Hiking

While the boys were at school, Emily and I had a chance to explore Irvine Park. We took our bikes and headed towards the back trails.


After climbing some rocks, we found some beautiful views.


We both agreed that we need to do it again soon.


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Beach Boys

The boys enjoying our first beach trip of the summer.


We were joined by our good friends Becky and Liam.



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Cole at School

Here is Cole on his first day at preschool. He has been coming to the school with me when I volunteer each week, so he is pretty much thinks he owns the playground. The first day was all smiles and fun with his teacher Mrs. Hodges.

Men in Mustaches

I walked into the boys room and found this rather sinister looking group of men in mustaches. They would not reveal their identities, but that little one certainly had a familiar giggle.

Grayson's Karate Show

For the last session of Grayson's karate class at The Little Gym, the kids put on a show for the parents to demonstrate all that they learned.

Little Gym Graduation

Surrounded by bubbles and applause, Cole graduated from his Mom and me class at The Little Gym.


He has been with this same group of boys since he was a baby.


He ended the class with a proud "ta-da!".


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Back to Julian

Another beautiful camping trip to Julian.
This time we visited William Heise Park in San Diego.
We were fortunate to have wonderful, mild weather and a big, open campsite.
Cole went on his first hike and did a great job.
We even encountered two rattlesnakes on the trail.
The boys enjoyed seeing deer, rabbits and lots of wild turkey.
On the way home, we visited animals of a different kind. Dad surprised the boys with a trip to the San Diego Safari Park.

Grayson Without Training Wheels

Grayson asked Dad to remove the training wheels from his bike. After only two days, he was looking pretty confident.

Salon Day

Emily has been asking to have her hair lightened to it's summer blonde. We finally relented and she had her first hair salon day.

She was very pleased with the results. We think she always looks beautiful.

Daddy's Little Rocker

Grayson and Dad were "just going to the bank". They came back with a mini Les Paul guitar. I guess that's what happens when cool dudes hang out.


Rock on Grayson!

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Busy Day

Our day started with a trip to Centenial Farms to pet chicks and watch the piglets.


After lunch and naps we walked to Grayson's future school to check out the carnival. I know everyone will sleep well tonight.



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Easter 2011

First Lessons at Blue Buoy Swim School

To get ready for summer, the boys started up swim lessons. They love their new swim school.

Hemmelgarn Park

Just a little video to capture the age and mood of the boys at play.

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!