Since the pandemic hit we’ve been home quarantining, missing travel and adventures like crazy. Things have eased up a bit and the first thing I could think to do was book a mini family beach vacation! I jumped on Airbnb and started looking for our perfect home away from home. Our beaches have been closed for a few months..so I was stoked to get my toes back in the sand. We chose Carbon Beach, in Malibu, CA.
Arrival
When we arrived at our cozy little beach side bungalow on Carbon Beach I was filled with joy and peace. This was honestly the best find on Airbnb.. This is the place we stayed at and I can not recommend it enough! Smelling the salty air, listening to the waves crash, there truly is nothing like it. We unpacked and took some time inside together to discuss our plans for the evening. Naturally, I brought my favorite candle from home for a touch of ambiance. It’s so nice to have comforts of home while you’re away.
I want to take a minute here to acknowledge James sister Kelly, whom I’ve known for 5 years and lived with for 2. She is a best friend and sister to me, also very helpful with Cruz and photos for Flourish Darling..I can’t thank her enough! Kelly lived on Carbon beach for many years, so we were able to experience some local favorites in Malibu, CA.
Our first night in Malibu, CA
Before we ventured onto the beach for a walk we made a quick trip to the local grocery store. We stocked up on drinks and snacks to get us through the next couple days. I had made Cruz’s food in advanced and packed it in a small cooler, so he was all set! My favorite adult beverage lately has been hard kombucha because it will typically have little to no sugar and it’s good for your gut! A couple of my favorite hard kombucha brews are June Shine and Flying Embers, but there are so many different kinds out there- I encourage you to try whatever you can find.
Cruz was totally in his element on the beach. I noticed a new sense of calmness and happiness in him every time we came in sight of the water..So precious. I was bummed we weren’t able to see the sunset during our stay, it was a bit cloudy, but ultimately it didn’t matter because everything was beautiful and my soul was filled with love.
Sand observations
This guy was so busy observing the sand, playing with it every time he sat down. I know, first hand, sand can be a bit messy and annoying to clean up..but its a great form of sensory play for little ones! The sand kept Cruz busy for the majority of our trip.. Yes, he ate it a couple of times but realized quickly he didn’t like it and just continued to play. LOL
Tide-pooling
Sunburst Anemone 
Ochre Sea Star
If you’re new to my blog, I really enjoy collecting natures treasures and using them to decorate my home. So of course my favorite thing to do at the beach is tide-pooling! Malibu, CA has some amazing tide pools where you can find beautiful shells, rocks, sea-glass, and driftwood. Along with finding treasures there’s tons of marine life to seek and find. On this particular trip we saw lots of hermit crabs, sunburst anemone, an ochre sea star, muscles, dolphins, and more! Cruz wasn’t as interested in the marine life. But I’m sure as time goes on he will be just as delighted with the little creatures as I am. * We never disturb or move the living from their habitat, only watch them be.
The ocean
Cruz has been to the beach several times since he was born, but he had never put his feet in the ocean.. James and I decided this trip was the perfect opportunity. We figured he’s old enough to physically and mentally enjoy it/somewhat understand it. Let me tell you, this boy had not an ounce of fear in him! His eyes sparkled with anticipation as the water came rushing towards him. If I let him, I’m sure he would have been thrilled to stand in the shallow waves all day..But it was pretty cold, so we only did about 10 minutes at a time. The pictures above are from his first moments with the ocean in Malibu, CA. I’m a proud mama!
Pizza
Pizza, pizza, pizza! Alright, something you should know about me is if I could only eat one thing for the rest of my life I would, without a doubt, choose pizza. I have no problem eating pizza morning, noon, and night. And yes, I realize this is not a good thing..But I love it dearly. So basically during this trip to Malibu the majority of what I ate was pizza! I need to get better about documenting my food (I know how important food is to people). By the time I thought about it the pizza was gone and all I was left with were the boxes- haha.
Both of these pizzas were absolutely DELICIOUS. James and Kelly can vouch because I wouldn’t stop singing their praises.. I ordered the BIANCA E NEVE pizza from Tramonto, which has organic spinach, garlic, ricotta & mozzarella cheese- super yummy. From D’Amore’s we ordered the Bianco and a pepperoni, mushroom, and onion pizza- so good, but I personally liked the pepperoni one better! I highly recommend both of these pizza spots if you’re in Malibu.
Morning moments
These morning moments were the best. I would get Cruz out of bed, change his diaper, and immediately take him out to the sand. Each day when he awoke he would not take his eyes off the door to outside- it was the cutest thing! We sat on a rock taking it all in, while waking up a bit, then went down to the water. The excitement that filled his soul as we approached the ocean was beautiful. Every time a wave crashed down he would bounce, wiggle, & smile the biggest smile waiting for the bubbly water to reach his toes! These mornings will stick with me forever..I feel so blessed to have experienced this with my little guy.
Ta-ta for now
As we took the final walk of our trip along the beach, we spoke about how peaceful and grounding it is to be in the presence of the ocean. There is something so magical, so enchanting, so mysterious about the sea. I recognize not everyone gets opportunities to enjoy the beach and some have never seen it in person. My prayer is that someday everyone may be able to be by this vast source of nature, and until then may the photos and words of it come alive for you. <3