The warm, balmy Ventura summer is drifting by. Summer for our family means daily trips to the swimming pool, more visits with friends, and regular outings to the beach, local parks, and hiking trails. A favorite summer spot for the boys (and Mom) is the Lake Casitas Water Park, where we can all ride innertubes on the lazy river and enjoy the huge water playground.
Toby has been wowing us with his magic skills all summer. He loves to pull a rabbit out of his hat, to make his thumb disappear, and, most impressive, shrink his magic wand down to size. The ultimate showman, he told us he wanted to perform a "magic show" for the 12 kids who celebrated his birthday at our pool. But when the actual moment to perform arrived, he suffered from serious stage fright. Later, he confided to me in wonder, "Mommy, I didn't know all of those people were coming to my party!"
Joshua recently completed a week of "surf camp" at a local beach. For six hours a day he was kayaking, boogie boarding, learning key elements of water safety, and surfing. He was the youngest kid in the class, but quick to stand up on the board and very brave, even eager, to try new things in the salty waves. (click photos to enlarge)
