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October 3, 2012 - to the beach!
One of the things we absolutely wanted to do this trip was take Mateo to the beach. After doing our research we determined that Cocoa Beach was our best bet because it was relatively close and there are parks where we would have access to restrooms and change facilities.
We took a chance weather wise because the forecast called for rain in the afternoon, but only cloudy in the morning. We totally lucked out because it was partly cloudy when we got there, but progressively cleared up until it was completely sunny - at which point we left because it was HOT!
On the way we bought some sand toys for Mateo and some extra towels we could sit on. We found the Lori Wilson park right by the ocean that had free parking. We got everything out of the car and started our trek to the beach. We had to walk on a boardwalk that covered the dunes because you aren't supposed to walk on the dunes (something I learned on this trip). The first time I saw the Atlantic Ocean, my first ocean, I was 13 on my first family trip to Florida with my parents, sister and Grandparents in 1991/92 and I remember tearing up just taking in the enormity, power and sound of the water. Now 20 years later, here I was again, but this time I am married and with my toddler in tow. The moment was that much sweeter!
The waves were quite strong, so we didn't take Mateo in too far. In fact, I think he was a little overwhelmed with the enormity, power, and sound of the ocean as well - he much preferred playing with his new toys in the sand, but we did run along the shore a bit.
Thank goodness there was a shower and change rooms available because we all had sand everywhere!!! Mateo even had some in his ears!
Once we were all cleaned up we headed to McDonald's for lunch before heading back to the hotel. Mateo fell asleep in the car and only woke up when we were nearing the hotel.
We headed to the pool (another attempt to get rid of some sand), but we got rained out and ended up hanging out in the hotel room for the rest of the day (well at least until Mati went to bed at which point I snuck out for some more shopping!)
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