I have always loved free. So when Joe took the boys to a movie at the beach last night for free, I was thrilled. It’s also why we keep setting aside time to go to the bay.

The cost is gas (less than five miles) and sometimes (like today) includes a bag of chips.But they are free to play,
wade in the water,pretend dive,
and I don’t have to say much.They share, look out for eachother, and are careful not to go too far.At one point it was cloudy and rainy, but we stuck it out and still had fun.
Olivine danced to the tunes of the next family overwhich means she was all smiles to sit and sway, but doesn’t always like being put on the spot to perform.These days she is full of talking (or maybe singing) with her jibber jabber that is nothing like Paul or Henry. Every five or six words one will be clear, like saying “eyes” or “nose”.We know when it’s time to go because we try to plan it so we lay her down for her nap at homebefore she is cranky. Today Paul fell asleep as well, giving Henry plenty of time all to himself.

Joe was finishing up the dresser while some children were wearing costumesPaul was on his way to outer spacewhen he found a mysterious ladybugwho mostly wanted to twirl around by tracing the circle with her feet. She was going until she would get dizzy and fall down.Henry isn’t the biggest fan of dress up play, he’d rather watch every detail of his father.
Meanwhile Paul was quick to retrieve the blanket she asked for Henry supplies the hugs necessary for a napand then she’s all snuggles.
Perfect timing for papa to go get a haircut, boys to head out back, momma sorting more stuff in the living room, while Olivine takes a rest.

Their bedroom has been transformed.I have moved out five boxes of books, bags of toys and clothes, to free up some space for these three to play.We moved beds, crib, changed furniture, and even bought a rug (how cool is the colorful buttons design!).
We are maximizing the windows plus the breeze. Decorating the walls and inviting more play.Three in a room is more crowded than a dorm room but slowly we are making it work. It was either this or move, and I hate moving.

Paul is always asking what the freeway sounds like and I always answer “loud” or “noisy.”But when he asked Joe the other day, the answer was along the lines of “let’s find out.”They hooted and hollered with excitement over having all windows down on the 405.With their eyes closed and crazy hair I smiled at my family. Joe has good answers as a parent. I realized he is the father I needed growing up.

each time we goas we visit the touch tanks to feel the sticky sides of the sea anemone and watch it close in on our fingersor see “Henry” the penguin get a breathing treatment (what a coincidence)
but their favorite is still the diverswhere they watch in fascination and dash to get high fives at the end of the show.

She wants to be where her brothers are at all times.She has figured out how to put on their underwear, which she gladly wears over her diaper.
She imitates their play and chases them. Only coming to me with words like “hot” and “shoes”but clearly doesn’t want to miss any of the action.I add a hat for good measure and send her on her way.

An organic local farm that we visited yesterday, the kids are standing at the fence talking to the chickens.The farm stand is open on Fridays & Saturdays. Stop by and support local farmers.

We are grateful for the routine of these lessons

he is learning the keysand is generally having fun.

A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

We went swimmingand enjoyed guacamole and salad,
while Olivine is experiencing some congestion.
She was better at sitting poolside and watchingsoaking in the sunshine.I noticed this baby detail from Joe changing her into her bathing suit:Once we came home I dressed her up and snapped theseof her exploring out frontuntil eventually she had enough.

Now everyone is napping in anticipation of the fireworks.