is my new motto about the Bay. Henry loves to dig holes and carry water over to pour into them.They play in the water and go out far enough that the lifeguard reminds them to come closer.Not only because they are small but because the tide was low and that meant the drop off was closer.For Olivine that meant more sand and shallow water to play in.As time went on, more people left and therefore more spaceto be free and playoutside under the sunshineuntil hours later we leave and everyone is wiped out from having fun.

While Olivine is sleeping in the morningthe boys watch an old episode of Mr. Rogers on the computer (they love him!)and then sometimes I sneak away for an evening of long chats with friendsenjoying sangria and homemade delicious-ness.
I was lucky enough for this to be my Tuesday.

Today started off slow with a trip to Trader Joe’s and lunch on the front stoop. But as soon as we arrived at our friends house in Pasadena it was so much PLAY!In the front yard with the giant airplanechanging to swimsuitsand then to the backyard
into the treehouse
using the basket to get needed supplieskiddie pools
tickle festrope swings

and waiting for the little guy to wake up.
Then it was time for riding bikes to the parkfor more water play
a way to stay cool
don’t forget the chubby feetwhile the grown ups have a chance to hang out in the shade.And then back to the house to see the guinea pig up closefor mud partywatermelon partyand climb on Adam partywhile the littlest watches all the screaming and big kid play.
We take baths, put on pajamas, and little ones crash on the way home. Yahoo for summer time!

the craft fair we headed out to Los Angeles for.I found a couple items: dish towels (love them), iron skillet handle cover (mini and cute), and a monogramed letter for Olivine (perfect and letter pressed). Clearly I love the color red.I made Joe a terrarium in a mason jar, at their on site DIY class. I even signed up for a CSA box.
We tried to make it to the Homegirl Cafe (we got there 3 minutes before closing-darn) so that meant we had to stop off in Little Tokyo
for mochi ice cream
as our cool downand Tina and I ditched everyone to check out the macaroon shopeventually someone was a little too stickyand we stopped after Paul asked for a drawing (they were free)

and feeling like one special mommawith presentsand giant pancakes
friends watching little ones so we could take in a movie
(we saw Fruitvale Station- so sad but really well made)and happy hour

with a free dessert.I am looking forward to being another year old. Yay for 34!

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. 

After two days of play at the beach and the bay, we went to play in more waterwhich is the newest addition to a park we loveand we have yet to remember our bathing suits until today.
They splashed aroundand we found there is plenty to entertain all three of these little ones.Although it helps Olivine to be brave around so many big kidsbecause her brothers will cheer her onor catch her on the slide.
After we changed out of wet clothes
they explored the playground.
They love the dragon slideand wait patiently for their turn at the top of the hill
and the bridges

and the tunnelsand running around the same paths that Joe ran around as a kid
until they are ready for lunch and we head home.

for a change of paceand scenerywith friendsand waves.
There were sand crabs
and a lunch breakwith a close eye on the one who couldn’t play in the waves.
She only fell down once as she learns how to stand in the moving water and sand.
We can’t wait to hang out with our friends again soonand I did notice Henry has red marks from his dive off his boogie boardbut he’s a tough cookie who has hair that is lighter and skin that is darker.
We love summer beach days.

We love this place.Paul is fearless these days on his bicycle.There are shady trees, a lake, and ducks
as we try to ignore that we have reached the halfway mark of our summer together.

Last night we got dressed up and two very good friends (who we owe a favor to) watched our three little ones so that we could attend a wedding.
The bride is Linda
she and the other ladies are all fellow teachers who I met in the master’s program at CSULB
all amazing and bright and hardworking.
The favors were mints in these glasses and I loved the fruit mixed into the center piecesplus a photo booth!A definite fun night out.