Beach Get-Away

It's funny, as I'm writing this, we're having unseasonably cold weather, and we're all freezing, so it's wonderful to remember a day, not so long ago, where it was unusually warm, we had a day off from school so we hit up the beach.  We took a bit of a road trip with our cousins.....picture a pretty packed car with Elizabeth driving because I can't stand the windy roads heading to the beach, Patrick and Catherine chit-chatting non-stop with Peter sulking next to them because he's not sitting where he wants, and Lizzy and Caroline in the way back grinning and smiling because they're sitting together.  We found our perfect hidden beach spot near Muir woods, hiked all the way to the beach carrying tons of bags full of god-only-knows what, and then suddenly we emerged onto the most lovely, picturesque quiet private beach, just for us.  We had so much fun.  We picnicked, we beach combed, we splashed in the water.  Lizzy, and Peter, and Caroline found a huge rock they imagined was a pirate ship, and they played for hours on their "ship," dodging the waves and working away.  Catherine had so much fun making her hands "dirty in the sand, and then washing them off in the water.  Patrick snuck in a cat nap.  What a gorgeous day, and so much fun!  Don't waste those beautiful days people.  Get out there and do something.  It's always worth it!

Disney Surprise

We had been wanting to take another trip to Disneyland since we had such a blast the first time we went.  Since Peter loves Cars so much, we wanted to be able to visit the new Carsland while he was still interested.  On a Sunday morning, we sprang it on the kids:  "Guess what we're going to do this week?  Go to Disneyland!"  They were so surprised and excited.  Pat went to work and we set about packing and getting ready.  When Pat got home, we decided to be even more crazy and took off at 8:00 at night.  It was so exciting and fun:)  It was dark, the kids weren't quite sure what to think, and we made it all the way down to Bakersfield!  Catherine said, "Disneyland?" and she started dancing!  I told her we were almost there.  The next day we visited UCLA and had lunch and walked around the beautiful campus.  We got to Disneyland in the afternoon and loved playing in the pool.  For the next three days we had the best time!  We loved all the rides, but Carsland was amazing and the Lightning McQueen ride was awesome!  We loved exploring Pirate Island, and the parade, and just being together.  The kids were so great, and just had the best time.  Catherine has a new found love for anything princess, and I can't wait to take another trip with these cuties!

An Early Explorer

Guess who also started school?  Yes, Catherine, and yes, we can't believe she's such a big girl!  Catherine is going to a little preschool class once a week with Mommy.  She loves it!  She was so excited to get to be the "big girl" going to her own school.  She loves her backpack, playing with all the toys during free time, circle time, and her favorite is having "pops" at the end of the day while Teacher Brenda reads a story.  I love getting to spend some special time with Catherine and watching her learn and explore.  What fun!

Purple Panda

Lizzy's a great soccer player, and it's always really fun to watch her play.  She hustles, and attacks the ball, and is a fierce player.  Lizzy was excited for her first soccer game.  Coincidentally, and we didn't find this out until we showed up, Lizzy was playing Caroline's team!  It was a brutally hot day, and those girls were red-faced and sweating it out within minutes.  Both teams played very well, but much to Lizzy's delight, the Purple Panda's won.  When the game ended, Lizzy and Caroline walked over to one another, shook hands, and Lizzy said, "Good.  Now we can be friends again!"  Both those girls have a lot of heart, and are hard working soccer players for sure!

Soccer Boy!

Peter has been waiting and waiting for what seems like years to be on a soccer team.  He's watched Lizzy get to go to practice, wear awesome uniforms, play "real" games, and even win trophies.  He's been so patient......and now, finally, it's his turn.  Peter's an official soccer guy, and boy is it awesome.  Peter loved his uniform (UCLA colors- yay!), loved going to practice, and by the end of the season, had become a really great player.  Peter scored many goals, had assists and awesome defensive saves, but most importantly, thoroughly enjoyed himself and worked really, really hard.  Peter, you were so awesome out there, and we loved watching you so much!  I love your hustle and your big heart.  Way to go!

