pizza

What else could I entitle this post, other than "Pizza?"

Cause that, my friend, is all this is about.

There's this little pizza place down on the boardwalk right on the beach. I don't like pizza very much, but I do like this place. It just wouldn't feel right to come down here and not visit this place.

Why so special?

Well, for one, "Papa" likes to come along- and that's always fun...

Second of all, it serves up the biggest pie I've ever seen in my entire life. 

Trust me, it's a sight to behold...
  

Yes, it can be a bit overwhelming. Scary, even.

Probably, especially, for my ultra health-conscious, diet-perfect Dad...

But for a 6 year old? It's pretty much, ahhh- heaven.

(for an 8 year old, too ;)

The place is pretty much a dive. We always eat outside. I can't even believe, every time I'm there, that this self described "Purell Obsessed Mama" is able to suck it up and overlook the dirt encrusted picnic style tables, the birds sneaking in and pecking crust from the ground and the sticky residue all over the place.

But I do it for the sake of these smiles....



Totally worth it!

(The view isn't half bad either ;)

there's a first time for everything...

 And though this wasn't his very first time in the sand, it might as well have been. Babies have short memories. I doubt he remembers the sandy beaches in California, and I'm certain he doesn't remember this beach from last year. So- we'll just assume it was like his first time in the sand.

I can't say I was entirely surprised that he enjoyed feeling the sand between his toes-y's. Though my first 2 children were ultra cautious of their first time in the sand, the third toddler (Ariana) had little hesitation. And since Christian and Ariana have the same "fearless" genes, it seemed about right that he didn't hesitate for more than a moment.

Yes, not more than a brief moment did he ponder...

...what have we here? Water? Fun, swishy wave noises? Birdies??

I'm IN!

I snapped away from afar. Maybe a little too "afar", however, since big sister (aka "2nd Mommy") ran after him to SAVE him!

But sister rescue was short lived, for once he got a samplin' of his toes-y's in the WATER, there was nooooo stoppin' him!

I kid you not, he charged FULL steam ahead into the water. And then what?

He fell, got soaked... laughed and charged straight back into the water!

I felt a little better with Daddy holding him back- but it proved to be quite a workout to keep him from running into the waves.

In other "events" - there's been dinner at the kids favorite restaurant up the road. Though I'm not a fan of paying $5.95 for a kids plate of heated frozen Tyson nuggets and fries (times 4!), I am a fan of dinner with a view.

Splendid!

Happy Weekend!!

here...

The other day, I looked over and caught a glimpse of this...

And my heart melted.

I wondered what they were talking about...

... but I didn't want to interrupt.

So I just took pictures from afar so I'd never forget what a beautiful picture that was impressed on my heart of my two loves... Daddy and his daughter.

And speaking of my loves, I cannot forget these other squirrels.

How lucky for us that scooters fold up compactly and travel easy.

Arrive at your destination, unfold, and wallah!

Instant smiles ;)

 

And, of course, I have my baby boy love. Pictures of him another day.

But come to think of it, speaking of baby and love... now there are 2 things that go hand and hand. Baby waking early = a guarantee I will catch my beloved sunrise.

One of my very favorite things about coming here is the sunrise. I will never, ever tire of watching it peek up over the ocean and warm the entire earth.

It's breathtaking.

It's awe inspiring.

Every. Single. Time.

Enjoy the beauty of your day- wherever you may be reading this.

And, for a taste of what's rolling off my camera que next in line is some beach pics I snapped today.

Ariana found a mermaid in her imagination.

So, from her creative fingertip to the sand...

The End.

In one week...

From Good...

(ba bye snowy countryside) 

(gettin' closer)

... To Better.

To Perfect.

The End.