatched at the biggest parks. For the children, it means that the excitement doesn’t end when the rides are done – there’s another world to explore, enjoy and share amongst friends.
Like so many of these trips – I didn’t get to go, but I’m thrilled that my children had so much fun with their friends Cole, Sydney, and Audrey. Just watching their faces and knowing that it was loud, full of laughter, and bringing them happiness makes me happy. Because, I know that even though they might not remember the exact day or the fun time that they had, days like this form the foundation that lets our children experience life and realize how much we love them and want them to grow. Sure, they’re not going to see this knowledge any time soon – and maybe never – but I truly believe that it’s these moments that create who they are. I just wish that I could be a part of more of them – but for now the pictures are my pleasure.
Last, but certainly not least, one this special day, each of them got to enjoy the beach – one of my favorite places. Just seeing them walking in the sand makes me smile, because while I can’t remember every day growing up – or even many specific days – I do remember that the best part of what I got out of growing up was getting to spend time on the beach. Sailing, fishing, looking for sea-life, swimming, body-surfing… all of those memories I hold dear and I am thankful every day for that foundation that built me to who I am today. At the same tie I am hopeful that my children will one day realize the power of the ocean and come to appreciate it as much as I have.
Papa
