Inside the bucket was a shovel and all kinds of plastic molds to make different sea animals. “Starfish and a crab and a, is that a lobster, Daddy?”
“Hmm, I think it is, Bunny. I’ll fill your bucket up so you can get to building.”
“Yay! I’m a builder just like Daddy.”
Daddy’s smile got really big. “Yes, my love. You’re a builder just like Daddy,” he kissed the top of my head. “Don’t get too warm. Daddy will bring you a drink then I’ll get back to making lunch.”
“With colored devily eggies and ‘tato salad?”
“As promised, sweet boy.” Daddy grabbed a water bottle from the outdoor fridge and set it and the bucket beside me. “I’ll be back with lunch shortly.”
I was one lucky boy.
“Build, build, build. Dig, dig, dig. Scoop, scoop, scoop. I’m a big boy builder just like my Daddy,” I sang my silly tune while I worked, building a sandcastle and the fun sea creatures around it. It was so much fun, like being at the beach. I think… Probably. I had to guess since I’ve never been there. Either way it was my beach, and the pool was my ocean, and I was having a blast.
My castle was way high up in the sky. Crabs and lobsters surrounded it, but the brave starfish protected it.
“No, you’re the bad guys, you’re not allowed in here,” the king starfish hollered at the red goblins. They fought hard and sand flew everywhere. A couple of the crabs didn’t make it after their claws disappeared and they crumbled to the ground, turningback into sand. The lobsters cried for their lost friends and when the king saw this, he stopped the battle. “We will fight no more. Let’s help our new friends. Together they rebuilt the castle and made it big enough for all SeaLife to live in and they all lived happily ever after in their big castle by the ocean”
“That was a very nice story, sweet boy, but now it’s time for lunch.” Daddy said as he set up the table on the porch with all our yummy foodies. “Brush off and have a seat.”
“Can we go to the ocean sometime, Daddy?”
“That would be a wonderful trip. Maybe the next time we’re in California we’ll drive out to the Pacific Ocean and spend a couple of days playing in the sand there.”
“Yay! The eggies are so pretty and so are the ‘tatoes. Ooohhh, and sharky shaped fish sticks. Daddy, you’re the bestest!” Wiggling in my seat, I shoveled the fun, colorful food in.
“You say the sweetest things, little one, and that big yawn tells me a nap is next on today’s schedule. My excited boy got up way too early.”
I wanted to protest, throw a fit, and keep playing with my toys, but inside, I was way too tired and knew Daddy was right.
Bummer…
“Don’t worry, Bunny, your toys will still be here when you wake up. Clean up your bucket and sand toys and put them on the porch so the sun doesn’t bake them while Daddy cleans up the dishes.”
“Okay, Daddy.” Full tummy, not much sleep last night, and I played for hours. I was a seepy boy.
By the time I stepped inside the house, my body felt like it weighed too much to move. “Sorry, tired boy, but you need to go back outside for Daddy to brush you off. You’re covered in sand.”
“Shoot.” Maybe I could just take a quick nap on one of the lounge chairs?I laid down but before I could fall asleep, Daddy started brushing me off and stripped me down to my undies.
“Sweetheart, you have sand all over your private parts. Come on, lets hose you off.”
“Ugh…” There I stood, naked as the day I was born in the backyard getting hosed down. Next time I’d make sure to brush myself off better first. Not that I didn’t like Daddy’s hands all over me but even my winky was too tired to enjoy it.
“I think Daddy needs to install an outdoor shower.”
“Yes, please.” There, I managed two words, but I think they might be the last ones I had.
Walking inside it was like I was in a dream, half asleep for sure, and thankful Daddy’s arm around my waist held me up. Daddy always made sure his boy was safe and taken care of.
“Pull up or underwear?” He asked.
“Pull up, please. Too tired to pee.” I’d fall asleep on my feet if I tried. “How can I thank the Easter bunny for all my new toys?”
Daddy smiled. “I’ll make sure they know. I’m glad you like it all.”
“I really do. I’m so lucky, Daddy.”
