My tats!

When we go to trader joes on the weekends the kids always are given stickers.  Emeline is pretty creative with her stickers and today it was to line her arm with them.  I am glad they are only stickers!

Back for a Visit to Monterey

This is why I love the Monterey area.  The scenery, wildlife, fresh air, aquarium...tons for kids to do, 17 mile drive and of course the very United States beginning of Ben and my relationship . We rented a home in Pacific Grove and we all had the best time.

Our house was located two blocked from the ocean, two blocks from a golf course and 5 min from the aquarium and 17 mile drive.  Ben and I decided to trade off running each morning.  So the first morning when I went running this is what lead my way.  A white rainbow.  It was so strange but somewhere inside I felt like it was John (your grandpa) telling me to relax, breath, it is all okay, I am here with you.  I had a feeling of peace and an amazing run.

This is a picture of the golf course that lined the ocean...the fog was just starting to clear.  

We visited all of Ben and my favorite spots...Carmel Beach with the white sand...

The Organic Farm out on Carmel Valley road...

the Monterey Aquarium...

Point Lobos State Reserve...

Spanish Bay for dinner and of course our favorite, the bagpiper...

Asilomar Beach in Pacific Grove...

The infamous Lone Cypress... 

Pebble Beach...

and another favorite, farmers market in Monterey.

 

One evening after dinner we walked to the golf course close to our house.  The kids made up their own game and entertained themselves for nearly an hour while Ben and I just sat on the bench in peace and watched!!

We also had our own hiking/tree park area next to our house that we played hide and seek in and expended energy in.  It was perfect.  Such an amazing time together...really one trip to remember.

SLO visit

We try to go visit my Dad, your Jedo at least once a year.  Their house is located in an amazing area up in Los Osos.  The yard is usually filled with flowers (lavendar, marigolds and avocado trees) bees, fruit trees, chickens chirping, dogs, cats, birds and it is a nice big yard so the kids love to play.  This year we went on a hike at Montana De Oro and it was gorgeous.  We followed a path that overlooks the ocean which the water is so clear that when you are looking down you can spot immense wildlife and etc.

Emme felt she needed new scenery so her and I headed back and went down to the beach.  This beach is one of my favorites as the what should be sand is made up of tiny smooth rocks and pebbles.  I often find heart shaped rocks here and other treasures.  It's soothing to walk on and relaxing to lay on.

Emme of course was in love with their two dogs.  This is their yorkie Tucker and below is their Aussie Sam.  She loved playing with these dogs and they were so good with her.  Zackary would throw the ball for Sam over and over while Emme would cuddle with Tucker.

My brother and Ben played a game of soccer.  Got a good work out in.

Chickens...eggs...that was a highlight for the kids.  They went in the pen and helped gather the eggs, petted the chickens and watched as Sam worked them into a corner.  Emme was not afraid at all.

My brother Ryan visited and made us a great steak dinner.  After the kids went to bed we all watched a movie.  Bonding time.

Okay so when Zackary found Chris's (my other brother) guitar it was all over.  He wanted to play with that non-stop.  Here Chris is giving him a lesson.  It was a fun couple of days...absolutely beautiful there.

"GG's" 94th Birthday

This year we celebrated my Grandma's 94th Birthday.  We made dinner for her on her actually birthday and opened presents.  Then the following weekend we celebrated with my mom out at dinner.  You kids really have gotten to know your Great Grandma well.  She loves you so much.  I can't believe she's 94 and doing really well.  Look how happy you all are.

Summer in Big Bear

The beginning of August we had the opportunity to go up to Big Bear and enjoy a time share at Lagonita Lodge.  The place we stayed in was perfect (1 bedroom, 2 full bathroom, kitchen in between bedrooms,dining room, living room with pull out bed, big grassy area with a view of the lake.  It was perfect.

There was even a playground and an area at the lake to throw rocks in...perfect for both of my kids!  Ducks were the other inhabitants of the area...and their poop!

Here is the kitchen/dining room and I am sitting in the living room!  The kids had a great time.  They slept in the same room and did well.

We always enjoy taking the lift at snow summit up to the top and going on a hike.  This trip we did a mile long hike and had a great time.  Towards the end of it the kids were done.  But we had so much fun.  We found lizards, and sticks and the views were amazing all around.

Emme having fun at the lake.

 Big Bear Lake-low this summer, but gorgeous.

Mother and daughter bonding time.

Bye Bye Highchair!

The family has graduated from a big piece of furniture in their house that represented a time in life of the baby!  Yep, Emme is out of her highchair now.  She started to want to sit with us at the table and I felt like she ate better watching us so we joined her.  She does get out of her chair a lot and think she is done with dinner relatively quickly but for the most part she is doing well. This all only means one thing...she's growing up!  :(

We had pasta one night...she loved it.  This is her second helping! 

Beach Monday

Every Monday throughout summer I took the kids to the beach for the morning.  We set up our little spot quite close to the water.  Zackary would play in the ocean for a long time and then dig holes and build castles while Emme would play soccer with me or dig with Zackary or sit on the blanket playing with my phone.  Each Monday was different with her.  Depending on her mood is what she did at the beach.  She didn't like the water at all at the beginning of the summer but by the end she was loving it.  We had snacks and some really good times down below our home!  I won't forget those Monday mornings.