Half Moon Bay Beach Day

After I saw a friend post that she'd been at the beach in Half Moon bay, I spent the night looking up city and county rules and picking an open, unpopulated area to try.

It was worth the effort. 

Totally beautiful day 

and the cutest baby model.

I put her pjs on to keep her warm and help reduce the sand she brought home.

Perry found lots of kelp.

The water was a little mucky at this stretch of beach.

So we ventured over to the main water. Jane found some rocks to climb.

It was more populated over there, but still plenty of space to spread out. 

Or drag your brother.

I walked back over to get some lunch for me and John from Sam's Chowder House because we love that place. On the way back I could see my family playing together and it was the best feeling.

The kids were in absolute heaven. We sunscreened them twice and kept their hats and sun shirts on, but it was still a lot of sun for our pasty kids.

If it weren't the direct heat of the day we could've stayed for hours longer. They were free to run and play and be out in the fresh air and sunshine and away from people and worries.

The boys couldn't be bothered to stop for food, which is how you know they were loving life.

Best buddies.

One last wave chase session before packing up.

John went to get the van while the boys ate their packed lunch and I de-sanded as much as I could.

It's a lot of effort to take kids to the beach, especially during shelter in place, but it was absolutely worth it.

Wilder Ranch

After lots of confusing research, we found some places that were open to visitors and went to Santa Cruz for a quick hike.

It was fairly hot on the exposed trail, but windy and chilly next to the ocean.

I forgot Jane's hat, so we slathered on sunscreen and put a hoodie on her.

We also left our sandwiches at home, so we had to hurry the hike along and get back before the hanger took over. 

It made me nervous in some areas where there was no barrier to the cliffs. Thankfully we had snacks and sticks.

And a beautiful view.

We'd like to go back with more time to explore the ranch areas that the kids haven't been to or don't remember. 

Maybe when the beaches are open again. We were all longing for a quick dip in the water.

I'd also love to go somewhere, anywhere, with just John for a minute.

SIP Week 12: May 31-June 6

Jane still loves the dryer.

She'll scrape her hands along the glass and laugh at the squeaking sound or bang on it or try to open the door.

We pulled the drawers out of the train table so she couldn't get up, but eventually she learned how to climb in them and onto the table. No puzzle is safe.

Little snuggly boy sleeping.

Jonah still falls asleep all over his room. He's getting really heavy for me to move into bed.

Jane insisting on being a big kid. She has great balance and stands up for several seconds at a time throughout the day. I don't think walking will be far behind.

Little teeth bulging at the gums.

Mini Mrs. Erich at Jonah's meeting with regular Mrs. Erich.

Jane loves crawling through a freshly folded laundry pile.

We moved the tv so we could use the whole couch, but the boys still pile up in the one chair.

Comfy

Jane prefers the floor when it's clear of brotherly obstacles.

The container store opened for curbside pickup, so I bought the bar and hooks we needed to finish the big kids' closet. We don't need a dresser in their room anymore, which makes it feel much less cramped.

Little Mrs. Erich getting serenaded by Jonah's practicing.

Perry working on letter recognition and sounds.

Jane getting into mischief.

Sit down and be a baby!

We ordered shave ice from the Kona truck for a fun treat on a hot day. 

It was sold as a family deal, so we invited Olivia over for our first distanced visit in almost 3 months. It was great for the boys to see a friend.

Jane loves putting things on her head, so we tried a hat. It was adorable for the few seconds she left it on

She's always on the go.

Pausing only for food. Even then, she'll stand up in her high chair if you don't buckle her in.

It was free donut day, so I took the three biggest donut lovers I know.

I wish I could put him in gymnastics.

A quick sink tubby because she's getting washed after most meals these days.

Jonah's natural habitat.

I had to stay in bed with Jane as she slept in. Then I got to watch her long stretching process.

She's a slow waker upper.

Scott always tries to get her to snuggle him.

He also likes pushing her stroller on walks. 

Big blue eyes

little cutie in her Piglet jams.