Oreos at the Beach

When I first mentioned to Deborah that I was going to be coming to see them she had this wonderful idea! Let's surprise Spencer! I'm always in for a good surprises! (He was very surprised)

Spencer told Deb he wanted to go to the beach on Saturday. (She texts me on the low-down and says Grammie, you up for the beach?) So I packed up the two sand buckets that have been chillin' in my garage since for-E-ver! (But did I remember to pack my *babing-suit*? NO! Not me!! Sheesh! And have you ever tried to buy a bathing suit in September? Yeah, right! Rant over.)

When my little kids were growing up our favorite beach was always Ventura Marina beach. The crowds are usually smaller and they have a wonderful pirate ship complete with zipline! Spencer wanted to go back there this time too. Deb kindly took this pix of us, I *thought* I took a photo of their family too but, apparently, failed!

It was breezy and cool and I didn't what Baby Belle to get blown on. She eventually went to sleep and took a little nap in her stroller right there on the sand.

When she woke up she was hungry so what did Grammie do? Well, what any self-respecting Grammie would do... I twisted open an oreo, snarked off the creamy-peanut butter center and gave her the chocolate cookie part. (See how nice Grammie is?)

(AND DO YOU SEE THESE LEVI BLUE EYES? THEY ARE JUST LIKE HER DADDY'S.)

This was a taste explosion in her little baby-girl mouth!

She continued to gnaw on it until she had a respectable oreo-goatee!

It reminded me of the days when her Daddy was small and his Daddy would come home from work with a permanent ink marker and draw mustaches on him and his sibs!

All the while Riley was totally enjoying his time in the surf. He and Spencer played there for a very long time.

It was a lovely day. We ended by having a fish and chips dinner and a quiet ride home. Both Riley and Annabelle knocked out within 5 minutes and slept the whole way home.

And, you know, this blog post wouldn't be complete without at least one random photo from the day before of Baby Belle and her Grammie!

**
For some reason this published on the wrong month! This visit happened Sept 12-13, 2014

Palmdale Visit

I started my California trip (3/8) in Palmdale and the first stop was go to Spencer's house! Deb and Riley were at the gym so Deb told Riley there was a surprise for him at home. I met him at the door and he wanted to know what I brought him! Not exactly the reaction Deb was looking for! bwahahaha... but that's ok... I love my little guy!

The next day we NEEDED a beach day! This time we decided we'd try the Santa Monica Pier. I haven't been there for ages, not since... well, I don't remember when! Spencer chauffeured us in their minivan. And you know what? He drives like a dad... all mature and everything. I was relieved to have him drive. I know I can still drive in LA traffic, but after driving for 9 hours the day before, I was a little road weary.

SPENCER, DEBORAH AND RILEY (WITH SEE'S SUCKERS IN THEIR MOUTHS)

We parked at the Santa Monica Mall (I'm sure there is a better name than that but I don't know what it is... maybe Auntie P knows! Jump in here on the comments and tell us P.) After using the facilities we took a walk down to the pier. I saw a darling *Angry Birds* stocking cap that I would have gotten for Riley (remember- what did I bring him?) but he took one look and gave it the thumbs-down.

We wandered to the end of the pier where we were accosted by Snake-Man! ICK! saw some fishermen and the Amusement Park. They've done a good job of providing fun rides for the littles! I love this shot of Riley looking so pleased with Deb and Spencer in the background.

Next up was the mini *Mali-boomer* (I stole that name from CA Adventure).

Put up your hands, Riley!

And, since we were in the neighborhood (took us 2 hours to travel 13 miles! I'm not joking!) We HAD to stop at Cielito Lindo.

OhMyStinkin'Heck! Do I ever love this place! I told the guys I'd come all the way from Springville, Utah just to eat their taquitos and tomatillo sauce and he gave me extra! YUM! (It makes my mouth water just looking at this lovely mess of greeness!)  But Auntie P scored the biggest deal getting taquitos for Steve AND a pint of sauce for $10!

There are always interesting-sorts down at the beach... it makes me so grateful for my home!

We arrived back in P-dale at dark-thirty so Spencer dropped us off and took his tired-self and tired little family home.

Next day, after some retail therapy with Auntie P, they came back for dinner at P's house. And look what Auntie P had for Riley!! Now we see who the best Grammie is!

My stay in Palmdale was too short this time around... I will have to plan better on my next trip. I'm so grateful for my sister-by-choice and Spencer, Deborah and Riley. It was wonderful to see them all again.

