That was so COOL!
Pics of the Day ~ Venice Beach Baby ~
Despite some stomach issues on my part, we had a fab day at the beach! Venice Beach was so cool to experience! I cannot imagine how insane it gets there in the summer time!
We left early morning and parked at Venice Beach. It was still pretty quiet (Southern Californians rarely venture out early on weekends, even to the mall it is odd). It was nice to browse the stands and art and all the sidewalk/boardwalk vendors. Then we walked to the Santa Monica Pier (just a couple miles I believe). We stopped at a playground for Becca to play.
It was funny. Becca has become quite the climber as of late, however I have to let her go for it even when she asks for help. If I rescue her, fear takes her over and she is paralyzed and can go no further. If she gets past it on her own, she rocks and is very proud of herself (a lot of this self-confidence issue comes from the lack of depth perception pre-glasses). Well she decided to climb up these bars, something I know she can accomplish independently. Well the other parents at the playground kept looking at us as if we were monsters not rescuing her immediately. Finally I say to J, (since he is looking like he about to pounce and help her out) that we have to allow her to try or she will not be able to say she did it herself. The other Dad, looks all relieved that I am not a neglectful parent and I actually know what I am doing. Moments 
later, with a little verbal encouragement, Becca made it to the top! Everyone cheered and she completed the climb over and over again!
Once at the Santa Monica Pier, we stopped in at Bubba Gumps for lunch, then walked the pier. Becca was very anxious to do some digging in the sand, so we stopped to feed Ethan and Becca was a little digger!
As we made our way back to Venice Beach, Becca fell asleep in the stroller. Ethan got a little cranky (it was warm) and I had bad tummy cramps. We pushed through, and despite it all it was an awesome day!
Becca woke up in time to do some more digging and then to go into the ocean. She was only suppose to let her tickle her toes, but the little beach bum went almost completely in the frigid waters! It was so cold, the sun had disappeared behind the clouds and the water was frightful. Becca did not have a care in the world and chased the waves! It was so fun to watch her, even though I was frozen!
I am tired … But so happy to have spent the day with my awesome family.
Ethan looks so cute I could just eat him up.
Beaches are always a lot of fun even if the weather is not nice (which is generally how it is up here in the north). I have been finding myself having to hold back from helping Evan too much also. He is getting to be quite the pro at play ground equipment.
Ethan looks so cozy there. Is he in the Mei tai again? I can almost smell the new baby smell in his soft hair. Beautiful picture! Loved the big girl too with her cool hat!
So glad you had fun. Great photos. What gorgeous children.
Aw, lookit the little sling baby!
Good for YOU for letting Becca figure out the climbers on her own. It’s sometimes the hardest thing in the world not jumping in and rescuing our kids, but they do need to solve these things on their own, if possible.
Sounds like an amazing day! Good for Becca on doing the climbing by herself! Travis has struggled with confidence issues like that as well. Sounds like you guys are helping her build it up though!
You’re amazing parents - both of you. We’ll be watching carefully for lessons!
Glad you had fun and got to see it before you leave.
Glad you had a great time!
Never noticed how much hair Ethan has! Lucky bugger!
Fun day! Yay Becca.
That’s what I like most about So Cal… the quiet time early in the morning. It’s the best time to go out and explore.
So glad you had a great time! Do you have more pictures to share???
You are so wise to let her do things herself as much as possible. Way to go! It also sounds like you had a lovely time at the beach, something that I wish we could do now and then.
We just get to head to the mountains instead. LOL.
Sounds like you had a wonderful time! I’m glad. I love the pictures you shared. Becca’s hat is so cute.
Sounds like fun - on my hit list of places to visit one day! Good on you for encouraging Becca to climb - better that our kids get there with encouragement rather than being limited with any anxieties or fears we may have! (I am so still working on it)
awww that is sweet! I am so glad you had an awesome day! I can’t wait to go to the beach with our little ones!
oops I forgot to change my stuff.. it’s fixed now!
I love Becca’s very stylish hat! Glad to hear you enjoyed such a great day yesterday!
Love the hat!
Your kids are sooooo cute! Looks like you had loads of fun
Great pics. You’re kids are off the chart adorable.
I totally agree on the lesson you taught Becca. My daughter is an amazing climber and much, much more daring than her little friends. We have tried to instill courage in both of our children. Of course it helps that my husband is a mountain climber. But I see the spill over into many areas of their lives. And of course we are there just in case!
How in the world do you still have time to blog?! Amazing! You are amazing!