Toothless

Our fearless fire breathing dragon is one year old here!  He is a wonderful pet, such a part of our family and is so kind with the kids.  Pretty easy to take care of minus the weekly cricket buying and daily salad he doesn't eat.  I sure have learned a lot about this reptile and secretly I think he's really my pet not Zackary's!  Or mine and Emeline's cause she loves watching him and making him dance!

Pony Lessons

Mandy taught Zackary a lot of great tips for taking care of horses and how to control them when riding.  You asked so many wonderful questions especially about what you feed them.  I hope you grow up riding horses just like your mom!

Sturtevant Falls Tradition Year 2

Carrying on Grandpa's tradition of his annual hike to Sturtevant falls was extra special this year as we found tons of Newts in the streams.  They were hidden everywhere, if you stopped and looked hard you would see one.   Because they followed us throughout our hike in each space we stopped or just when crossing a stream, I can't help but wonder...was this Grandpa saying hello...was he on our hike with us?

We made it to the pathetic falls (not a lot of rain this year...extreme drought) and daddy went climbing up the hill and went way ahead of us.  He ran into a guy that said further on up is a hot springs...hum fun!

So beautiful.  I feel closer to Grandpa here.  We had a wonderful time.

Silly Emeline

I love that you love to make people smile and laugh.  Fits you perfect!

PaPa and Grammy's visit

It is always a special time around our house when PaPa and Grammy are visiting from Illinois.  Here is your serious cute pic and below is your sassy funny pic!

This trip was extra special as they helped volunteer at your school Zackary by going on your Thursday hike with you.  It was a beautiful day for you to share them with your classmates and teacher and show them how you look for all your crystals, rocks and special findings in nature.

I know when you are in first grade next year you will miss these hikes so much.  They were a highlight each week for your nature side.  Your collection of crystals/rocks over the past two years of kindergarten is quite big and beautiful! 

Mother's Day 2015

Mother's Day weekend was really fun.  Grandma and I went to the Montage Spa on Saturday for the whole day (mommy's favorite spot).  Sunday you guys took me to Gina's Pizza for Lunch and we had a nice dinner at home.  I only want to be with you two on Mother's day..cause you are the reason I am a Mom!  I love you both so much!  You both are the best present ever. 

Spring Break Week 2015

Nicholas-Emeline's current best friend.  They are super cute together and to start the week off we all went to San Juan Capistrano to a farm called Zoomars where they have tons of guinea pigs you can hold and feed, horses to ride, farm animals to feed, rocks to dig out, massive amounts of corn to lay in and train rides.

Emeline was so gentle with these little talking guinea pigs..feeding them and giving them cuddles.  

Here is the corn bin.  Slightly grossed me out but the kids had so much fun playing in it!

Our second day we went to La Brea Tar Pits in LA.  We had so much fun.  Seeing the awe of what they found here through Zackarys eyes was worth the whole trip.  

They were really sad about the mom being stuck in the tar calling for her family on the shore.  There is still tar coming up, it is really quite incredible.

Look at the nails...wow.

Our third day we went to a local place called Environmental Nature Center.  There is an education room to teach you about animals we might find out in the nature while hiking and then there are tons of hiking trails and a butterfly garden.  We had a nice peaceful time.

They loved the stream the best.  We saw a lot of small insects and cool things.

Our forth day we painted rocks from Grandpa's celebration two years ago and wrote names of herbs, vegetables, fruits and sayings like "breathe, nourish, peace, etc...We then placed them all over our yard.  This was probably my favorite.

The fifth day we took our kites to the beach and flew them.  Emeline really enjoyed that.  It was a very lovely day and rounded up our week of bonding and resting together.