Tatum's New Ride

Yes, another day and another amazing change - Tatum can be strapped into the grocery cart. This makes shopping way easier than lugging the carseat into the store and attaching it to the cart. And Tatum never really went for that anyways. So, I should say instead, this is way easier than carrying her around the store while trying to hold groceries.

We live within walking distance to most of our groceries and errands, so we still use the Bjorn and the stroller as the primary holder of Tatum, but this is my new favorite way to shop. I considered walking home with the cart like most folks do here in LA; but I've never been like most folks.

This particular picture was taken at Costco on Saturday while we were shopping for goodies for our BBQ and bonfire fall gathering. Those pics to post soon (my famous last blogging words).

Family Camping at Doheny State Beach

Last weekend, The Shearer Family took our first camping trip to Doheny State Beach in Orange County. We chose the site because of its location between LA and San Diego and our intention was to stay the night after our annual Thanksgiving with the Oestreichers; however I got my weekends mixed up and booked a week early. So it goes, and so we went. And glad we did.

This is our site! We'll take it:




Look at all those birds:



This girl loves looking at life different:




The evening show of color:




Tatum's Tired Dance:





The next morning:

And naptime:

Then playtime again:



You must be asking "where's Andrew?". Well I am too - next time we're out I'll make sure to pass Andrew Tatum and I'll take the camera.

First Camping Trip

Additional pics added later:

ORIGINAL POST:

During the last weekend of September, we were invited to join our newly married friends Jon and Jane for a weekend camping trip in the Angeles National Forest. We were excited for the invitation and the opportunity. Following a week of unfortunate events leaving both of our cars broken down and Andrew having to work additional hours over the weekend, Tatum and I debated about the idea of keeping our plans to get out of the city and head to the mountains. Andrew encouraged us to go without him, and after the mechanic offered to pay for a rental car for the weekend, the decision to go was made.



I strapped Tatum in the back of the car and once we got on the Angeles Crest Highway, she drifted asleep. It was refreshing to be back on the familiar road once again that creeps and turns up up up and away from the smog below and into the forests of cedars and redwoods (not the giant redwoods, but in the same family).



We arrived at Buckhorn Campground with plenty of time left in the day to hike and play games. One thing I know about my girl is that she loves to be outside. When she's fussy, stepping outside is a sure solution to any problem. So I knew she'd do well on this trip - really, what kid would not. Nature is therapy for all ages. Tatum loved simply laying on the ground tarp and looking up to check out the trees; equally she enjoyed playing with Jane and taking a hike. Jon was kind enough to carry Tatum on the return - and he quite enjoyed carrying her.

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When night came, we dressed warm, snuggled close, and lit a fire. Tatum really enjoyed watching the flames of the fire. In the morning, we were up at 6am and enjoyed a hot cup of coffee and breakfast. We headed down the mountain shortly after as to get back to papa and tell him about the trip. Next time we'll bring warmer clothes, and definitely defiantly we'll bring Andrew. We are hoping to go camping again as a family in November. We'll keep you posted.