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: