Be Love Boldly: Port Aranas

This past weekend, we took 3 days and headed to Port Aranas. The beach is my happy place and we haven't been in years. The two littles had been to the beach before, but only to look, they never experienced the beach. I knew that we would expect some resistance with little J's sensory issues, but we were ready to help him through it.

When we arrived, we were told that the seaweed was worse this year then ever. I took the locals at their word, well... because they lived there and knew. Everyone got out of the golf carts and instantly little J was not having it! He was not happy that mommy took his crocs off and his bare feet were touching the seaweed. He didn't know what it was, it was foreign, it felt weird, it look scary. His little hands clinched. So we navigated him through to the water, where he still wasn't sure.

He put his feet in the water and smiled. He didn't want to get in, in fact, he wanted to bolt away from the water. I wish I had my camera at this time because it was priceless! Both Chris and Cameron took him by each of his hands and talked him and slowly walked him into the water. How many big brothers does it take to ease a little brother with some sensory processing issues? they were so loving and encouraging. As they walked out, little J just about climbed up Cameron. Lol. His legs wrapped around Cam's waist, his arms death gripping. With every wave I heard both boys encouraging J. Chris told J that seaweed was ocean lettuce, so that was helpful. Yay Chris! Now, sweet T... She's a water baby. A natural fish! she was right along with the boys. Splashing around and laughing and having a blast. The high pitch squeals could be heard far into the distance. It was obvious that this girl found her happy place too.

The next couple of days proved to be therapeutic for all of us. We enjoyed the overcast, but humid, weather. We frolicked in the waves, drove the golf carts to town, played in the swimming pool, climbed mounds, and dug in the sand. After a day of uncertainty, guess what? Little J was soon boogy boarding with Chris and Trinity and he did NOT want to get out of the water. Sensory what? lol.

As I watched both kids at the beach, I realised that this place is very much a place of healing and growing for them. I watched them overcome some things and just open up. It was like watching little brains come alive with exploration and wonder. I saw big brothers in a natural environment helping, encouraging, and coming alive too. I love the beach, I love everything about it and now to see for myself it's healing properties, I didn't want to leave either. I cannot wait to go back. OH! and for the record. While I was boarding with Chris, I may have been smiling a cheesy smile as I lost my bottoms several times, the cheesy smile was because I was wearing an old bathing suit and have worked hard to release 21 pounds, which meant at one point... holding myself off the board to redress! lol. thank goodness for murky waters. Thank you Isagenix for giving me that moment.

Here are more pictures for your enjoyment!