Back to the Beach

We (Silas and I...see previous post) just got back from our annual Blake Family Trek/Reunion in Solana Beach, Cali. As always, the weather and beach bum lifestyle was glorious. I even got to go surfing a few times. But I wish I could say the photo above was typical of Silas' love of the beach. It wasn't. In fact...I'd have to say he hated it at first. But he was sick for the first few days we were there. And his attitude did improve as he began to feel better. But still - it was far from my expectations based on previous beach adventures and my hopes as a momma who deeply wants her child to love the natural world as much as she does. Guess I'll have to work on that one. But I'll keep hoping too :)
We also had a fun day at the San Diego Zoo. Highlights for Silas included admiring the fish in the hippo's pond (note: not the hippo)...

...and the buses! He really enjoyed riding the bus and watching all the buses drive around the zoo. It was a crack-up. Where does that come from? He's also developed a hilarous habit of saying "cheeeeese" every time someone pulls out a camera. A couple guys sitting near us on the bus couldn't stop laughing at all his "cheeses" while we were taking photos.

I don't think this was a highlight for Silas - but I like it!

And, finally, I thought I should pay tribute to cousin Lexi. Silas is lucky to have lots of sweet little cousins who love him and play with him - but Lexi regularly went out of her way to come find him. We actually ran into her family at our favorite pizza joint (Pizza Port) and she appeared right at that crticial moment when he's getting really squirmy but we're still eating...it was a vacation dinner lifesaver. Thanks Lexi!!!

Oh yea - and in case you're wondering what 50+ Blakes look like getting ready to caravan to San Dieog in this year's matching "Blake Family Circus" shirts...here you go:

Hodge Podge Catch Up

I know I've said "it's been a while" before...but it's really been a while! This post is a little scattered, so I thought I'd call it a hodge podge and catch you up on the Gidley Gossip.

I actually don't have as many photos to choose from this time around. Partly because I've been taking more short videos to humor Mr. Silas who has become quite a fan of watching videos on the computer. To be more specific, he mostly likes watching videos of Silas on the computer. So I've been trying to build up our inventory. This video I just took today when we brought back the popular "splash & play in a plastic box" from last summer (note the new box!). Since our best afternoon shade is in the front yard, we end up putting on a show for the neighbors this time of year.

click here to see the plastic box video

Silas is a very social little guy. He loves his friends and so I thought I'd highlight some of his most recent adventures with them. (Sometimes he loves his friends a little too much. For example: Today he enthusiastically hugged Brady on the sidewalk...but then they lost their balance and both toppled into the street. Ouch - especially for Silas who hadn't yet put any clothes on after playing in the plastic box!)

Silas & Liam at the Tempe Splash Pad:

Jackie, Jake & Silas. (I love how Jackie posed so cute for our photos while Jake & Silas were all wiggles and hugs.)

Jake & Silas hugging (I swear...it is mutual. But it always looks like Silas is smooshing little Jake!)

Silas & Liam at the Arizona Museum for Youth.

Silas & Brady enjoying the sprinklers and frontyard beach tent:

Click here to view the live action version

And now - believe it or not - I have a couple pictures that do not include Silas! Matt & I got to go backpacking over Labor Day weekend with a couple friends. We went to Airvaipa Creek...it was amazing! The weather was great and the scenary was fabulous. Here is the scenic picture.

And here is the silly picture. We took these inflatable tubes and spent one day exploring the creek (without our big packs) and finding places to float down. We had a blast (though my shins were bruised for weeks because of all the times we bottomed out in shallow areas!). It was worth it, though!
Finally, I want to wish a very HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to all the Daddys out there. We are celebrating early because Silas & I will actually be in San Diego over Father's Day. Matt has to stay home and save his vacation time for our Costa Rica trip in July. Kind of a bummer...but maybe he'll enjoy a little bachelorhood? Still, we'll both miss him - he is such an awesome Dad!