Beach Days

Happy Friday!

This summer, we spent a lot of time on the beach!

Well, especially our son James and I. 

We go during the week, while daddy is at work. 
(less crowded) 
Not fair to my husband, but we always make it up to him over the weekend, 

by doing something fun.

Until about 2 weeks ago, it had been particularly hot in LA. 

Above 100 degrees!

So the best place to be was by the ocean, where it is always much cooler. 

It has certainly cooled down quite a bit. 

Now in the comfortable high 70's low 80's, fall has definitely arrived. 

I never complained though, I love the beach 

and so does baby James.

We had the visit of one of my sisters from Paris. 

She arrived on August 23 and since then, it had been 

beach, beach, beach! 
Almost everyday! 

She stayed with us for two weeks and we had a lot of fun. 

Then my parents arrived and they also love the beach.

Mum and dad have been here for about a month and a half and we are having a blast! 

My parents are the nicest, most easy going people. 

We all get along so well and so it is a true pleasure 

to have them around. 

I wish they lived closer...

Bordeaux, France is not exactly on the doorstep.

Anyway, that is why I have not been able to do much blogging recently.

I would like to share with you a few photos 

of our beach days.

My husband is from Santa Barbara and we love the beautiful beaches there, but here in LA, 

we have a couple of favorite ones.

The private beach of Paradise Cove, in Malibu

Love, love it there! 

But we keep that beach for the weekend with my husband (longer drive).

My dad (papi) and baby James
having a splashy time!

My beach boy!

Paradise Cove has been featured in countless productions, over the years. 

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"The boys" in American Pie 2

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Rene Russo and Mel Gibson in Lethal Weapon 4

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Demi Moore and Woody Harrelson in Indecent Proposal 

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Front cover picture of Surfin' Safari,

taken by photographer Ken Veeder in a photo shoot, on the beach at Paradise Cove, that also produced the cover for the band's 1963 album Surfer Girl (below).

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For the fans of Britney Spears, the music video for her 1999 hit song Sometimes,
was also filmed at Paradise Cove.

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On the pier

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Marilyn Monroe posing on a cliff above the restaurant.
A framed copy of this 1952 pin-up of Marilyn, photographed by J.R. Eyerman, is displayed at at the Paradise Cove Beach Cafe 

Great view of the pier on this one!

Manhattan beach

It is so lovely there! 

A 30 minute drive from our home (Silver Lake) 
and we find ourselves in a true beach town. 
There is not a single thing I dislike about Manhattan beach. 

It is just perfect! 

The motto there is "Sun, sand, sea" and it is a hotspot for beach volleyball and surfing. 
Every August, the city hosts the Manhattan Beach Open Volleyball Tournament 
and the International Surf Festival. 

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Collecting sea pebbles

My dad always digs a little wading pool for James.
James never forgets to ask his papi:
"Papi, papi! Petite piscine!"

Running under the pier

Loving the sand!

Hanging out in his beach chair

Enjoying a delicious ice cream at the local creamery

We often stay until the sun goes down.

I love Manhattan Beach!

Have a great autumn weekend!

Thanks for stopping by,

Alexandra