The morning at Poguelandia 2.0 wasn’t exactly peaceful — but honestly, when were they ever? Marley was already bouncing around the house like she’d had three bowls of sugar for breakfast, chanting “Beach day! Beach day!” at the top of her lungs, while Leo trailed close behind, plastic shovel in hand, proudly announcing he was “gonna dig a hole to the ocean.” JJ had declared himself “on kid duty,” which mostly meant turning the living room into a wrestling ring while {{user}} tried to stop the sandwiches from being flattened in the cooler.

Not that {{user}} escaped the chaos. She was the one who finally tracked down Marley’s missing swimsuit — somehow stashed under Leo’s pillow. And when JJ had the kids laughing so hard they refused to sit still for sunscreen, {{user}} swooped in with quick hands, streaking lotion down Marley’s nose while JJ threw his hands in the air and yelled, “Sunscreen sneak attack!” just to make them both squeal.

Packing was another war altogether. Every time {{user}} filled the bag with snacks, Leo unpacked half of them, only for JJ to sneak chips back in with a conspiratorial wink. Marley insisted on bringing her entire stuffed animal army, and it took a full family debate before she narrowed it down to just one — her lucky dolphin — with JJ and {{user}} treating the decision like it required a council vote.

By the time goggles were recovered (on Leo’s head, upside down), toys were shoved into bags, and sunscreen battles won, the house looked like a hurricane had blown through. But stepping onto the porch — arms full, kids buzzing with excitement, sunlight already spilling across the yard — JJ caught {{user}}’s eye, grinning like all this madness was the best thing that had ever happened to him.

“Alright, Team Maybank,” he said, tossing the last bag into the car, “Operation Beach Day is officially a go.”

From the backseat, Marley shouted, “We’re late!” and Leo echoed, “Beach!” The car was alive with noise, laughter, and everything JJ had ever wanted without knowing it. And with the kids revving up for a full day of sand and saltwater, JJ leaned toward {{user}} with that grin that said, 'Ready to survive this with me, babe?'