Lowe turned eleven (once) the other day. He was unimpressed with the number. Apparently it falls in a gray area, somewhere between the cool numbers, ten and twelve. I’m impressed with eleven, though. It’s fun having him grow up, but still be a boy. Lowe is the family goofball, a great brother, and just generally a nice person to be around. I won’t gush on and on, but I think everyone that knows him, likes him, and enjoys what a great kid he is.

We didn’t have much planned for the day. Ouest is usually the one with her birthdays in Mexico. Lowe, being during August (hurricane season) usually means we’re visiting family in the States.

We hadn’t been to Sayulita since the Airstream days. Our absences from Mexico never feel that long, yet at the same time they always feel too long. Nothing much had changed in town other than the size of the crowds, and the wall-to-wall blockage of the ocean from the wide beach, due to row upon row of umbrellas and chairs. There used to be a few of those that we’d walk past every day with a surfboard under one arm and our own umbrella under the other. I’m not sure you’d be able to find a spot to park your own umbrella now.

I guess the street out front of Reuben’s is now known as Instagram Street. People were lined up for their turn. Muscle man was next, I think.

The beginner beach break wasn’t getting any swell, so the kids contented themselves with a float instead.

A bit further down the beach there were a few waves breaking, but generally with at least a few people racing for each one that came along.

Starting to look like a European beach with all those umbrellas.

Chicharrón.

Mexico has the best beach vendors. In this pic alone you’ve got candy and nuts, camarones embarazado (BBQ shrimp on a stick, though notably, I didn’t see anyone selling fish on a stick like the kids would eat every day after a surf when they were little), and a mariachi band. The couple in front of us were at the beach for a good time and paid the band to sing dozens of songs for them.

Anyway, nice quiet birthday in Sayulita. Lots of beach treats, a nice swim, and a little red on the cheeks. We reminisced with story after story of this town where we’ve spent so much time in our lives.

It was late when we got home, so we postponed cake and presents. Turned out to be a few days postponement in the end.

Lowe makes a lot of movies. Lots of Nerf gun murders, and slow motion dog (tiny grandparent dogs) attacks, and the like. He got a new video camera and editing software to up his game with.

This year we had to say goodbye to the balloons with money hidden inside. We’ve just seen too many balloons floating across the ocean to continue being a part of it. However, certain birthday traditions live on. Maraschino cherries by the gallon jar are one. The felt Happy Birthday sign hanging over the table is another.

Some things never change. I don’t think Lowe has ever eaten the bottom half of a cupcake in his life.

These two are awesome.