El Capitan Beach

Thanks to my brother, Ben, and all of his amazing planning, foresight and organizing, we ventured on our first family camping trip last week. To be honest we were a little nervous taking our young and very active tikes camping, but after only the first and final escape of Luca to another camp site down the road did we all settle in for our time of fun. The kids had a blast taking walks and playing on the beach, roasting marshmallows, watching the camp fire and of course sleeping in the tent. The trip had some ups and downs starting with Jonathan having back/shoulder problems which prevented him from coming with us on the first night. Melissa was not feeling well and Maddie still had her cold. And then for the final night we would have had to switch campsites, so we opted to just cut the trip short after 2 nights and end our time with a BBQ at mom and dad's house. It was wonderful to have the concentrated time with family. We are already looking forward to our next summer of family camping and as the kids get older they too will appreciate it all the more.

It was so cute to see the cousins interacting with each other. Emma and Luca particularly really love Maddie and thought she was rather funny. Not having seen Luca interact much with other kids younger than himself we were really surprised by the tenderness he showed Maddie. He would fix her glasses for her when they got off-centered, give her random kisses and hugs and just was very interested in her. The day after they left he went around the house saying "baby, baby?" We are finding Luca to be our most affectionate child who loves everyone and is ready and willing to give a big hug. We made some wonderful memories and here are some pictures to remind us.