There is something about traditions that warms the heart and can unite a family. Since 1970 something, my family has made the annual pilgrimage to the Outer Banks, NC for some sand, sun and family craziness. It was our summer spot and something my sister and I always anticipated once school was out.Because this was an annual trip it was only fitting that once my sister started expanding her family with little ones that we introduce Collin, my nephew and 1st grandkid to the wonders of the ocean and dip his little feet in the Atlantic for the first time... in 1997. Thus this family tradition started.
However there is a key component to this tradition... it is ALWAYS done the first summer of the little ones life and it is ALWAYS our dad "Papa" who is the Master of Ceremonies and dips the toes of his grandchildren.
To date, there have been 4 of these ceremonial dippings, one of which (and probably the last) happened this summer when the youngest grandchild (my little man Russ) was dipped. And although it was awesome to now have 2 children that have been a part of this tradition, it was bitter sweet as this may be the last dipping for a while.I am sure as time goes on and we (my sister and I) become grandparents (MAY THAT BE WAY DOWN THE ROAD!), that this tradition that will continue and can be something that is passed on for years to come.
Russ toasted his dipping with a handful of sand... yum!
(Picture above- From Left to Right: Collin, Nana, Papa, Annabelle, Nate, Russ, ME, Reid & Monica... Chris was taking the picture)