Bridging Over

Since we've moved to Davis, Lizzy has been so lucky to be a part of an awesome Daisy troop.  The leaders, Brian and Betsy, are amazing.  They are expert scouts, and work so hard to go above and beyond for the girls.  Recently, Lizzy's troop "bridged over" to Brownies.  Brian constructed a "monkey bridge" in his backyard, decorated it beautifully with flowers, and each girl got to cross the bridge and receive her new Brownie vest.  Lizzy was so excited.  We all enjoyed a picnic pot-luck, and watched all the girls.  Lizzy's excited to earn many new badges, and we know she'll have lots of fun with her troop.

Santa Cruz

Man, I'm so far behind here, it's crazy.  But I'm determined not to let this go, to catch up, and to continue to tell our story.  We have so many fun times, and there's so much to say, it can be overwhelming as the recorder, but I'll stick with it!  Well.......back to our story.  We went to Santa Cruz for our annual Labor Day trip.  Daddy couldn't join us this year because he had to work, and I worried how it would go with Catherine in the hotel trying to sleep and take her naps in an unusual place, and watching all three kids at the beach.  Well we pushed forward, packed up the car, and decided to give it a go.  No surprise here......it was awesome!  We had a wonderful time and it was an absolutely gorgeous weekend.  The kids loved the beach so much, and had so much fun body surfing and playing  in the sand.  Everyone, of course, loved the board walk, and they loved the rides and the merry-go-round and the arcade.  It's always just so fun to be together and I was reminded of a lesson I already learned: just go, no matter what, just go.  Even if it seems like there's too much to pack, or it'll be tricky to manage, or whatever, just always go.  It's worth it in the end, and it always turns out to be so much fun.  We were missing many of our favorite people this year, and Grandma was suffering terribly with shingles, but we still managed to have lots of fun and enjoy our time together.  

Baby Snuggles

I love this sweet shot of Catherine and Peter.  Peter was laying on the ground and Catherine climbed on top to give him a hug and a snuggle.  Peter loves Catherine very much and he loves to play with her by giving her lots of hugs....... that often turn into tackles.  More and more, Catherine actually likes the "hugs" and she'll wrestle around with Peter.  Sometimes, Peter can be so sweet and gentle with Catherine, and she looks for those softer moments of love too.

Second and Kindergarten

Lizzy and Peter were very excited to begin school.  We had gotten all our supplies ready and organized.  We had new backpacks, lunch boxes, hair cuts, and uniforms.  We were ready to go.  At six in the morning, on the first day of school, I woke up to Lizzy and Peter standing at the end of my bed, all dressed and ready to go.  Awesome (except we didn't need to leave for two hours)!  Lizzy knew some of her classmates from the end of last year, and I think she was excited and nervous to see everyone again.  Peter hadn't been in school since April!  He was really ready to go, and so excited to be a part of the "big" school and get to do all the things that he's watched Lizzy do.  I love the first day of school!  I love the newness and the excitement.  I love seeing all the kids so excited and ready to go, and to feel the buzz in the air.  I love all the fresh faces, the smiles, and the possibilities.  Lizzy and Peter had a great day, and are ready for a fantastic year!

Zinnia Heaven

Want to feel like you just stepped into a painting?  Visit a zinnia patch.  A local farmer near us grows tons and tons of zinnias, all different kinds and colors, and welcomes anyone to visit and pick as many as they'd like......for free!  As long as you make a couple of bouquets for others in need, you are welcome to bring some flowers home for yourself.  The kids loved this special place.  We had such fun walking through the tall rows of flowers, seeing all the thousands of zinnias in full bloom.  What a gorgeous day!

Special Sleepover!

We had the best time when our very special friends came over for a summertime sleepover.  It was so awesome!  We loved every single minute.  We had a picnic at the arboretum and walked all over and saw the ducks.  We went to Yoloberry and had delicious frozen yogurt.  We swam at our favorite pool and topped it all off with dinner and a movie back at our house and then........everyone slept over!  How super, super fun!  Connor kept Peter company in his room, and Trevor stayed with Lizzy.  Reagan was a little to small to stay with Catherine, but one day!  We had the best time with our wonderful friends, and we wish they could come and sleepover every weekend!

