March 12th, was the last day we were in the city, pre-covid. We came out to our house on Long Island and had no clue what was ahead.

The weather was cold when we first got out here and it stayed cold for months. Every season Adam and I have the same conversation about how the seasons have shifted. This year when talking about how cold it was in May we looked at each other and thought…this must be a sign from Mother Nature who is telling us to buck up and TAKE CARE OF OUR PLANET!

The second the weather turned and our local beach opened I packed a bag, made sure we had masks, threw the kids in the car and hit the beach. We arrived at 10am which happened to be the time they opened so we were the first ones there. The parking attendant gave us the rules about mask wearing, distance, etc. and we went on our way.

We masked up, set up our Cool Cabana to ensure we had our own 6 foot square of space and relaxed for about 3 minutes. The kids instantly wanted to go in the water, play football, run around…

My understanding was if you were in the water, you did not need to wear a mask. Luke had his feet in and Gavin and I were playing football at the edge of the water. While throwing the ball, the lifeguard came over and asked us to put our masks on. I went to my cabana and cried.

Months later…the world opened up and the restrictions loosened. We are still following the rules but there is less angst as those of us who can, are putting our mental health first.

I had the girls (Shaylan, Maggie and Natalie) out to the house right after I returned from Canada and I suggested we do afternoon cocktails & cheese at the beach. Needless to say, they were all thrilled about this idea, as were the kids!

We packed up a brie, honey roasted nuts, crackers, grapes and my new favorite sparkling tequila cocktails in a can by Onda.

This time at the beach, we walked far away for privacy and minimal people, set up a stunner of a blanket for some photos and the kids spent the entire time there diving into the huge waves. It was tear free and perfection.