Saying goodbye to the day at Carlsbad Beach Landing

Behind the Victorian house we are renting on Carlsbad Blvd is a private beach called Terramar Landing for the neighborhood. A gate and down some steps take you to a private deck with a couple of built in fire pits. It's where all the locals from these two streets hang out, especially at sunrise. There seems to be some kind of ritual with people showing up with their glass of wine or a light picnic to nibble while they watch the sun set. Some build a fire in the firepit. Others are still surfing off the beach. I caught this wonderful photograph from the deck of children playing at the edge of the sea. I hope to paint it some day.

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At high tide the waves crash right up against the deck and cut off the beach. The deck is officially closed at night but one night while Sean was living with us, we snuck in and sat in the light of the moon feeling spray from the wave's crashing against the rocks in front of us. Just talking quietly and enjoying the sounds of nature's power and the solitude - until a security guard found us and ran us off! There's always someone there to take your joy.

A Perfect Father's Day in 2013

Sean on Father's Day June 16, 2013. The boys planned a special evening on the beach with firepit, roasted hotdogs, surf fishing, and lots of stories and good memories. Sean was standing gazing out over the ocean when I took this from behind him... Which was the only way to get a photo since he hates posing. It was a perfect day. The best Father's Day. We were all together. Dwight has always cherished Father's Day. His first child, his precious son Sean, was born on Father's Day. This was our last to all be together.

Dwight's Bittersweet Birthday

The boys planned and spent all day planning a special birthday celebration for Dwight in our little Carlsbad beach house where we all live together for the first time as adults. It's been so amazing on so many levels. It's also tragic what has brought this into our lives.  They bought Dwight a fishing pole and got a fishing license so he could fish off the pier. They decorated the house with balloons and grilled food. It was such a wonderful memory.