Oh look, shells

The ocean is probably the most amazing thing that exists on this planet. All life on earth thrives because of the beautiful dance between the ocean and the sun. When the tide goes out, it's like peeling back a curtain to reveal the magic happening under the water. The tide pools near Half Moon Bay are teeming with life. Theo and I spent all afternoon climbing over rocks, peering into the water, and poking various sea creatures. I couldn't get enough. 

Despite my obsession, Theo is super timid around the ocean. I think that the more time we can spend out there the better. I'm sure it just feels very unfamilair to him. He hears the distant crashing waves and instantly wants to scramble up into my arms. The tide pools were great though, because they are far from the wave breaks and offered lots of distractions. 

As we explored from pool to pool you could see hundreds of tiny things crawling and hiding in the small holes. We searched and searched for star fish but came up empty handed. We did however see tons of sea anemones, purple-shore crabs, clams, shellfish, and hermit crabs. There were also dozens of sun-bathing seals nearby. Theo was honestly more interested in throwing rocks into the water than seeing sea creatures, but we'll pretend like he cared.

“Theo was honestly more interested in throwing rocks into the water than seeing sea creatures, but we’ll pretend like he cared.”

Since we were in a marine reserve area there was a sign stating that we weren't allowed to take anything home from the beach, such as shells or rocks. I explained this to Theo but he wasn't having it. Every time I wasn't looking he just kept stuffing his pockets with sea shells. We may or may not have a whole bunch of contraband rocks and shells at our house right now.

“...I explained this to Theo but he wasn’t having it. Every time I wasn’t looking he just kept stuffing his pockets with sea shells. We may or may not have a whole bunch of contraband rocks and shells at our house right now.”

Funny dad moment: Theo wanted to jump over a little pool of water. Thinking that it would make a cool photo I told him to go for it, and stepped away from him to get the shot. Well, he didn't make it. 10 points for being a smart dad with consequential thinking. I got a few glares from nearby moms as he was bawling because his shoes were now soaked. I did however, get the shot but the handful of people and the grumpy old lady in the background kind of ruined it. Sorry buddy. 

Every time we go out exploring and I bring my camera along he asks if he can take pictures too. I'm always a little reluctant because I don't want it broken but I gave in. When your child wants to be just like you it's hard to say no. Yesterday he awkwardly held my heavy camera clicked away on the shutter as he peered through the viewfinder. He pointed the camera at the sky, at my shoes, at the sand, and then right at me. Mimicking me, he aimed the lens and said, "Say cheeeeeese." I laughed as I looked at this tiny little boy holding a big camera and said cheese. When I uploaded the photos later that night I found this gem. Nothing makes me happier than my little boy, especially when he's trying to be just like me. It's a proud (and kind of scary) feeling to have a little shadow. Also, I have a huge mustache and it makes me laugh every time I walk past a mirror. Here's to documenting this mustache moment, because it's probably going to be short-lived.

“Mimicking me, he aimed the lens and said, “Say cheeeeeese.” I laughed as I looked at this tiny little boy holding a big camera and said cheese. When I uploaded the photos later that night I found this gem.”

The whole day was great. Sara had some dance classes to teach so Theo and I basically spent all day just he and I. We don't get to do this very often, but we should because we get some great bonding time. Not necessarily by choice, Sara is usually the default parent. He asks her for everything but whenever hey and I spend a lot of time together I get to finally be the go-to person...or at least for the next 48 hours. 

But seriously, the ocean. It's amazing. It puts everything in life into perspective.

 

Other posts you might like...