Dana Point

On Friday, Mike was working in our yard, so I took Landon on a morning adventure. We explored the area behind the Ocean Institute in Dana Point. If you go down the steps, there is a "secret" beach with tide pools. The tide was too high for the tide pools, but we had fun running around the beach.

The waves were rough and there were a lot of rocks, so I don't really think it's an area to swim, just to run around and splash in the water.

Every time the waves crashed and the water came up to us, Landon started laughing and ran behind my legs to hide. He thought it was so funny.

Another safe place Landon found besides my legs.

Landon's rock collection.

I love his smile! :)

Landon is waving at two helicopters flying by (if you click on the picture to enlarge it, you will see two black dots in the distance).

My favorite picture...look at Landon's lips...he's smakin' me a kiss. xoxo

Keeping busy

In addition to swim lessons (*see previous post), Landon and I have been taking a Mommy and Me class at My Gym for the past couple months. It is an action packed class that involves songs, games, gymnastics, exploration and puppet shows. Landon's teacher is Mr. Bill and he always has one or two helpers. Each week there are new, fun activities that are very engaging for the children. Landon always has a great time! Here are a few pictures of some of the activities...

Morning Walk

Yesterday morning, Landon and I went for a morning walk in Balboa. The weather was perfect and we both had a lot of fun!

We took the ferry to Balboa Peninsula. Landon enjoyed watching the boats and waving to all the people.

Ready to exit into the Fun Zone.

We walked to the Balboa Pier. I absolutely LOVE this picture! It is so adorable how Landon is peeking at the water while resting his chin on his hands.

Landon clapped as the waves crashed onto the shore.

After our walk down the pier, Landon spotted a play area (he has a special talent for doing this!). Although it was a small play area, it was right on the sand with a view of the ocean...can't get any better than that!

So happy!

Swim Lessons

For the past month, Landon and I have been taking a Parent and Me swim class. Since I am in the pool with Landon, I haven't been able to take any pictures. However, I had to reschedule a class, so I made it for a day that Mike could come and watch (and take pictures...heehee).

Landon enjoys his class and participates in all the different activities. It's a heated, indoor pool that uses a saline system. The class is small, with a maximum of 6 students.

Normally it's a Mommy and Me class, but I guess all the dads go on Saturdays. :) So sweet...too bad Mike didn't have his swim trunks!

Landon really likes his swim instructor, Miss Jessica. He loves to give her high fives and often reaches out for her to take him.

We practice kicking, floating, going underwater, etc.

Miss Jessica was using Landon to demonstrate a kicking technique.

I just dunked Landon under the water and he is about to knock down the turtle. He thinks it's so fun!

Hip, hip, hooray...way to go Landon!

Water Park

This afternoon, Landon and I went to Ladera's water park.

It is rather big compared to the splash pad at our pool, but since Landon loves the water, I thought we should check it out.

If it wasn't for the big bucket of water that poured out into the middle of the pool every few minutes, Landon would have loved it. If he was out of the water, he smiled and clapped when the water poured out, but he didn't like it much when it splashed near him in the pool.

He enjoyed walking and splashing in the shallow water. Actually, the water is only 18 inches at its deepest point.

Doing some exploring and...

trying to steer this thing away from the big bucket of water (heehee :).

Landon spent quite a bit of time running around the grass area and...

playing peek-a-boo with Mommy.

Heading home with my smiley boy.

Exploring Nature

This morning, Landon and I went on an outing to the Environmental Nature Center in Newport Beach. In particular, I wanted to check out their Butterfly House.

Heading into the Butterfly House...

Although I was expecting something bigger, it was the perfect size for Landon.

It was an interesting experience having butterflies flutter all around us.

They have a few different species of butterflies.

"Hmmm, I wonder if I can catch this one?"

My little explorer was also examining the dirt, ants and rocks. :)

After the Butterfly House (which you can see in the background), we went for a little walk.

It was rather warm, so we stopped for a drink and snack, before heading into the building to check out the...

SNAKES!

All in all, it was a nice outing that didn't even cost a penny (except for gas).