Beach Blanket Babylon

Jake has been bugging us for weeks to go to the beach, thanks to Dora and Diego's many adventures there, so we made the trip this Saturday. We ended up going to Moss Beach, which is supposed to be about 2 hours away. Google Maps has clearly never crossed the Bay Bridge (odd for a bay area company) and didn't know to add 30 minutes for bizarre traffic issues. It took us 2.5 hours. But it was well worth it! I can honestly say it's one of the neatest beaches I've been to and certainly the most kid- and family-friendly. There was sand for digging (wet and dry), rocks to throw in the water, 50-60 feet of tide pools with very accomodating hermit crabs (one came out of his shell and tried to crawl on my hand, until I dropped him), and little rivulets flowing down from the hills for kids who want water but are scared of the waves (like a certain 2 2/3 year old who shall remain namless - unless you look at the title bar of the blog). There were a lot of families there and we even had seals on the same beach, albeit a ways down, which is where I like my 1 ton marine mammals anyway.

It was a lot of work, but the beach was great - and 30 degrees cooler. Must remember that for later this summer. The only disappointment is there were no clam shells. And no sharks. I think he really wanted to see a shark. Maybe the aquarium next time.

We got there about noon. We stayed until 3:30 or so. Jake didn't nap on the way or while we were there. Needless to say, there was a brief crash when we got to the car. Mid-milk even.

Sunday we went to the zoo and I put up pickels. We'll see how they turn out and if Jake likes them as much as store pickels. All in all, a hot but fun weekend.

Thursday Daddy and Mommy got a guitar. Jake has to play it at least once a day. He' very excited to get his own real guitar (which he very much wants to be electric). I'm excited about starting lessons in a week, but sad to have to cut my nails off. But art - and parenting - involve sacrafice!