Ventura

Prior to our hot Fourth of July, we cooled off by the beach in Ventura with Bill, Patty, William and Alison, and my parents and sis.

My aunt, uncle and cousins are in town from Washington, and we love seeing them. We met them Thursday afternoon, stayed the night and enjoyed all day Friday in Ventura.

It was the first time since our first anniversary (almost five years ago!) that Stace and I stayed overnight in our favorite beach town.

This time, we and the rest of the family stayed near the harbor, with a view of water and boats from our balcony. It was great to walk to dinner, and walk back for bed.

On Thursday, we checked out the visitor center for the nearby Channel Islands National Park, with exhibits on the local animals and sea life. It's one of those places we've enjoyed over the years, and it was great sharing it with Cora now that she is getting old enough to enjoy it. Aunt Patty got Cora a great book on ocean creatures, which is at the top of Cora's current "must read" list.

We also played in the sand, and Stace and Cora got wet. It was beautiful, though the wind was a little chilly. That's why Cora isn't in a bathing suit.

When we were getting packed to leave the house Thursday morning, Cora found her buckets and excitedly put them aside for the beach. She talked about playing in the sand all day, and all morning Friday, until we got to the beach!

We then went downtown to get a snack and window shop, before having Mexican food on the way home. It was a great couple of days, and felt like a little vacation.

Oh, and like Cora's pony tails? This was the first time I've put her hair up in two pony tails. She looked so grown up. She is definitely a little girl now.