We've been camping at San Elijo State Beach since 1980 when my dear brother was two years old. (We have pictures of him being potty trained in the middle of the street because, why not?)

We learned how to boogie board there. I began a life-long habit of washing my feet before bed there. We stayed up late, roasted marshmallows, slept outside on cots, and chased boys. I experienced my first kiss there. San Elijo is part of my childhood, part of my upbringing, part of my history.

My parents still camp there with our longtime friends Sam and Sandi and it is a joy to join them when we can for some play and some dinner after work. The other night, Sam, for all purposes a man who is as much my uncle as anything else, took Jack under his wing to show him how to tend the fire. Sam did this for me and all the other kids back in the 80's. The beat goes on...

A nature walk

Jack and his buddy Odin on a nature hike at school today.

Boys. Enough said.

And I quote . . . #2

While vacuuming yesterday:

"Mom! Don't vacuum me! I am NOT a CRUMB!"

And I quote . . . #1

Jack: When I grow up to be a girl, I'm going to have a Hello Kitty bike.

JaxMom: Cool. Don't tell Dad.

The Dread Pirate Jack

Compliments of his friend from preschool, a pirate hat and scope. We also have a sword. After dinner, we patrol the street looking for coyotes.


The Dread Pirate Jack is a fierce coyote hunter.

Photo: G'Mom

Brand new

Jack has a new cousin!This little pea pod:
Isn't he the cutest? Cannot wait to meet him in a couple of weeks.

The bowel blues

Once again, we're dealing with the pooping problem (or lack thereof). We are on week two of prescribed stuff that's supposed to make Jack more regular (as in not waiting 7 days to poop). The goal, according to the doc, is to have a poop once a day. The closest we've gotten to this lofty goal is 5 days.

Jack's down and out with a fever (which lately seems to to be the precursor to the poop), so we're spending the day after the 4th laying on the couch. (By the way, took in a total of 5 fireworks and declared "I want to go home!" Did much better watching from G'Mom's lawn and not directly below the action.)


A picture of a happier weekend when cousin T and Jack took in a matinee on the couch.