Wandering Browns

Dribble castling Avila Beach certainly pulled out at the stops weather-wise our second weekend in California. It was a beautiful 80 degrees, sunny, and just perfect. The waves were big enough that I enjoyed bodysurfing for awhile before my head went numb. Landon dug in the sand, played with the kids that were around us, and built an awesome dribble castle with Claire and Grandpa Doug. I was very impressed that he was actually able to dribble for the dribble castle. I LOVE taking him to the beach because it is just one giant playground and he is so happy to dig in the sand (especially if construction vehicles are involved!) Landon also spent some time with Grandpa's bodysurfing hood on his head, pretending to be an elephant seal. He even lounged on some rocks and flicked sand on himself, just as he had seen the elephant seals do in San Simeon a few days earlier.  Owen took a nap in the stroller, lounged about in the shade, and dug in the sand. He seemed to like it!We ju...

Avila Beach is always #1 of places to go when I'm back in California. Austin and I visited Custom House restaurant New Year's Eve for an amazing dinner, but I had not been back during the day. We just HAD to go.  Avila Beach tends to have wonderful weather year round. It was a little chilly and cloudy, which made getting in the water less desirable for me. Coming off a few months in the tropics, I had my fix of bodysurfing there in warm water and did not want to freeze in the 56 degree water of the California coast. The only remaining option then is to build a sand castle, so Claire, Grandpa and Landon got started.   This boy loves to dig in the sand! I was certain that Landon would not want to set a toe in the cold water, but I put him in his board shorts anyway in case he accidentally got wet. You never know with toddlers! Because it was a little colder, I wanted warm long pants and jacket for him to wear afterwards. Grandpa Doug and Landon Austin ...

We had to leave Greg behind... but he took a nap At the end of this day, I called Austin and let him know that if I could design a perfect day- this day would have been it. The only thing I would change would be to have Austin be there with me!  Aunt Net the Great found a reasonably priced harbor cruise through Morro Bay harbor and we jumped at the chance to take Landon on a boat. I bought tickets beforehand, but then Greg surprised us and came home in time to go with us. He had driven through the night to get to our house in time, though, so he took a nap on the dock because they did not have room on the boat. Parents on the cruise Morro Rock- we saw lots of boats too! Landon and the life jacket Getting ready to go! Lando the lookout On this boat you could go down below and watch fish through the glass. Landon listened to some other boys talking about a shark and though maybe a shark would come eat him... Sea otters with babies! ...