Back from the beach...

Dear son,

If you thought you heard the sound of the ocean and maybe even tasted some briny air, that's because you did. For the past couple days, your mother and I were at the Jersey shore, the kitschy, cheesy, tacky, corny, wonderful Jersey shore. Long Beach Island, to be exact, which I often refer to as Loud Baby Island, and to which I expect you to add your own powerful vocalizations this summer when we go for a visit. It's great there; it's like going back thirty or forty years back in time. It's not fancy or clever or sophisticated, but it is nice and clean and safe. Trust me, when you go someplace on vacation and you don't have to worry about it being nice and clean and safe, you're halfway to complete relaxation. Plus they've got great pizza there.

Love,
Dad