Kites

We spent the day in Santa Cruz, wanderng around downtown, and eating yummy greek food at Vasilis.
Zoe is really starting to let her will be known. As her interest in her environment grows, it's harder for her to let go of fun experiences. 3 times today, I had to drag her away from something, which spurned huge protest.
The first was a fountain trickling in front of Starbucks. Mommy, with a huge purse, and two lattes in one hand had to pull a yelling zoe from the fountain and back into the car while we were both young.
Second, on our way down the coast, we stopped to visit the beach near the pigeon point lighthouse. Zoe's feet kicked as she sprung from the car, lunging herself in the direction of the crashing waves. She pointed out to sea with her whole arm as if to say "Jesus guys, have you seen THAT!!!". She walked on the sand, toddling straight for the whitewash. I showed her that she should consider the ocean with great respect. "never turn your back on the waves" is lesson numero uno. Lesson number two was actually two lessons in one: "Zoe, just like with men, don't go running up to them enthusiastically- " I showed her that she could stand a few feet back and watch them carefully, always knowing that eventually, they will come to her. We combed the tideline together and spotted limpets, crab shells, snail shells and bits of seaweed. She was so upset when it was time to go.
The third time was when we went for a walk at Waddel beach. As we came out of the park towards the car, zoe spotted the fluttering kites from the kitesurfers. Mezmerized, she stared at the horizon, watching the arrow shaped kites with their brightly colored sails darting about in the air. We waved bye-bye and promised to come back and visit them again soon.
It seems that having that closure helps ease the separation. "Wave bye-bye!"