Friday, December 19, 2008

Putting our toes in the Pacific

An 11 mile drive down PCH lands us right at this spot!

We took the kids to Huntington Beach a couple of Sundays ago for a little "fun time!" (We do actually live only five miles from Seal Beach, but wanted to have a change of beach scenery! What a fabulous thing to be able to do... change the beach scenery with just a few extra miles!)
It was pretty chilly... I still can't believe that John was in short sleeves! Granted, it's still Southern California, so it's much warmer than where we lived a month ago, but it is definitely not "beach" weather at all!
This was Miss Gracie's first time at the beach. When we came down to look for a place to live, she only got as close as the walkways at the border of the beach. She did not touch sand or water on that trip. But on this day... her little does dug in and she kicked sand and water!

We all had super soaked pants and feet... So John walked a bit barefoot carrying Preston.
I just love the shots here...
Gracie's toes left such a distinct, raking pattern deep in the sand. I swear her little toes are as strong and adept as fingers! Preston's "feet" shot is the back of him because I could hardly get him to stop moving and face me for a picture! As it should be, right?!

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When we were done at the water, the sun finally decided to peek out from behind the clouds... and suddenly we heard all kinds of hand percussion music. This is what we stumbled upon and how we were all welcomed to join in the fun!


Apparently, these guys are there a lot, so we will surely visit again! We didn't get to chat with them too much as we were busy keeping both kids involved! They had a ball - the kids and the guys playing! They were really sweet and asked a bunch of questions about Miss Gracie. One of them asked me how to sign a few things so he could try to communicate with her... I just love people who aren't afraid and who try like that! And, I especially appreciated the fact that he didn't care that she was far more interested in his instruments than his attempt at signing with her!

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9 comments:

The Claytons said...

Love the pics! They are so cute with Gracie and Preston in the sand. I am soooo jealous! What a neat experience ya'll had with the music too :)

Kim

P.S. I left you my email on previous posting so you can email me about spongebob :)

ANewKindOfPerfect said...

Oh Kristi, that's our pier! :) We live 5 miles from there. They have an incredible Farmer's Market Fridays and Saturday.

We will definately have to meet up soon. I feel bad for not arranging it earlier, but we have all been sick. The last thing you want is to meet us when we're germy!!

Feel free to email me anytime. What two schools are you looking at for Gracie?

Oh, and those guys on the pier are always there, and SO sweet!!

hannah m said...

OK, you are the CUTEST FAMILY EVER. Seriously. I love the happiness and contentment I see on your faces...at the beach! Loving this glimpse of a delightful family day in your new home.

And Gracie playing the instrument makes me so, so happy! Here's to many new adventures for your family!

Unknown said...

You have fun in the sand guys, we will be out playing in the SNOW...already have a bunch and getting another 40cm tomorrow!!! I'll put some snow pics up tomorrow or Monday for ya!

The percussion guys look awesome, I love outdoor music, people just sitting & doing it because they love it!

Ashley Parker said...

Hi Kristi, I am a friend of Christy (Emma's mom) I just think Gracie is a beatiful little girl. I am a teachers aide for children with special needs. While working on my teaching degree. Thanks for sharing Gracie.

Amélie said...

How wonderful your so close to the beach...very envious!!

You have been a busy family since I last checked in, John the graduate... how proud you must all be!

And not to mention meeting with Catherine Reuben and family, I bet that was an incredible day.

Hope the Gracie and Preston are ready for santa...

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and New Year xx

Crystal M. said...

I am so jealous you were able to even leave the house. It is so cold here its like -16 degrees and we have about 2 feet of snow. Its horrible, I hate this time of year because I am trapped in the house with the kids and Eva doesn't have as much room to run around.
Enjoy getting out and the lovely weather (at least better then ours...LOL)
I also love all the pictures.
Hugs,
Crystal and Eva

Leslie, Arlin and Katie Kauffman said...

OK, now I really AM jealous after seeing these pics of the beach! Looks like you all had a fun day out! Please send some sunshine and warmer weather our way!

Christy said...

Thanks for stopping by, Kristi. Your family is precious. I will pray for your darling Gracie and for your strength. I know how these little ones require so much of our energy. Have a very merry Christmas!