From Sea to Shining Sea

August's Pacific

In between living in St Louis and New York, Charles and I hung out in California for a week. 

Beth (bff from elementary school), Erica, Charles

 This one was taken for a magazine cover. Work it mama, work it!

 (this is how Charles felt about the waves)

I was sad to leave sunny California.
I texted Joshua from the beach that day, "We need to live by the ocean."

"You got it, babe." he said.

* * *

September's Atlantic

"When I found our apartment in Brooklyn, I consoled Erica about our increased distance from California with the news that our new home would be located only two blocks from the ocean.  Try finding somewhere to live in CA that close to a beach! Technically, the only sand in the area is a 20-by-30 foot patch that has piled up around an abandoned dock with a high fence proclaiming it is off-limits to would-be sunbathers.  But it is the shore of New York Harbor, i.e. the Atlantic Ocean.  And there is a beautiful park (Shore Park) and a breathtaking view of the Verrazano Bridge.  We enjoy going to the park in the evenings to watch the sun set over Staten Island across the harbor from us.  Almost feels like we're at the beach, except we are sitting on grass under an oak tree.  And, to remind that this is still New York City, we can hear the cars zoom by on a six-lane expressway just behind us." -Joshua

If the breeze is just right we can get a whiff the salty air as we walk along the promenade. Mmm.

I know, I know, there is water but there is no beach, so sad.
Luckily, a real beach is only a subway ride away! 

Charles LOVED crawling around in the sand (and eating it)!

We all loved being at the beach. 

I hope we make it there a few more times before it gets too freezing cold!!