Our prize mini carrot. We nibbled on it like we were the "littles".

Two funny things Matt has been up to this week.
1. Copyright. He has become a serious writer. So what this looks like. Well, he picks a book, and then he proceeds to write it out in his little binder he created. And he takes this very serious. Eraser is in hand and perfection is demanded. Letters are beautiful. Sometimes we have to review and highlight the big words. And sometimes the punctuation. He did bring one copy to his teacher. When she asked him the meaning of the bigger words on his paper he had no idea. I looked really bad in that moment. Because yes, I did my parenting teaching duty and reviewed all words. But he wrote out a whole paragraph on this complicated airplane. Mrs. Cantrell... I promise I teach him at home.

2. When I picked him up from school Matt and his buddies greeted me with the news that one of their students barfed today in class. So when I saw Matt he looked very bothered. I asked him what was wrong. "mom, today caitlin puked in the trash can and I thought I was going to puke also. I'm still sick".  So rule out Doctor for Matt.

We were able to celebrate sweet cousin Caitlins sixth birthday together ! And how fun is Benihana's? Matt loved watching the chief cook. He liked the part when he throws up the food into his little cap. Good times. Good food.



 She is such a good sport. Loves spending time with Matt. She is spunky and is the only 6 year old I know who eats raw fish.


 Only problem with this place is that they give you too many dishes. Not enough room.


 Being silly...
 Matt has this deal with hugs. He hugs and lifts. Everyone is a challenge to him. You are very strong Matt.

Something funny about Matt's stage of life. He actually really does care about what he wears and how his hair looks. The hair, must be pushed all forward. I offer regularly styling gel to add some variety. But NO. All forward. He did mention that perhaps next year for his school picture he might try some hair gel. For instance, he remembered to wear a different shirt for picture day other than his uniform. No other second grader did that. When he chooses his outfit, its always a collared shirt. He prefers only tennis shoes. No cute converses for him. 

I can't believe that I missed so many pictures from this weekend. Not only were we visited by Mandy, Phill and Ruby, but also Erin and her three girls. As well as my Uncle Lu and his family. Not a single picture to show for it. Hum.. I guess I am a little "foggy" these days.

Well, onto one of our favorite activities. The BEACH.
Dear Silver Strand Beach,
Sorry for all the sea shells we have taken. I believe our numbers are in the hundreds, but please know that we carefully consider each shell, and display them beautifully back in our desert home in Arizona. We also promise to only take the dead sand dollars. Even though it is very tempting.
Thank you sincerely,
Coffelts





 James and Matt wake up first thing in the morning and do their first sweep of the beach. Then of course we return during the afternoon for the usual, and then... we go again in the evening. I just love the ocean breeze, the sounds, how happy Matthew is running up and down. Every shell, rock, seaweed piece is amazing in his eyes. I love it.

 James and Matt took a long kayak through the bay around the corner to a different cove. I met them there with a picnic lunch. Then my stud of a husband told me to jump in with Matthew and he would pull us home. It was awesome. Part of his work out for the day also :)


My one shot of Ruby and Matt together on the marshmellow couch on the boat. I almost had them cuddled together watching their movie. But Matt caught me. They were cuddled. Matt.... don't mess this up, Ruby could be your future wife.

Time to get out of the heat and enjoy some ocean breeze. Labor day weekend is here and its time to go visit Grandma and Grandpa Jensen in Coronado!!! I couldn't pack fast enough.  Even though it was only for a few days, it was a dream come true. We love the boat.


 Matt was really mastering casting. And tangling up the fishing pole. :)

 Grandma J and Matt went for a few adventures. Its so fun to explore the harbor and look for jelly fish, sting rays, things out of order. Whatever. And of course my personal favorite, names of boats.

 The Coffelt boys had their first sailing lessons on the Kite. Apparently this boat is over 50 years old. We will return to that later. But, Dad took James out and hooked him. Matt was game for the new adventure. And yes, even me.... I took to the seas. I had to prove my skills to both Dad and James. There was a lot of talk coming from me. So the challenge was on.

 We took the boat out on the bay to see the tall ships which were in the harbor and also to hear the San Diego Symphony play. The troops brought in real cannons to shoot off with fireworks at the end. And we were anchored perfectly. (thank you James and Dad) We had front row seats to the most beautiful display of fireworks. And LOUD.

 The tall ships seemed a little small. O'well.
 There are the cannons. It was so awesome, we even went back again the next night to hear and see it.

 Boom!!! This whole thing put Matt into the giggles and we could not get him to stop saying "boom". Each time laughing, giggling about the word. Oh boy.

 Beautiful San Diego downtown lights behind us. What a perfect night!! Oh, and it was red tide on the way back. Which means the water glows with agitation. So it was actually magical.


So the three boys went for a real sail. I mean, they left the safety of the channel and took to the bay. They were out for awhile. And sure enough. They came back, being towed. The rudder had snapped in half. Remember 50 year old boat. Well, of course it happened on James duty.  Hopefully this will not scar him. He did offer to swim them back pulling the boat. Now that would have been a great picture!!!