If you're going to the beach, bring a man.

So we went to the beach with some friends this weekend. We have been here--on an ISLAND--an entire year, and this is our first time. What on earth were we waiting for??? It was in the 100's in housing, but in the 90's and breezy on the coast. We avoided going when Gma was here because, well, you've all heard about the beaches in Europe. This beach happily broke the stereotype: it featured free parking, clean sand, modestly clad swim-suited patrons, blue water, and vendors selling everything from jewelry to floaties.

The boy made friends with a little italian belle, I swallowed much too much salty seawater, the beach chairs (don't ask where I found them ;-)) were utilized, as was the sunscreen and water, and fun was had by all.
EP fell asleep right before it was time to pack up, so we had to pose for just one more picture:

When we got back to the car, we were quite relieved to note that it had not been broken into while we were cavorting. After arranging to meet up with our buddies at our new favorite pizzeria for supper transferring the still sleeping baby to the very hot carseat, and shaking out as much sand as we could from our clothing, we pulled away from the curb. With the AC blasting, the only thought on our minds is a cool shower and no more sand.

Thump. Bump.

uh-oh.
"honey...is the car riding a little funny to you?

Like maybe something's wrong?

Like maybe we have a flat tire??"

"um. yes."

Here's where the title of this post comes into play. Because our car seems to have an innate ability to find every single pointy metal thing
in the road, Mr. Waaz has become extremely skilled at changing tires. So skilled, in fact, that taking the back tire off, replacing it with the spare, taking the front tire off and replacing it with the back tire took under 30 minutes. AND the boy stayed asleep, which proves that there was no yelling or banging involved whatsoever. What a man. (what a man what a man what mighty fine man)

We made it home in time to shower and change clothes before supper. Which was superb, by the way. No pictures because we ate it too quickly...but if you come visit me, I'll take you there, promise.