To the Beach, Okay?

Can anyone besides Ryan identify that quote? Anyone?

My King Prawn Muppet-adoring husband (Google it, people!) suggested we escape the heat wave by venturing out to Baker Beach on Sunday. For the very first time, Ethan watched the waves crash on the shore, smelled the salty air, and ate the felt the sand between his fingers. He seemed fascinated with the new sights and sounds, and squealed with delight when the water washed over his feet.







The sun, surf, and sand made for one super spectacular day!

Future Golfer?

We took a day trip down the coast while Pa-Pa, Oma, and Aunt Mary were here visiting. We went to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and introduced Ethan to fish, sharks, sea otters, and Oma's favorite - penguins. While we were there, we also toured the 17-Mile Drive at Pebble Beach. It's an absolutely gorgeous route along the beach and on the edge of rocky cliffs.


Sarah jokes that Ethan will not be allowed to play football or hockey when he grows up due to the risk of injury. Golf is found on the short list of her pre-approved sports, along with swimming, bowling, and ultimate frisbee. Perhaps the early exposure to one of the world's greatest golf courses will instill a love of the *safe* game.




We also took a tour around San Francisco, visiting the Ferry Building Farmers Market, Alamo Square, and the Cliff House for a sunset dinner over Ocean Beach. Ethan was such a trooper, adjusting easily to napping in the car or stroller instead of his crib. Even though he missed out on a few hours of sleep, he stayed pretty happy all day - especially when we made our way to the playground.

He sure does love swinging, and we have a great time listening to his happy squeals of delight!

Leaving on a Jet Plane

By the time you read this, we'll be on our way back East for Christmas (or already there!). As we write this, however, we're still in the Bay Area, frantically completing our last minute preparations. We learned a lot about traveling with a baby when we flew to Minnesota for Thanksgiving, and are hoping that this knowledge will serve us well on this trip. We'll be flying into Washington, D.C. to see Ethan's Pa-Pa, Oma, and lots of aunts and uncles. We'll also make our way to Pittsburgh to visit the Ventura family, and Charlottesville to see Ethan's Grandma. We're so excited about this trip, and are almost all ready to go. Thank goodness Ethan is around to help us pack!

Growing By Leaps and Bounds...

We knew that babies grew fast, but this fast? Ethan already seems so much bigger than he was when he was born, and has definitely developed in personality since then. He spends a lot more time with his eyes wide open, looking around and taking in the world around him. He has a ton of new facial expressions, and a cute new belly button now that his cord has fallen off. Daddy has been waiting for this to happen before setting up Ethan's first photo shoot, so be on the lookout for some great new pictures soon! Here's a little something to tide you over until then:


Ethan went on his first field trip last week, visiting Muir Woods to see the Redwoods with Mommy, Daddy, and Grandma & Grandpa Emerson. Grandpa had a great time carrying Ethan through the park in the baby sling and, judging by his snoozing, Ethan was quite fond of the experience, too!

We've never seen Grandpa quite so happy as when he was with Ethan!

Remember the Gloworm dolls? We think he's the spittin' image...

We're having so much fun watching Ethan develop into a little person, and can't wait to see what tomorrow holds!