Johnny On The Road

Last weekend, we had the distinct honor and pleasure to be invited to Little Ann and Thomas' wedding. Since the wedding was at the Ventura Mission, we decided to take a weekend trip out in the area. We stayed at the Embassy Suites at Mandalay Beach. The decor at the hotel could use a bit of an upgrade, but it was nice enough, breakfast was included, and the Manager's Reception in the evening included an open bar from 5:30 to 7:30 (Sorry Marty, you could only get two drinks at a time). If you are looking for a family friendly place on the beach, try the Embassy Suites in Oxnard. Plus, you can stop in and buy some strawberries on your way home from the fruit stands.

Anywho, John was a bit of a terror. He had trouble sleeping in his pack and play, but that's to be expected. The mattress is a bit hard on it Friday night, he woke up every couple of hours. Saturday night was a different matter. He woke up every hour and just wanted to wail and wail as if someone were pinching him. Still, he's our special little guy and we knew what we were getting ourselves into.

So, Saturday started nicely. We went to the Surf Room for some breakfast. It was a nice FULL breakfast with eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, potatoes, fruit, cereal, and breads. I chawed on my bacon. John enjoyed a nice bottle of fomula. Maureen decided to go get some photos on the beach. All went well when we took photos on the Presidential Lawn as you can see from the photo on the left. As we went to take a walk am Strand, as the Germans would say, our Maureen aka Tumbelina slipped and fell to the ground. Unfortunately, John was in her arms. Fortunately, Maureen's protective instict kicked in and she pulled him into her body and made sure that he wasn't hurt at all. I saw his head come within 3 inches of the pavement, but his mother did a great job. Sadly, Maureen sustained some horrible abrasions on her knee and foot. Consequently, we made the decision to go to the wedding, but the reception would have been too much for her leg to take (sorry Mr. & Mrs. Diaz and the new Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Heaphy for not attending, but the poor woman was limping around like an old man with arthritis (says the 35-year old with arthritis)).

So, it was a bittersweet time, but John did get to wear his Florence Eiseman outfit that Maureen originally purchased for the after party of his baptism, but it was too hot on the 15th. Take a look and enjoy the golden child in his fancy lad clothes. Sunday afternoon, he went to Cousin Adriana's birthday. She says that his special name is Juanito. I always tell her that his name is John, but she says she likes to call him Juanito. How do I tell a 4-year old that she can't call her baby cousin a special name? I can't. I'm a sucker for small kids.