Easter

Easter morning began early, like every morning in our house. Harrison was thrilled to see that the Easter bunny had come during his sleep, leaving carrots, a few brightly colored treats, and eggs scattered throughout the yard begging to be found.  The hunt was on,

and after a few precious moments all dozen eggs were found

and ready to be dyed (the Easter bunny was rather particular about dyeing the eggs after the hunt).

The eggs were soon turned into brilliant paintbox colors while Andy cooked up a mini-breakfast of pancakes to stave off the morning hunger.

We then packed up and headed to the beach...with a stop before at Swammy's for our favorite acai bowl.

With a brilliant sun overhead, and warm sand below, we soaked in every moment of this perfect day!

Lucia was beyond thrilled to finally get her hands dirty in the sand, 

and Harrison loved digging, climbing, and watching the pelicans fly in formation over the breakers.

Our little boy found the perfect rock to climb  up and slide down,

and Lucia loved her vantage point from Daddy's lap.

After nap time, we loaded up the stroller with blankets, hors d'oeuvres and chilled Rosé, and walked to the park for a lovely evening picnic.  

We ate, we played, we danced, and we think we spotted the Easter bunny hopping away and heading home after his busy day.  

Lucia at 8 months

Dear Lucia,

I'm a bit behind in writing your 8 month birthday note in part due to you and your brother keeping me occupied with things far more fascinating than sitting down to the computer to write and wade through the hundreds of photos I take of you two each month.So, without further adieu, here is to you!

At 8 months, your face continues to radiate such warmth and wonderment with the newness that is your world.  Your hair is growing a bit longer; sticking out in such a manner that resembles a crown framing and accentuating all of your adorable, silly expressions.  

You now adore taking baths and start smiling and kicking rapidly as soon as the water begins to fill the tub.  Harrison is your favorite bath buddy, even when he gets a little wild with his splashing, and he is so generous at handing you your toys when they drift out of your reach.

You love to eat (a girl after my own heart), and this month your favorite concoction is a blend of bananas, prunes and brown rice cereal.  YUM!  

We spent many afternoons this month enjoying the sun at the parks in our neighborhood and you loved listening to the birds, watching your brother ride his bike, and lounging on your picnic blanket.

You spent a wonderfully relaxing few days in Palm Springs with Gramps and Nana where you couldn't help but pose in your new, ridiculously adorable hat from Nana.    

Evening walks with the family a favorite activity of yours, and you love watching Harrison bike while Max and Blue chase bunnies through the grassland.

Afternoon outings at the zoo are another treat, and you are so intrigued by the sounds of monkeys and birds squawking (your beautiful voice seems to mimic these creatures at times more so than your human counterparts).  

The sound of laughter emanating from you and your brother is absolutely infectious and fills my heart with such lightness and love.You are becoming a "big baby" as Harrison likes to call you (as opposed to your earlier, more fragile infant state), and what a joy it is to see you and your brother engaging in play.

And lastly, here is you enjoying another day at the beach.  Your soul seems to reside in this magical land of soft sand, saltwater, and marine air.

To another glorious month together: we love you endlessly.