In which Jacinta attempts to crawl to China

Friday was filled with more beach fun. Veronica really wanted to use the boogie board…but I vetoed that idea. It’s a little big for her to handle.

 

She made the best of it anyway.

 

Some chose more relaxing beach activities.

 

But not Jacinta.

 

Catch me if you can, Mom!

 

While some of the other kids played happily in the (mostly) dry sand…

 

Jacinta repeated yesterday’s attempt to crawl all the way to Hawaii.

 

Hawaii? Fuggetaboutit. I’m going for China!

 

Nothing could stop her. Except getting hit in the face by a wave.

 

That encouraged her to try the other direction, too.

I’m going this way!

I was fine with that.

 

Jacinta was pretty tired after her many escape attempts, and finally fell asleep on me. This was a big deal, as she almost never falls asleep anywhere besides her crib. She must have really been exhausted. Trying to crawl the Pacific will do that to you.

 

There was more sand play.

 

And water play.

 

And wave play.

 

Good times were had all around. Except maybe by the parents who had to clean it all up after.

 

Then it was time for dinner. This was the kitchen.

 

More than adequate, I’d say.

 

While dinner was prepared, some snuck away for a little quiet time by the water.

 

But there was playing to do as well.

 

There was no shortage of toys.

 

Or games.

 

I know I’ll get it this time!

 

And, of course, somebody had to organize the collection of shells and rocks.

 

Veronica was happy to oblige.

I’m falling a little behind, but there’s still more to come.

Beach Camping

The girls and I came with my parents on their annual beach camping adventure to Del Mar Beach this year.

 

After being in the car all day, everyone was ready to hit the water.

 

And sand, in Veronica’s case.

 

Even Jacinta wanted to get her feet wet.

 

Time for fun!

 

And a walk on the beach.

 

More waves.

 

And more sand.

 

Can’t forget the sand crabs.

 

Or the helicopters? That’s what you get when you camp at a military base.

 

A few more waves before dinner. And that was our first day!

Full disclosure here. Beach camping for me and the girls means sleeping at my aunt’s house. We like the beach…but we also like beds. And showers. Thanks Kathy!

The second day my batteries fell out of the camera in the car and I didn’t realize until we were by the seaside already. That means I missed capturing Jacinta’s many attempts to crawl headfirst into the waves. That girl has no fear! Down she would crawl until a large wave came our way. Then Mommy would lift her to her feet and move up twenty feet or so…and she’d be right back down crawling to the water again. Crazy.

I did recover the batteries eventually and managed to catch a few cute pictures.

 

Like this one. I don’t know what expression that is, but it cracks me up.

 

Veronica was already tuckered out by the time I got the camera. She only wanted to snuggle in the towels.

 

Playing with Omi.

 

After a tasty dinner – it helps to have professional chefs in your family – it was time to relax by the fire.

 

And the true measure of success. Another great day!

Getting ready to head out for Day 3 at the beach – stay tuned for more.

Sleepy

Some days are just too long.

Knight

The other day, Veronica pulled her arm out of her shirt sleeve and put it through the neck opening.

“This is my Knight Shirt,” she announced.

Then she proceeded to grab a vacuum attachment and mount her mighty steed.

 

“Are you Lady Tuffins?” I asked.

“No, I am SIR Tuffins!”

Of course. Silly me.

Organ Stop Pizza

We recently had a visit from some of the Wisconsin crew – Paul’s parents and his sister and family. We had lots of fun while everyone was here, but one event in particular that stood out was dinner at Organ Stop Pizza. What is Organ Stop Pizza, you ask? I asked the same question, since I had never been there before.

 

Imagine a place like Peter Piper Pizza, or Pistol Pete’s (does that even exist anymore?) but instead of annoying animatronic performances and obnoxious video game noises you are treated instead to…

 

Some guy playing an organ!

 

Seriously, Organ Stop Pizza features an actual Wurlitzer organ, and it is the largest Wurlitzer theatre organ in the world.

 

It has not only the organ pipes, which are hard to see behind the windows along the wall, but also things like drums, a piano, xylophones…dancing cats…all controlled by the performer. Wow! It made for some pretty spectacular performances.

 

Adults and kids alike enjoyed the familiar music, from movie themes to show tunes and beyond. You can even make requests.

 

Jacinta in particular seemed to enjoy herself, which isn’t surprising considering her fascination with all things musical.

 

The pizza was tasty, and they have a salad bar as well for those of us trying not to let pregnancy get the better of our weight. Ahem.

 

We sat upstairs, where it was a little easier to corral the kids. It actually made some of the extra instruments easier to spot, too.

 

And we got to sit under these cool light fixtures. Wurlitzer. What a word.

 

Check out some of the extras!

 

We had to get a cousin picture before we left. Attempt to get one anyway. It is tough to get that many young kids to sit still at the same time. Heck, sometimes it’s tough to get one young kid to sit still.

 

And, of course, one with the grandparents, too.

 

A dinner experience like no other, and I’m sure we’ll be back again soon!