We Had a Beachy Summer

The theme for the summer was the beach. In June, I checked out a book from the library called "Good Night, Beach." Natalie quickly became obsessed with the book and, in particular, one page where it showed kids playing with beach balls in their swim suits, no shoes. She would say, kind of quizzically -- "kids, shoes off?" Next, she started asking me about swimming in the ocean. Shortly thereafter, Dave took her to Crissy Field to play at "the beach." Yes, she is wearing a jacket and a hat and it was July. But, she was totally psyched to take her shoes off, dig in the sand, and watch the dogs swimming in the bay.

A week or so later we took her to Santa Cruz to sample the beach there (and visit with some friends).

Next, Auntie Sarah and Uncle Marc came to town. We took them on a hike at Lands End and saw the ocean (barely) through the fog.

Finally, we all went to San Diego for a family wedding. And, wow, Natalie had a blast at the bay beach we frequented daily. On our last day there she braved "swimming" in the ocean. It has been about three weeks since then, but she is still talking about it!

Summer is really just beginning for those of us who live in SF. So stay tuned for more photos, including from Natalie's birthday party this weekend!