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This Spring has been particularly chilly in San Diego. April had many gray days, and the temperature rarely made it to the 70s. I know , I know, it is still amazing weather compared to many other parts of the country or world, but still it’s a little of a bummer for San Diego.

However, we still found plenty of fun activities to do. In fact the “bad” weather has its advantages. For example we were able to find a prime parking spot in downtown La Jolla. We took a nice stroll, under a light drizzle, and went to Children’s Pool, now firmly in the hands of lots and lots of sea lion and seals. I will not get in the controversy about this, but it has been an ongoing battle between environmentalists who want the seal to stay, and others who want them to go. So far the seals are winning, in part helped by the fact that would cost a huge amount of money to clean up the beach for human use. Bottom line it is really cool to see them relaxing on the beach or rocks, with cormorants keeping them company.

By the way, do you know how to recognize a sea lion from a seal?

1. Sea lions make very loud, barking noises.
2. Sea lions have actual external ears
3. Sea Lions have large, developed front fins they can use to “walk”

Keegan love to watch seals and sea lions rest with their pups. You get an awesome view from the curved walkaway overlooking the beach. Very cute, if a little smelly.

end of the walkaway. Watch out for the big waves
 

Under gray skies we talk a walk by the coast and had a picnic inside Matt’s truck, overlooking the ocean. Keegan was well equipped for the weather with his monster hood and jacket.

We also found the time for another birthday party. This time was Brady’s turn, a good friend of Keegan’s from school. He had a super heroes party, with a bouncy, games and extra costumes to try on. Keegan wore the captain America’s costume. The best part of the party was when some of the Avengers (Hulk, Captain America and Thor) came in. They were actually friends of the family, but it did not matter. The kids wrestled them on the bouncie and chase them around. Captain America even presented the cake to the birthday boy.

There was also a pinata, which is always fun.

May brought a little better weather: not as much marine layer as usual, probably because the temperatures remained pretty low. We will cheer to that: it is a good trade off.We did have a couple of beautiful, warm, cloudless weekends though. In one of them we went to visit Cabrillo Natural Park. We timed it pretty well, for once, and got there shortly after low tide. That is the perfect time to go, because Cabrillo is famous for its tide pools. We carefully threaded though water and slippery rocks, and got to admire the amazing sea life. We saw fish, crabs, hermit crabs, anemones, and all kind of other creatures.

We played  on the beach, and admired the weird looking rocks.

We even spotted a lobster tail (or claw, I am not an expert).

Isn’t this place amazing? It does remind me a little of the italian Riviera (Liguria).

After the pools, we took a short hike, made much longer by Keegan’s whining, and we headed to the lighthouse. It has been only used for a few decades, since they soon realized tit was getting engulfed in fog more often than not, but it has been preserved, so you have the chance to see how a family from that time lived. Amazing how they managed to live in such cramped quarters, in such isolation…Quite interesting.

Keegan really enjoyed the spiral staircase and looking inside the lamp. All this excitement made Keegan so tired he asked if he could sleep in the car…which meant he did not sleep at all at home. Well, naps are getting a lot more hit and miss, so we are transitioning to “quiet time”, with limited success, so far, but we are still learning…

Besides exciting weekends, Keegan keeps on doing his usual activities. So far, swimming is the only constant. I can’t say he is thrilled about it, but, living in San Diego, we feel is essential for him to become a strong swimmer, especially if he wants to surf or body-board one day. It has been already three years, and he has improved a lot, but he needs to be a much stronger swimmer to face the ocean. So we keep on going, despite his complaints. There are two things he really likes about swimming lessons though: Parents Night Outs, when he gets to watch a movie, swim and eat pizza with other kids at night time and…Isabella. She is a 12 yo Portuguese-American girl that used to swim in his class. She is now at a higher level, but swims at the same time as him. She is always so nice to him, and always likes to hug him and he has quite a crush on her.

Well, there is one thing I can say about Keegan. At least at this time, he seems to be VERY  interested in girls. One day he told me he can’t wait to be a grown up so he can see girls naked! Not sure how much he says this stuff just for effect, but seeing his reaction to, and fascination for a half naked Beyonce during superbowl half time show I think we are in trouble…

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It is hard to believe this is already my 6th Mother’s Day. I do enjoy this day because I can really stop and think how lucky I am to have such a wonderful little boy as a son…now, this does not mean he does not drive me crazy at times, but he is still healthy, happy and fun, so I have to be grateful.

I started the weekend early with a nice massage on Friday: it was last year’s gift from my guys…better late than never. Then, Keegan’s preschool had a special party for all mothers. It was nice to see all the other moms and eat some delicious sweets. I also got to bring home the present and card Keegan worked so hard to make for me: a nice pot he painted, planted with daisies.

It was inside a decorated paper bag and accompanied by a sweet card. I could not believe Keegan actually drew us in it. I assume I am the one with the long hair. Not quite sure why I don’t get to have a body while he does, but it is all right.

The weekend was nice. I started it by calling my own mom to wish her Happy Mother’s day. Then it was my turn. Unfortunately Matt was not feeling well, and he rested most of the weekend, but he still managed to prepare a nice Mother Day celebration for me.What a trooper!

This is what I saw as I woke up from my morning nap! (-:

He got me some pretty, and deliciously smelling flowers, and bought me a beautiful blown glass vase from Guatemala, which Keegan picked.

I even got a wonderful Jade necklace from Brazil, also chosen by Keegan. And, as he noticed, when it is closed, it is shaped like a heart.

As is now tradition, we took our mom-son picture together. I should string them all together to see how he has changed. Of course, I always look the same. (-:

once again, with more cuddles

The rest of the day was quiet and relaxing. Keegan behaved the whole day, which was the best gift. It was a good Mother’s Day weekend. Matt celebrated me even more the following weekend, when he pampered me with an awesome French Toast breakfast and delicious dinner. Who am I to say NO to an extended celebration?

I am definitely lucky to such wonderful guys in my life! Thank you for making me feel so loved.

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