Long Beach

We spent two nights at Long Beach this week. A, especially, loved the beach. She couldn't seem to get enough of the water, sand, etc. JD enjoyed playing with the beach toys and flying his kite. I am NOT a beach lover, but the weather was beautiful, especially the first day, and I could see why people enjoy the beach. My favorite part of our trip did not involve sand. We took some walks on the Discovery Trail, and I'd love to come back on a bike. J loved it, of course. He loves exploring the beach. On this trip he found an intact section of vertebrae. Whose vertebrae remains the question.

Inaugural Launch

J is the proud owner of a fishing boat, and we took our inaugural launch at Battle Ground Lake last week, about a half-hour from our house. We were only out for a couple of hours, but we had a great time. A is almost officially over her fear of boats and water, and JD seemed to take to it like a fish. I attribute this to their swimming lessons. They put them in a canoe in the pool and practiced balancing, wearing life jackets, etc. No actual fish were caught, but we didn't care. It was just great to be out there.

New Rooms

While my parents were here a few weeks ago, my dad graciously offered to paint my old "craft room" and transform it into JD's new room. I thought we'd tackle that project some time in the next year. No. My parents are movers and shakers. They get things done. And, what a great job they do. My mom helped with the color scheme, etc. and my dad tackled the painting. Thanks Mom and Dad. JD LOVES his new room.A is staying in her former room, but we rearranged a bit and added a desk for her "homework." She loves her own space too, although I loved her reaction when I told her we were moving JD into his own room. She burst into tears. They've shared a room since JD was 5 months old, and they love being together. I quickly told her that now you can invite each other over for sleepovers. She was very relieved in hearing that. I love that they love each other so much.
Since the big move, I have found them asleep in each other's rooms several nights. Sometimes they share a bed, sometimes one is on the floor, sometimes they build forts. They don't ask. And, I don't freak out about it. It's summer for one thing. And have I mentioned I love that they love each other so much?

Saying Good-bye to Old Friends

JD has been a boot-lovin' kind of guy since he could choose his own footwear. He had regular brown boots, a camouflage pair, and then this spring I found Toy Story boots that lit up. And, after only one month of non-stop usage, they wore out. I ordered an identical pair on Ebay, and after two months, those wore out. Now, I can't find another pair, and I feel like it's an end of an era, or friendship, between my guy and his boots. He's transitioned well, after he understood that you can't wear boots with holes. But, I haven't. Will he continue to love cowboy boots, when I finally find another pair? Or will his interests change? They're not just boots. They are innocence and sweet joys. I hope you stay around for a good, long time.