My family is taking a beach trip this week to kick off summer. Finals are over and my sister and I are both home from college. What better way to kick off the summer then going on a family beach trip? We haven’t been to the beach in several years and we are itching to get our toes in the sand. This trip is the first time that we have no plans except to sit on the beach and relax. Usually we plan different activities to do during the week, but this time, we are going to be spur of the moment. Here is my beach bucket list to kick off the summer.

1. Attempt to tan

I say “attempt” because I usually manage to burn every year and not get much of a tan. This year, however, I am determined to get slightly less pale.

2. Collect shells

When we were little and we would visit my grandparents at the beach, we would walk up and down the shore picking up hundreds and hundreds of shells. We would gather them up and set them outside for the week before packing them away in the car to take back home.

3. Photos

My camera is packed and ready. I have approved all family member’s outfits so we all match and we are getting family photos. Might even manage to get our Christmas card photo knocked out before fall!

4. Read a book on the beach

I always try to do this, but I either forget my book by the time I get down to the water or I forget my sunglasses and the sun is blinding on the white pages. Or the sand is uncomfortable to lay on, so I give up trying. This year, I am breaking this trend and I am going to read that book while sitting on the beach.

5. Limit phone use

My parents already told us we would have set times where all phones were away so we could just be. Cell phones are dominating our society and the best way to spend time with family is to unplug.

6. Relax

No arguing, no stressing over cooking or homework or what final is coming up. Just sitting and doing nothing for a week. Escape reality.

7. See the sunrise

I hope everyone has a great kick start to summer