A Day at the Beach

One of the things I miss the most since I've moved to Utah is being able to go to the beach any-ol'-time I want. I try to rectify that when I come back to Palmdale (that and eat a Panera Bread... 2 time so far this trip!)



Spencer, Deborah and Riley joined Auntie P and I on a trip to Venice Beach. Can you believe that I've never been to Venice Beach before? We usually went to Ventura Beach or Zuma Beach to avoid having to go on the I-405 or I-10 freeways, which are always packed!

They trotted down to the surf on this beautiful, perfect beach day!  Notice Riley has a hold of his shorts like an old man so he can run fast.



The first wave had just receded when Deborah scooped up a sand crab!



Riley wasn't too hot about this guy... I'm sure if Deb hadn't told him he it was on his toes when they dropped him back in the drink he might have liked it better. Spencer captured the poor little fellow again but it was the only one he could dig out.



But, no fear... they let him go again. Deb also found a tiny, baby sand crab. She has mad skills that the rest of us don't possess.

Deb is so good with Riley. Lucky boy.



We also saw TONS of confused ladybugs! Maybe it was a suicide pact or perhaps they just wanted to enjoy a day at the beach and just didn't know how to keep a safe distance from the water. Silly ladybugs...



I loved watching these three play on the beach. Riley wanted both of them to join him in the surf.



Come-on... let's go...



The water was magical. I love the way it glitters as it ebbs and flows.



See this precious little boy? He looks so much like his Daddy when Spencer was that age, potbelly and all!



We decided to talk a stroll down the beach and came upon this rocker-dude raging against the surf. Let's put it this way- he was VERY HAPPY!



As we walked Spencer and Riley frolicked and played, chased and ran.



We ate at Panera Bread and then made the trip back to Palmdale. Riley took a much-needed nap so he was ready to go when we got to Auntie P's house. He played with his long lost truck from last summer, tried out Gidget's bed...



and looked at photos with his Auntie P.

084- The Marina

* Since today is my 600th post I thought I would give you my finally vacation installment... (that sounds like a good enough excuse!)

On our first full day in California we took a little trip to the local marina not too far from Cindy's house. I've been here with her before; there is always such an easy, peaceful feeling. I feel so much closer to my ancestors as I sit there enjoying the bay.



There was no shortage of bird-type wild life with us enjoying the warm spring-like day. Of course there were the obligatory seagulls (in the photo above). There were also some enormous Canadian geese looking fat, sassy and eating grass!!! Did you know they ate grass? (And leave miniature cow piles!)



Next I saw Mr and Mrs Mallard... she's looking just a little out of sorts to me. Do you suppose she caught Mr Mallard looking at the other *chicks*?



Since this marina is up one of the estuaries from San Francisco Bay the waves come in in these long straight lines. I was amazed that they continue past the pilings and wave breaks. This is where I saw the Avocets. Ann knew just what they were and pointed out their funny upswept bills.



The minute I saw these great rustic pilings I thought *wouldn't this make a great place to have a photo shoot?* Too bad it is 13 hours away! (I did take a photo of my sweet niece, Sarah, here.)



We ambled to the end of the pier, sat down, enjoyed the warm sun and chatted.



I watched this kayaker as he paddled himself across the water... I wish I like the water better, this almost looks like fun. (Hasn't his guy ever seen JAWS?)



After about an hour we decided it was time to start moving on to the city. What a glorious day.

267- Joanie @ PCH

We had such fun the day we went *down-below*. Besides the aforementioned activities (Bishop's Store house, Cielito Lindo & Baby Zoe) we went to the beach. I've had a hankering to go to the beach for a couple of years... and since we were right there and had time to kill we took advantage of a trip down to Santa Monica beach. I'd forgotten how long the walk is across the sand at Santa Monica! They've also added pedestrian bridges to cross Hwy 1 aka Pacific Coast Highway. Before you'd take your life in your hands to cross.



I love how P captured not only me, the highway, beach and ocean, but if you look in my glasses you can see the five plinths erected to honor the California soldiers lost in war.


(marsupial-pcp)

Of course I had to dabble my feet in the water... with only slightly better results than the pool at Bek's house. This time I had on some French Terry capris; even though I rolled them up to my knees the waves got me and the terry pants wicked the sea water up to my mid-thigh... the good news? I was hot so that felt good.