The holiday weekend at surf camp just happened to be rainy, windy, and cold. In Southern California, that's pretty much unheard of and it certainly didn't make for the surfiest of adventures. None the less, the rugged landscape was breathtaking and the girls had a great time.

When I saw that Stacy's theme for the week was flowering, I could have posted any number of photos I've taken in my yard but it was this shot that I wanted to share. These tiny (yet hearty) flowers were emerging right out of the sand from under our platform tent at camp.

Despite the contrary weather conditions, these petite beauties turned their faces to the sun -when it could make it's way through the relentless clouds-full of beauty and optimism.

Enter the totally adorable, very helpful and ever entertaining book for new moms, The Rookie Moms Handbook!

I have read through many of the ingenious (and humorous) activities offered on the Rookie Moms site but when I sat down with the book, I was delighted once again by these rich little mommy gems. My favorites being some of the photo projects they suggest, of course.

Take activity #236 which suggests documenting your child’s latest obsession via photos or video. You know, like eating oatmeal every single night before bed. Or is that just my kid?

Or #227 which encourages you to remember photographing babies objects of affection. Since I’ve got one bunny lover and one blankie baby, this one is near and dear to my heart. The Rookie Moms even go as far as to offer effective ways to tackle the photo challenge depending on your personality type; the sentimental or the artsy mom, the absurdist or the bad girl. Funny stuff! I am sooooo going to do some of these (and I am far from a Rookie Mom anymore).

The Rookie Mom Handbook is the perfect book for any new mom (hello baby shower gift). It’s a quick read with fantastic and funny activities to make the early years of motherhood meaningful and that much more enjoyable. And it’s written by two cool moms who have been there before and are doing it all over again.

Way to go Rookie Moms! You rock. All the cool moms think so.

After reading the Parent Bloggers Blog Blast prompt, I got all weepy and nostalgic about the days when I'd take my daughters to the beach when they were babies. Sunhats and big bottomed bikinis stuffed with swim diapers are a thing of the past for this family-she says half heartbroken and half with a sigh of relief-but our beach excursions will hopefully go on and on.

Even though the chance of thunderstorms will be in effect through this holiday weekend, I am still going to post an ode to my favorite place in all the world...the beach.

May you all enjoy your weekend, whatever it may hold.

Spent the afternoon yesterday with my daughter's Girl Scout Troop writing love notes to the girls of Rwanda. These will go with Jen Lemen on her trip. Along with a suitcase full of zines and her camera (of course).

Have you heard? t's a Hope Revolution! And it's gonna change the world.

Me- Honey, can you please clear your bowl from the table?

Her- Oh yes, of course. Princesses always clear their bowls.

I'd say the day has great potential.

Happy Love Thursday.

The other day I caught my dad's dog red-pawed with a slipper (big no-no) and I had to grab a photo of the crime scene.

This picture cracks me up because he looks sooooo guilty. But not quite enough to give up the slipper. Classic. So much like a child. I love it.

So, what classic moment did you capture this week?