Independence Daze...

Wesley celebrated his inaugural 4th of July down in Solana Beach with Shanon's parents, Michael (aka "Grandpa Dude") and Mary (aka "Mer-Mer"). Wes invited us along, of course.

In addition to great food, family, and friends, there were two other f-words: firecrackers and fireworks.

They are definitely not the same.

Yes, Wesley h-a-t-e-d the loud noisy firecrackers gleefully tossed around like grenades by the adolescent thugs in the neighborhood. The explosions startled him, causing him to jump, then whimper, then clutch hold of me tightly. He was, to quote my Mom, "Sad Bear."

firecrackers = noisy/sad

We escaped upstairs into a darkened bedroom and did our very best to smile and laugh and generally distract ourselves with a manic stuffed lion named "Lion" (catchy name, eh?).

The second night, Wes could actually see the fireworks (waaaaay off in the safe distance, and they only made a gentle "pop" sound) -- and he l-o-v-e-d them. As we all "ooooh'd" and "aaaaah'd," Wesley squealed and shook his arms with approval.

fireworks = beautiful/happy

Among the other many highlights: Wesley's first trip to the beach. After slathering on gobs of sunscreen (SPF-2,000, per Shanon's orders), we walked across the street to the Pacific early Wednesday morning.

Despite the noise of the crashing waves, the chilly water temp, and the likely presence of many great white sharks [Nice to see you're sharing your phobias with your son. -- Ed.], Wes stared, rapt at the floating bubbles, the seaweed, and the little Wes-sized waves.

Pacific Ocean? This is Wesley. Wesley? This is the Pacific Ocean.

Despite my ridiculous shark phobia Because of my keen shark-spotting ability, Wes had a great time and will enjoy many future visits (with many applications of sunscreen) before Grandpa Dude starts the surf lessons.

Good name for a band? "Mer-Mer and Her Surfers"