A Polish Celebration

 Getting ready to watch July 3rd fireworks

{while waiting for Daddy to purchase our parade supplies}

 Catching the end of the Pops in the Park fireworks show

{He really liked them and said they were "bu-ti-ful" but was being silly for Daddy.}

**Though we're proud Americans,

we celebrated the holiday in Polish {backwards} fashion.

{I'm allowed to say this because I am also proud of my Polish heritage!}

We kept Alekzander up late on July 3, instead of July 4, to see fireworks.

We cooked Chinese food on July 4 instead of grilling All-American fare.

We ate hot dogs and watermelon two days later 

than all other tradition-following Americans.

Alekzander didn't seem to mind notice, 

but we did indulge him with three different

fireworks apps on the iPad 

on July 4 so that he wouldn't feel left out!

CW 4th of July Parade

Waiting on the firetruck to arrive

to begin the parade, 

but ready to ride the red, white, and blue trikes.

Annual CW 4th of July parade.

 Alekzander leading the middle pack 

{including a Canadian Uncle Sam}.

 "Barrett, look at Mr. Daddy!"

Ice cream at 10 a.m. with my sweet boy.

Future members of the 2028 US Olympic Track Team?!

 Happy 4th of July!

Surf School in Encinitas

First glimpse of the Pacific Ocean :: Encinitas, CA 

{after a top-down-Mustang ride} 

After growing up at the beach and carrying a surfboard twice in my life, 

I decided to give surfing a try.

My pro husband had already tested his skills before I got to the west coast, 

so he planned on teaching me everything he knew!  

Some of his skills include brute strength 

which was tested by carrying two boards back up the winding cliff-side stair case 

after 4 hours of fighting with the waves.

We were also lucky enough to meet Kahuna Bob 

who knew a thing or two about surfing as well!

Things we learned:  

Surfing is a lot harder than it looks.

You don't want to "pearl" - you will inhale massive amounts of salt water.

"No" and "Go!" sound too much alike to use as code words!

Its easier to ride waves in on your knees.

Balance is extremely important - and extremely hard to establish.

One of the hardest things to do is get past the breaking waves.

Surfboards, even foam ones, hurt when they crash onto your head.

If we lived near water, surfing would be our sport of choice.

Wet suits are not flattering on anyone.

Kahuna Bob is a great, patient, generous teacher.

He also teaches dogs to surf.

There are dog surfing competitions in California - at Dog Beach.

Cool, right? 

{I don't do 'silly' well.}

Hope in San Diego

National Salute to Bob Hope and the Military

...amazing art tribute...

Superbuds

Superbuds ... 

to the rescue!

Luckily these two are cute 

because they don't always use their 

crazy, silly, wild

powers for good!

The silliness increases when they are together

{usually after about 30 minutes of playing independently first}.

The loudness amplifies

{when they finally decide to talk to one another}.

And giggles and brotherly arguments are inevitable.

They ask each other questions and call one another by name.

They fight over toys and cars.

They 'fist bump' goodbye.

They even have similar wardrobes including

Batman shirts, Batman capes, and Wild Olive Dragon Tees.

They go on random errands and special double-dates with their Mamas.

They have a super power to 

 steal their Mamas hearts with sweet words and kisses.

Alekzander and Brooks.

Super boys.

Superbuds.

Bubble Wrapped

Clearly with a layer of fluffy bubbles, there is no fear and no pain.

...and a bubble blooper ...

Lil' Slugger