Lake is at the sweetest age where he’s constantly exploring new environments and making discoveries. To wit… many “firsts.” Tonight it was his first ice water. Last weekend it was his first toy store. So special to see the joy of his revelations!

Here he is crunching first ice from ice water with the “shining eyes” of an inventor hitting pay dirt.

He also says the most adorable phrases, “come up here, pard’ner,” he said over and over whilst speaking with his stuffed animals this morning at play. “So many twing twings on icy!” he triumphed this evening while reading a book about penguins at the South Pole. “You wanna read the book together? Talk on it?” Really, Lake, I do! And what “A perfect day,” I’m glad I spent it with you, morning and night, my fun zestful ice man!

Lake and Baba have been fast friends since the day they met about a week into Lake’s life sojourn.

Fast forward two and a half happy golden years…

Now Baba just had a big birthday and Lake was so excited to wish him a happy birthday. Right up until the moment he was on the telephone with Baba or there in person visiting with Baba he was joyously singing “Happy Birthday to you!” He enthusiastically sang and congratulated Baba in private with me, then he would completely clam up when in the presence of Baba. Not a single birthday wish escaped explicitly from Lake’s lips.

They had a great time together in spite of the unspoken congratulations. Lake cherishes his time with Baba and he is so blessed to have living, devoted, and involved grandparents! We all are! We recently spent a gem of a day together at Ruby Beach in celebration. We love you, Baba! So glad you’re alive… a perfect day, we’re glad we spent it with you.

The answer was “yes,” and the response was a resounding “yea!” We went to the beach, although a couple of courageous and playful visitors from Russia did go in the beach swimming! Altogether, it was a beautiful Veterans’ Day at Ruby Beach on Washington’s wild Pacific Coast. It’s a special treat to share the majesty of the Olympic National Park, mama’s homelands, with Lake and the folks who made it so: Nana and Baba!

Ending with sunset soccer at Kalaloch. A perfect day! I’m glad I spent it with you in the beach!