What could be better than the beach and cousins?

Last weekend Dan's parents took us all to the beach for a little fun and relaxation on Mission Beach. We use to stay on Mission every summer when I was younger, but I haven't been back for several years. I forgot how much I enjoy it! The sand was soft and warm, the sun came out every day, we stayed right on the beach, and the kids were busy playing with cousins all day on the beach. I'm not sure if the beach will ever be the same for my kids again without their cousins. I think that September may be my new favorite time for California beaches. They weren't crowded at all and the weather was perfect. It was actually warmer than when we stayed in Oceanside in July.
There is something about the beach that just makes me happy. I mean really can anyone be grumpy when they are sitting on the beach? One of the great things about Dan's family is that most of them are so close in age and they get along so well. There was no fighting or kids being left out. Plus Dan's siblings and their spouses are pretty fantastic too! I am hoping that this is a new family tradition for the Broadbents.