Daddy the Waterman

As many of you know, Joe loves to play. If you have ever skied powder with him, you have heard his hootin' & hollerin' that reminds you of the true joy you are experiencing. Even riding bikes, hiking, or skate skiing, Joe takes the opportunity to express his enthusiasm for being out there, connecting with the Earth's energy. Growing up in Idaho, his major influence as a waterman was the river, hungry for the thrill of whitewater. Now in California, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, Joe's appetite for play is bigger than ever. He finds it vital to connect with the ocean daily, whether he is surfing, paddling, snorkeling, swimming or fishing, the ocean seems to call his name. As his skin continues to get red and dry, he refuses to find fault in the salt water. He can't imagine being away from this massive expanse that covers more than half of the globe. It is looking like California will be home for awhile. These photos are from a recent trip we took to Santa Cruz.

Steamers. What a treat for this big boy.

Paddling a stand up board is a new favorite.

Blogworthy

WARNING: This could happen to you too when white winter skin meets Southern California sunshine. Lookin' good Brian!

Celebrating with G & G Carberry

We just wrapped up another wonderful time with grandparents. Joe's parents left today (we miss you already...as soon as we got home from the airport Sam asked where Grandma and Grandpa were). I am amazed at how fast these moments are passing. Sam loves it when we pull out the blow up bed. He has figured out that it means "slumber party" including jump and wrestle in the living room. Evan loves the extra bodies to snuggle and is perfectly content being held constantly. Thanks for the extra hands. I am currently feeling a little under staffed. I have posted some of the highlights of the past week.


Evan seemed to enjoy his first bike ride down to watch the "Festival of Whales" parade. This was taken before Sam got in with him.

Another brilliant invention by Sam the Man. Here he is kayaking.

Grandpa Carberry is looking mighty fine is his wetsuit. He's suiting up for his kayak tour of Boat Cove.

Paddling out just prior to the capsize. Not to worry a little cold salt water is actually quite refreshing. I was impressed with grandpa's willingness to get back in the boat.

Just a cute one of Grandma and her cherub.

Evan is showing grandpa how well he can stand on two feet.

Although you can't tell from the candles on the cake, I just celebrated my 33rd year. Sam was so excited to have a party for mama and helped grandma pick out the cake and party supplies (homemade party hats and all). Thanks for all of the birthday wishes. The thirties are much better than they're made out to be. As far as I can tell life continues to follow the natural highs and lows, yet in the present you see the constant beauty and perfection.

When Grandma's away, Grandpa will play!

This past weekend my parents came to visit. Grandpa Doug took full advantage of the the nice weather and a chance to reconnect with the ocean, while Grandma June commuted to the big city for a postpartum doula training. We began the weekend with a day trip to Boat Cove Beach where Grandpa even paddled out.


Sam made the trip out to sea as well with dad steering the kayak and grandpa following in his own boat. They made it over to look at the Sea Lions, which Sam didn't even notice because he was already fast asleep.



The following day we made the trip to San Onofre Beach for relaxing and barbecuing.




Remember this beach is referred to as "Old Man's" so we thought Sam and Grandpa should dress the part. Grandma really dislikes it when Grandpa wears his pants this high...Sam thinks it is hilarious.


Evan loving his daddy time. I think the feeling is mutual.


My purpose for posting this photo below was not for Sam's full moon (which is cute) but for the silhouette of Grandpa (classic stance, eh?) and the cool texture and color of the sky that evening.

We're still trying to get a nice family photo for the holiday card....I guess we'll keep trying.

Thanks for making the trip. We hope you make it out again for spring break. Will it be paddle-boarding in the harbor Grandpa? Hopefully Grandma will get to play too next time! We love you and miss you already. xoxo

p.s. Let me know how the car rental turned out.

inspiration:

Just wanted to share a passage that my yoga teacher shared in class yesterday and of course, more photos of Evan.

It is the third planet from the sun. A tiny, blue sphere spinning for a moment in time. A remarkable place that was kind enought to yield just the right elements to sustain a phenomenon called life. And each creature is as unique as this world we call home. And a day begins in much the same way for all. Maybe that is when it crosses your mind-in the warmth from a ray of sun or the kindness of a stranger-it occurs how one life touches so many others and you begin to see how how all things are connected, like the blood that unites one family. And you come to realize that mankind did not weave the web of life, we are merely a strand in it, and whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves, on the third planet from the sun.

Sending love to you all.......The Carberry's

Brotherly Love

Just a glimpse into the everyday at our house....and this is probably just the beginning of things to come.

Evan enjoying some alone time:

San-O Saturday

San Onofre Beach is one of our favorite places to relax and enjoy the beautiful sunshine. It's just 10 min. south of us and if you come for a visit we'll probably take you here. Locals appropriately call this beach "Old Man's". Surfers of all ages enjoy the slow, gentle, and ample waves that are perfect for long boards. This is where I'll probably try to catch one when either the water warms or I find a wetsuit to use (I'm hoping for the latter either way). Well Sam beat me to it yesterday. Yes mark your calendars: On January 31st, 2009, he caught his first wave riding with Dad. I would have loved to get it on video, but I was a little shocked and simply watched in awe. Joe convinced Sam to come out on a standup board where Joe could use a paddle like a kayak. But instead of standing, Joe sat with Sam standing between his legs for stability . I thought they would just paddle, float, and rock a little bit. Within a few strokes they caught their first wave together and I should pass the pen to Dad now as he can better explain that experience.

You all know Sam's famous excited face, where he raises his hands above his head and makes his beautiful enthusiastic music? To hear that music, we needed the help of our friend Robert Zaleski, the art director at our magazine, who was on a surfboard. He gave us a push to get into the wave and I just took a couple of strokes and ruddered a perfect little right hander. Sam stood there and screamed with excitement as he felt the speed of the wave and the board sliding down its face. Unfortunately, no one could hear him because I was hooting too loud. I was just pumped to have Sam out there with me again. I've heard this excited scream before when we were skiing with him in my backpack; or when he's sitting in the front of my kayak as we paddle Dana Point Harbor. At these times, you can literally feel the touch of God in your lap-or strapped on your back. I guess the family that plays together, stays together.

Before long Joe will have two boys along for the ride. Currently Evan is soothed by the continual sound of the crashing waves. He slept most of the afternoon in the Bjiourn, but I did manage to get a picture of him smiling on the towel. The salt air seemed to help his congestion and hopefully we'll be through with colds soon. Sam is better and recently tried to call Ford and Izabel pretending to talk and hoping they would come over and sit at his little table. Before he went to bed last night he said, "I'm a surfer boy". Yes you are.

Me and the boys pretend surfing (above) while Dad shows us how it's really done (below).

Sometimes you get sand in some not-so-comfortable places. Cheers!