Yesterday, strolling the boards with Mom & Dad.

A day trip to the beach for his 71st birthday.

Just like when we were kids.

Back then, Dad would occasionally wake up on a Saturday morning with an itch to go and we packed up quickly and went.

This time around, Tim and I drove up separately to surprise him.

It's hard not to get instantly reflective when you're in a place that defined your summers as a kid.

As a family.

Then.

Now.

It goes by faster than they say.

The sights and sounds and smells here bring it all rushing back.

I'm a kid again.

...and Dad's happy.