I can’t say there is one vacation in particular that was my “favorite”. Growing up in New Jersey, our family always had a special place we would go to for vacation. It was a place where all troubles and the daily routines of life were left at home. That place was our family beach house in Lavalette, NJ.
It’s a simple place, a small bungalow a few feet from the beach on a private street. There’s no real glam to it. It’s not a fancy vacation in the islands or a non-stop trip such as Disney World, but it was our place. To me, it was the most fantastic place in the world. Whether I was 7 or 23, I would look forward to driving “down the shore”. As far back as I can remember; I see myself sitting on the beach with my family, hearing the waves and smelling the ocean. Days would consist of a good 8 hour day at the beach playing volleyball, collecting seashells, reading and boogie boarding. Cool summer nights of going to the boardwalk, out to dinner, miniature golfing or just sitting up at the beach playing wiffle ball. It was a simple vacation, and it was stress free.
The beach house was built in the 1950’s and my grandparents, my father’s parents, bought it as a place to bring the whole family together to spend some time. To have a place where the worries and stresses of home were left at home and where we could enjoy some relaxing, ocean air. We would all take a different week at the beach house, alternating between my father’s brothers and sisters and their families. I always remember looking forward to our weeks with my immediate family.
Now being in Virginia Beach and looking back on those time, it was by far the best vacations I ever had. Being together with my family at a place that had so many memories, good times and carefree days is something I wish I could do every summer. It’s something I wish I could carry on the tradition with my family and bring them there and share all the memories and happiness with them, the same my father did for me.
The beach house is still in our family, my father and his wife go all the time, but it’s not the same anymore. But under the surface of it all, it still holds the same memories and good times that my grandparents have worked so hard to make for everyone.
Photo can be found here.
