california: part four

my one request before going to california
was that we would get to spend a couple days at the beach.
and since my california family loves me and are wonderful
they obliged :)

we love the beach!

it was still a little early in the season to swim
but gabriella and jake still insisted on getting in.
the water was cold.
gab's quivering lip didn't keep her from giggling
every time the wave crashed against us.
uncle rob and I took turns taking her into the water.

we would stay in as long as gab could endure it.
then we would warm up on the beach
and get ready for another dip.


the first day we concentrated on playing in the sand.
that's how mel prefers to experience the beach, anyways :)


the aunties set to work on a sand castle

i was intent on finishing it
and mel-mel was my handy rock-finder.

i have never known a girl who can entertain herself for so long.
melonie could sit in the sand for hours upon hours making sand and rock soup.
she creates elaborate play and never gets bored.
i love that about her.

and, of course, no day at the beach is complete without snacks.



i love the sun
it was so great to lay in the sand
and listen to the waves
my toes can't wait to be back in this place...

until next time....
so long!

P.S. you should go check out this today, too.
such a sweet, sleepy little boy!