Happy Camper

Since Joaquin learned to crawl, he is the happiest baby. No more Colonel Fuss-Fuss as we used to call him. Now the world has become one happy jungle gym. Joaquin climbs and tumbles to his delight on my bed, on the sofa, in the park, on the sidewalk. He is a joy. And he is still an excellent napper. At least two one and half hour naps a day. Sometimes one of those is 2 and a half hours and then I miss him. We haven't thought of a new nickname to take place of Colonel Fuss-Fuss. His current nicknames are Sillyboo and Joaquinito. And of course Nosedive for the recent rock kissing moment at the Yuba River.

Last weekend we camped at the Yuba River. It was just delightful. Warm and sunny and clear water. We walked up stream from our favorite swimming hole and camping spot (near Bowman Lake Rd off highway 20 east of Auburn, I wrote about it here last year) and played in warm shallow pools. Joaquin loved the water. Daniel and I were happy to be outside. After Joaquin went to bed in the tent, which he thought was one of those giant birthday party bouncey houses, Daniel and I sat under a full blanket of stars on a moonless night. I havent felt so happy in a while.

Sunday, we joined friends downriver for a inner tube run. The day was a perfect set up for both Daniel and I to join in on the fun. We all hiked up river. At about halfway, we set Daniel and Joaquin up on a nice river beach. I continued to hike further upstream with my inner tube and our friends. Then I got to jump in the warm water and float and ride little rapids downstream until I came to Joaquin. He was asleep buck naked on Daniel's chest under an umbrella. A very cute scene. Daniel handed me the baby and it was his turn to ride rapids and float. Joaquin and I hiked back down river to a popular sandy beach called the Mothers. Because a lot of little kids like to swim in the gentle current of the shallow pool. Mothers beach is near the hippy enclaves of Nevada City and North San Juan Ridge so the beach party consisted of naked bathers, shakahachi player, drummers and joyful kids. Joaquin and I played in the water for hours.

Recently I realized when Joaquin is happy, I am happy. Is life that simple?

Wish I had taken some pictures at the Yuba River but with all the water and the sand, the camera never left the backpack.