There's nothing better in my book than cuddly, warm, sweaty littles just after nap. If you can grab them when they're still groggy, you can get a quick cuddle or even a giggle. Our time in Cali provided no exception since nap time was pretty critical to overcoming the time change.
Each day, the kids power napped. Together. In the same bed. And never once did they have an issue, which was a huge surprise to us. It was nice for Max and I to have this time to either nap or sit on the terrace. Or head to the adult hot tub while they conked out for three hours.
The pics above are what "broke" Elise. And they are important reminders to me of the power and responsibility of photography. From the looks of the above, the trip to Swami's in Cardiff-by-the-Sea was the most beautiful morning God ever made. Though this is technically true, it wasn't the most beautiful moment for our family. Max's back was really hurting. We traversed the 100+ steps down to the beach to explore the tide pools only to get there and have two separate meltdowns.
Elise felt threatened by the high cliffed walls and the incoming tide and loud ocean sounds. Ryan had terrible rash burn between his legs from the days' previous ocean adventures, but it didn't reveal itself until he got wet again. When all seemed manageable, Max climbed back up the stairs to go get Ryan dry clothes. When he returned he found me carrying two bags and Elise, who was screaming hysterically (like so much so that the surfers we were there to watch were watching from the break with concern) and Ryan was walking with no pants or undies on, trying to keep a towel wrapped around him but showing all his goods to any onlooker nearby.
Eventually we got back up top, they both relaxed and we were able to play at the park above and settle down. We're not sure if it was the change in scenery or the second hand smoke that chilled them out, but we'll take it. (From Ryan as we pass by a surfer's VW van/home-on-wheels: "Mom, why does it smell like a skunk?") Only in California.
We were met for lunch by Max's Aunt Inga and Uncle Frank. They'd never met the kids before, so it was great to make that connection. They drove all the way from Palm Desert to see us! Can't wait to spend next Spring Break with them in PD as we celebrate Blythe and Bo's wedding.
The day turned around after a nap as we headed to the pool. Elise has grown in her comfort of the water and jumping into the deep end. She's not a fish yet, but well on her way. Ryan made another new friend, as did we, in the kids hot tub. (We found a couple from Waveland Mississippi / Ithaca! Crazy coincidence since we did Hurricane Katrina relief work in her town and Max knew the husband's college baseball coach.)
This montage is my "Carlsbad Memory" board. After Swami's, Elise crashed in the car and I was able to take a drive all the way up the coast to check out some of my favorite places. In clockwise order, starting from the black and white: staircase where I first met Max headed down from my apartment. He went up to meet me and I wasn't home. This started the infamous debate about the "Lansing High School" shorts he was wearing and his schools' colors. Tamarack Beach where Max and I frequented and picniced for his last birthday in Carlsbad (there was a dolphin in the water while I was there.), Ryan and Max at Pipe's Cafe which was our very favorite breakfast place. Oceanside Pier/beach and the spot I was baptized in the ocean. The flowers that always remind me of Carlsbad. They hung from the pergola over our complex pool.
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