“Unleash Your Inner Mermaid: A Lazy Week in Long Beach!”

Mermaid Inn and RV Park in Long Beach was my favorite spot so far. No shade to the other locations, but the ocean just speaks to me in a way no other can.

The landscaping was beautiful; it made me think of my mom immediately. She would have loved the hanging baskets and stunning potted arrangements. They were still beautiful in September, I can only imagine what they would have looked like in their prime.

And of course there were so many mermaids! The motel rooms were decked out in retro ocean and mermaid decor that looked so cool. The owners of this place created something pretty unique.

Here we have another glorious mermaid.

And oh dang…look at this beauty!

I at this point I feel I need to mention that there was a Mexican restaurant within walking distance and these pictures came about after a margarita or two. I even got the boys to take some pictures in these cut outs, but they refused to let me post them!

The scene of the crime.

The food here was super yummy!

The boy and his cheese.

Day three started off stormy. The rain coming down on the RV practically demanded a slow, sleepy morning of coffee and reading.

But weather at the ocean changes quickly, and by afternoon we had some wind but no rain, so off to the beach we went.

We took long walks on the beach with the pups. Shadow (the big one) loved it. He chased the waves and then ran for his life when they chased him back. Bean (the little one) thought the wind was a little obnoxious and preferred to be cuddled in a coat at all times.

The jellyfish were ginormous!

This. This was breathtaking. I wonder if folks who live here and are able to see this view whenever they want become desensitized to just how amazing it is.

The wood carvings we have come across in the waterfront towns have been beautiful.

Spotted in Long Beach.

This is a wild lookin bunch of misfits. Could be coming to a town near you…

One of these boys turned 18 on this trip. Not sure how that’s possible since he was my baby five minutes ago!

This place made incredible clam chowder. Just a tiny, unassuming spot, showing us once again you should never judge a book by its cover.

We stopped by this bakery and deli every day. The first day I stopped in alone. I sat by the window, eating my scone and drinking my coffee. Only after a bit did I start to really look around at the walls around me. The images on the wall were of family, Dylan and her family. The pictures and story brought me to tears. This place is well known in the community, and you can definitely feel the love that built this place.

Now because the above was bittersweet and we all need a moment, I give you this.

What the hell is this? I am not exactly sure, but I love her.

Also, if you recall, in a previous town we came upon God's closet; now here we have God's garage, and yet I haven't been able to see what is inside either of them! 

And on that note, Shadow is ready to head back to where it all began to see the rest of our family we have been missing so very much.

See ya all soon!