A Day at the Beach

Two weeks ago we finally had a free weekend so the three of us drove to Ventura for a beach day. Neither Collin nor I had ever been to Ventura really so it was a great adventure for us all! We took Highway 126 all the way out - what a beautiful drive!! We didn't have directions but just figured we'd find what we were looking for by just exploring. We came upon a great beach at the end of California street. They had a large swing set, a play structure and of course the sand and water.

We had lunch at The Habit and then made our way to the beach. Tyler tried out the swings first. He LOVED them so much! He and Daddy just giggled and giggled. I don't know if I've ever seen him smile so much. A little later in the day the two of us also took a ride on the swings. It was fun!
We then tried the slide. He was such a big boy letting go of Daddy's hands and sliding down without help. I don't know who was more scared - Tyler or Daddy?!?
We then spread out our towels and played in the sand. He loved scooping up the sand and then eating it of course. He was also amazed at two kids playing catch. He just stood there watching them throw the ball back and forth. They thought he was pretty funny too! His head bounced back and forth watching that ball so intently. I think he is all boy - loving any kind of ball!
After some sand time we headed down to the water. Daddy took Tyler into the waves first. That water was COOOLDDDD!!! Tyler loved it and immediately wanted to be put down. When the first wave crashed over his toes he just laughed. He was so happy to play in the water. As it receded he ran after it! I know we have a water boy on our hands! The trips to the Bahamas and Hawaii this fall will be so much fun!

When we had enough of the cold water Tyler cuddled in Daddy's lap. He was very sleepy so we packed up and put him in his stroller. There is a great walkway next to the sand so we wandered down the path. It didn't take long for Tyler to fall asleep. We then checked out downtown Ventura. It's a cute little town. We found a Rocket Fizz - a fun store of candy and old fashioned sodas. We got some treats and sat to enjoy them. By this time, Tyler was awake. He enjoyed a little milk and some Sixlets. A great end to a great day at the beach!

Tooth Number 15

Tooth number 15, the bottom right canine, poked through around midnight last night. Happy Memorial Day to us!!! I will be so thankful when teething is finished. They are just so painful for him. Motrin and teething tablets are our friends during this time and I'm kinda glad they come at night so we only have to use one dose and then everything is better. His mouth is looking so full. Only 5 baby teeth to go!

Banner day - New tooth and new word

Lots of new things today. Tooth number 14 is poking through. It's the top left canine this time. He seems to be handling everything ok. He's a little stubborn because he is so tired rubbing his eyes but he won't go down for a nap. After 30 minutes I went back into his room to give him a little Motrin, some milk, read a story and cuddle to try to get him to actually sleep instead of playing in his crib. He picked one of his favorite books Brown Bear, Brown Bear to read. We read it the first time and then he loves to go back and read it again. During the second read I actually don't read it but instead I point to the animal, show him the sign for the animal and make the animal sound. We got to the third page and I said "duck, yellow duck, duck." He pointed to the duck and said "duh." I wasn't sure I was hearing it correctly so I said "duck" again and again he said "duh." I was so excited - his fourth word. We continued to read and then jumped back to the third page. Again and again he said "duh." So I guess it's official, Tyler's fourth word is "duh" (duck). Now we have dog, ball, no, and duck! He can almost have a conversation with us now!

Hart Park Zoo

Last Sunday morning we met our friends the Simcoxs and Perrys for breakfast. The kids were so well behaved. We were put in the corner of the patio which was perfect because Tyler got antsy and was wandering around the corner! It was a perfect location. The adults were recuperating from the day before - our sunburns and fun times at Emma's first birthday and pool party. After breakfast we went to Hart Park and visited the zoo. The kids loved the animals!

The ducks!
If only I could grab the ducks!!!
Emma loves them too!
I want to give them my fingers!
Can't wait to see more with Daddy!
Tyler and Keaton talking about the pig.
Running to the cow.
Watch those fingers Keaton!
Emma is concentrating on those chickens.
The boys
All three kiddos
Giving kisses! Watch out Keaton, they're coming for you!

Natural History Museum

When I taught first grade in Culver City, every year we took our kiddos to the Natural History Museum in LA. It was always a highlight of the year for my kiddos. In the spring and summer they always have a butterfly pavilion. I scheduled a day at the museum with our Mommy group. We had so much fun. Tyler was amazed by the butterflies. He chased a few, tried to bite one on a leaf and just loved playing in the dirt. It's the simple things! Inside the museum, Tyler loved the animal displays. Unfortunately I forgot my camera card so I only have a few pictures from the day. It was definitely a fun one though and I look forward to visiting the pavilion and museum again!

The boys - Braden, Tyler and Keaton
Big smiles!

Emma's First Birthday!

Last weekend we celebrated Emma's first birthday! This past year has brought us much joy and many new friends. The Simcox family has become some of our closest friends. We were so thrilled to celebrate the day with them. It was a beautiful party at their community pool. The sun was shining. Emma was adorable in her pink tutu and zebra print one onesie. Tyler actually kept his pirate ship hat on - MIRACLE! Keaton demonstrated his ability to pull up and stand!

We had a little lunch and the kiddos shared their snacks with one another. Because of the heat we stayed in the shade as much as possible. The kids traveled around the lounge chair while babbling with one another. After lunch it was cake time. Tyler helped Emma with cake. Emma wasn't quite sure about it at first but then she realized how wonderful it was and dove right in. Tyler sure looked good in pink!


After cake it was time for the pool. This was the first time he has been in the pool since last summer. I wasn't sure how he'd react. I carefully lowered him in to the water where he immediately began to giggle! The giggling last for over an hour and a half. He had no trouble going under the water and while in our arms would dunk his face into the water. I'm so excited he is like the rest of us Dodds girls and loves the water!!! I can't wait for our swimming lessons that start next month.

Look at those smiles!!! We have three water babies!

Painting Time

Tyler and I went to an open art studio for their toddler time painting fun yesterday. We went with a few other mommies from my mommy group. It was so fun to try it out! Tyler loved to eat the paintbrush. We painted one picture with the paintbrush and the other two with his fingers. Finger painting is definitely his forte!

Painting smock - what's outside Mama?
Let me go check!
Are we done with the pictures yet?
Finger painting fun!!!
Snack time with Tenaya and JD. We worked up an appetite!