The Beach is So much More Exhausting with an 8 year old

Sitting out on the beach, drinking, reading and completely vegging......is not possible with an 8 year old at the beach. We had taken her to the pool a couple of times so we had an idea of what to expect, we knew what her swimming level was, but the beach gives way to a whole new set of obstacles.
First, I'm pretty sure this kid is part fish...no she's not scaly, but the fact that she would live in the water if given the opportunity. She insisted in wearing one of her hospital bracelets, (it's a cool pink) when we got back she was two shades darker, except her shoulders which were a lovely pink! All she wanted to do was play in the Gulf, which means that at least one of us needed to be with her at all times, since John and I actually like each other we spent the time together. Full of seaweed, and salt water and tons of people all I wanted to do was sit and read, but she took priority, plus seeing her having so much fun was so heart warming.
None of the kids wanted to watch fireworks, but fortunately they all got a long and ran around the golf course while the grown ups got to chill. Seeing the children run around with their sparklers was so endearing. They all got a long so well, they then decided that they wanted to race the half a mile back to the condo, we were thrilled, expend that energy, tire yourself out, go for it! We let all the kids sleep downstairs that night and we paid for it the next day.
She woke up grouchy, then stayed grouchy, so sleepy she cried when she couldn't get her bathing suit off. We bargained with her, if she was grumpy she got a warning and on second offense then we would come straight home. 5 minutes later she was knocked out downstairs while the boys were playing video games VERY loudly. She slept for 45 minutes and we had a great night.
Today we discussed that maybe some times the grownups are right and next time we call for a nap, she won't be so stubborn and at least entertain the idea, HEY baby steps here!