Hello?

Testing, testing...can you hear me?  Is anyone out there?

Rather than rattle off excuses for my absence  let's just move on and pretend it never happened.

After a week long work conference in Utah I came back to celebrate Father's Day and John's birthday then Cohen and I were off to the annual Matern family reunion at Carlsbad beach.

Snuggling after playing in the sand and water

Aunt Corrine owns a children's consignment store and couldn't resist this stunning piece of swim attire.  She knew just the boy for it and it made spotting him very easy.

Grandpa and I after some body surfing and boogie boarding.  He's still got it at 83!

My sisters and I with our dear cousin Marissa who never goes in the water except when accompanied by her favorite cousins in the world...us:)

Cohen LOVES the water.  He wants to kick, blow bubbles, and not be held.

More fun swimming with Uncle Weston

Fourth of July fireworks.  Cohen was not happy with  noise at first, then he would say boom every time he saw one, and because they went on for a while he ended up lying down on me and practically falling asleep.

A county fair find from my parents.  They are sandals that stick to your feet.  At first it felt weird then I got used to it.  I've worn them a few times, not out and about but as more of a joke. John HATES them and keeps threatening to throw them away.  I think not, Sir.

We were given tickets to a Dodger game from John's boss.  They were amazing seats, a few rows behind first base.  It was a fun date!

Lastly, while on summer vacation I've been trying to do something fun with Cohen as often as possible.  On the suggestion of a good friend we all took the light rail to Union Station and then crossed the street to Olvera street where we looked at the fun knick knacks and dined on delicious Mexican food.  Cohen would not eat a chip unless it was drenched in Salsa, a proud moment for me.  This was the only picture I took, it's the boys in front of Mickey in a pirates uniform in L.A.'s union station.