We enjoyed a relaxing vacation over 4th of July weekend to Carpinteria, CA. We rented a beach house just two blocks from the beach and right in the heart of this quaint, little beach town. It was so much fun exploring the shops, beaches, and farmer's markets with the little "mini human" as Matt has taken to calling her since she has shed so many of her baby-like qualities and is becoming more and more like a little girl. Bittersweet, as all parents understand. Helena loved the beaches and also loved eating the sand, much to her parents horror. You should have seen the two of us frantically trying to flush the sand from her mouth with water bottle after water bottle! I'm sure this is something only first parents worry about, but still rather disconcerting. It was a great summer vacation as you can see from the pictures below.