Mother's Day

I felt like a very fortunate woman this Mother's Day. I was showered with kisses, hugs and thoughtful presents.


Then the kids treated us all to personal pizzas made to order.



They were made with love and absolutely delicious.


After lunch and naps, we all took a bike ride to the nearby playground.


I couldn't have asked for a better Mother's Day.

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Whale Watching

Inspired by an art project Grayson created at school, we decided to go on a whale watching tour out of Newport.


Cole was ready for his big adventure.


Despite some overcast weather, we had a great trip. We had great sightings of a blue whale and lots of dolphins.

Return to Julian

It was Cole's first camping trip.
He loved the the camping and fishing,
but the highlight may have been his first trip into the nearby mining town.

He took a tour through a real mine tunnel.

After the tour we went to the old soda fountain to have burgers, fries and yummy shakes.

After naptime, we came back into town for a beautiful tour of the countryside in a horse drawn carriage. Now that's my kind of camping.

Saint Rocke Show

This was video I took at Saint Rocke in Hermosa Beach of Heroes U.K.
Jeff and his band put on a great show. Needless to say, I am a really big fan.

Bunnies

Weekends are often a chance for Emily and Grayson to play Wii. Grayson wrote this song about the game Rayman Raving Rabbids and we put together a video for it.

Free Wheeling

Thanks to the encouragement of his wonderful teachers, Grayson is learning how to ride a two wheel bike. Go, Grayson, go!

Handy Men

The boys helped Dad with some projects around the house. It seems that there was a very clear division of labor. Grayson was in charge of power tools and Cole was in charge of eating the popcorn. Looks like they have everything under control.

Waste Management Tour

As it is in many households with young boys, trash day is a big event here. That is why we were very excited to take the Waste Management tour with our MOMS Club. The boys looked very handsome in their gear, but they didn't care for the smell.
Guess they will be looking for another profession to go into.

Fed Ex

I didn't realize that Fed Ex delivered live animals.
This one seems to have a wild look in it's eyes.

Riding High

The boys enjoyed their pony rides at Grayson's school
so much that they tried it again at Irvine Park.

Hope they don't get too into it. I don't think our backyard would hold a pony.

Bike Ride at Irvine Park

We rarely see the creek at Irvine Park filled with water. Our last bike ride through the park treated us to sights that could rival some of our Northern California campgrounds.

Ponies at Preschool

Grayson's school had some ponies visit for pictures and rides. Cole used his charms to get a ride in the parking lot. I was surprised at how quick that pony was and how fearless Cole was. He is such a little daredevil.

On Top of the World

As a child, I used to love exploring the hills behind my parent's house, climbing the rocks and looking for lizards. When we visited Nana and Grandpa recently, I thought it was only right that the kids enjoyed the same experience.

I didn't fully realize how much being a mother changed my view of such adventures.
I think I aged 3 years just seeing Emily up on her perch. She was elated.

Homework

Grayson is at that great age where he is actually asking for homework like his big sister.
The teacher in me couldn't pass up that teachable moment, so we started letter and number practice. During this session we were using dinosaurs to solve addition problems.

Cole even got into the act, sorting the dinosaurs by color. Eventually the dinosaurs were jumping out of the bowls getting dumped on the table, but it was educational while it lasted.

Birthday Cruising

Nothing takes the sting out of turning 40 quite like a cruise to Mexico.
This is our activities director and my handsome date for the cruise, Jeff.

We were joined by our good friends Dave and Milene.
Milene was also celebrating a birthday.

When the Paradise docked in Ensenada, Mexico, we went exploring.

We didn't get much farther than Hussong's Cantina,
where we were treated to a most unique performance of The Wall.

When we arrived home, my parents and the kids had planned a surprise birthday celebration complete with balloon hats.

Yes, I think 40 is going to be a pretty great year.

Growing Too Quickly

I know every mother says it, but I am convinced that Cole is really growing up too quickly.

Maybe I just want it to last because I know he is my last baby. Maybe he is trying to keep up with his older brother and sister. (Photo by my friend Lam)

At least I know that at the end of playtime, when he is all warm and soft in bed, he will be my baby for a very long time.

Mount Irvine

Look at our two brave climbers at the summit of Mount Irvine.

Ok, it may be some boulders on a playground, but they were very proud of themselves.

Fly a Kite

Wind has always been one of my least favorite types of weather.

Today, I had a chance to see how much enjoyment it can bring to two little boys.

I may need to change my opinion of windy weather.

Pretend City January 2011

Saturday in the Park

A wonderful Saturday afternoon and all five of us are together at the park.
Life is good.