Farmers Market Fun

I know it's well documented how much we love the Farmers' Market, but in case there's any doubt........we do......a lot.  And we've recruited some friends to join our fan club.  Grandma and Papa now are often weekly visitors.  And of course, if Grandma and Papa are involved, there's no messing around.  They like to go early, stake out the perfect seat, lay down they're adorable table cloth, and get to snacking and having fun.  Grandma always gets kettle corn and grapes for snacks, and sometimes she even gets pot stickers- yum.  We love to eat our dinner and listen to the music.  The kids dance, and climb on the railings, and explore the gardens and parks (Grandma doesn't like that part too much.  She likes everyone to stay close!).  We always end the night with an ice cream and walk down to the park to play and climb in the trees (and probably get a face painting, or ride the ponies, or climb the rock wall, or ride the merry-go-round.......remember, I told you we love the farmers market!).  We love these nights enjoying the beautiful weather, the lovely atmosphere, and time together with our family.

Bike Adventures

Since we've moved to a bike-riding town, we've decided to dust off our bikes and explore our neighborhood.  Now that Peter is free of his training wheels, he's really ready to ride.  We've discovered an awesome bike trail not far from our house.  One morning, we set off on an adventure.  We found the trail, and rode all around- neighborhoods, a scenic trail along the creek, discovering little parks along the way.  It was one of those mornings where we felt adventurous and wild and free.  The kids loved playing in this tiny park we discovered.  Peter went "off-roading" along the dirt path that circled the park, riding around and around and feeling very accomplished.  It's so fun riding bikes!  I love seeing all the beauty of nature around me, and feeling the wind in my hair and feeling so free and fast.  It's wonderful exploring with the kids and finding new, fun spots together.  I hope we'll have many bike rides in our future.

Order Up!

One of the best features of our new house is our breakfast bar.  I love seeing my three little cuties eating their breakfast and lunch here.  It's like our own little restaurant.  Every morning when we're getting ready for our day, one by one, they make their way over and put in their order.  It's amazing to see all three of them sitting there.  I imagine, over the years, watching them getting bigger and bigger.  It's a great spot to hear how they're doing, what's new in their days, and how they are feeling.  Three spots for three little darlings.

What?!

Yeah, I'm going to admit, I never really thought any of my kids would do this, and I'll even confess I judged anyone who's kids did.  Then, the other day, Catherine comes strolling out of the playroom looking like this.  Hmmmm.........  Guess I just got knocked down a couple of pegs.  Probably about time for that!

While The Cats Are Away.......

While Lizzy and Peter are off on their numerous summer adventures, I get to log some much needed park time with this little lady.  Catherine loves to go to the park.  She loves to be outside, exploring her world.  She loves climbing, sliding, swinging, and pretty much just hanging out outside.  I love being with Catherine, and watching her explore her world and soak it all in.  What a precious, precious girl.

Weaving Camp

Lizzy loved the weaving class she took with Caroline.  She was so excited to get to weave on a real loom, and to work with real weaving tools.  And boy, did she create some amazing things!  Lizzy made an awesome little bag, a pillow, a blanket, and a great keychain for me!  Lizzy is a talented weaver and I can't wait for her to get to take this awesome class again.

Open the Floodgates!

This summer, Peter has been on a developmental bender!  This guy is suddenly able to do so much, it's awesome to see.  There's a bit of a swagger in his step, and it's well deserved.  Within just a couple of weeks, Peter learned to swim across the pool (along with many other pool tricks), ride his bike with no training wheels, and go across the monkey bars.  Whew!  I'm exhausted just thinking about all he can do.  Wow!  Way to go, Peter!  At this rate, he'll be driving and making us all dinner in no time!

Day Trip Maniacs

It's hard for us to go on "big" trips these days.  When you've got little people, turns out they've got lots of need (demands).  They need naps, and space to run around, and they don't like to sleep in strange places, or eat weird food.  They like.......routine.  We get it, and we know how to please.  So we enjoy lots and lots of fun day trips to quench our need for adventure.  We visited the Sacramento Zoo, Fairytale Town, and we even rode the train up the train museum in Sacramento (just to name a few).  The kids all love an outing, and they are always up for a fun adventure.  I love their excitement and their joy at seeing new things.  It's the best!