Magic Bean Stalks

If you remember, Adaline helped Travis plant his spring crop this year. She has done a great job helping him water the plants as they've grown and been repotted. They are even big enough for Travis to lead them up the fence railing. Here are a few picture updates of the plants...

 As of last week, Travis harvested nine whole bean pods from his four plants :) a nice little side dish for Adaline this time around. Travis promises me (the lady with the opposite of a green thumb) that another round is coming soon, so more updates will follow....

Beach time

While in Santa Cruz, we took the opportunity to take Spencer on his first beach trip, much like we did for Adaline when she was an infant. We just took a moment and soaked up the beauty of nature at its finest. A clear summer morning in Santa Cruz is rare, and we try never to take it for granted.

We walked the length of the beach, talked about the surfers in the water, admired the beachfront homes, and utilized the small play structure.

These were all taken with our iphones and I'm still amazed at the detail that is captured with the small digital camera. I just love overexposed shots like this. I am always awed by morning light and I love capturing the rays in photos. I'm not sure if it's considered a "good" photo to others and I don't really care, I love the way the sunbeams make Adaline shine :)

Happy Birthday, Travis!

As usual, I'm a little behind on my posting, so the next few posts may not be in chronological order- hope that doesn't throw you to for too much of a loop :)

Happy Birthday, Travis! We spent the morning enjoying the mild weather at our local watering hole- the neighborhood Starbucks :) It was a leisurely walk to and from, and both kids allowed us to sit and drink our entire coffees before getting restless. A success in my book!

We spent the weekend just before Travis' birthday in Santa Cruz with an impromptu Welcome the Baby party with some of Travis' oldest friends. It was really something to see people Travis has known for more than 20 years all gathered together in one place, catching up. It was also pretty neat that there were a few other young families among the friends :) It's going to be such an experience to have our children grow up together- enjoying the beaches with the moms while the dads surf like old times :)

Adaline's new buddy, Josh (not the best pic of either child, but you try getting two toddlers to stand still and smile!!)

Ingrid, mom of Josh, with her 6 week-old daughter Naomi, and me with 8 week-old Spencer- I see many family trips in our future :)

I wish I had more pictures of the party to share, but I was so busy enjoying our friends that I didn't think to take pictures. I can't believe it has been so long since we've seen everyone. It's hard for us to travel with two young children, and it makes me miss our carefree lifestyle before kids, but it makes it all worth it to see Adaline playing with our friends' child as if they have known each other forever. 

Happy birthday, Travis- I feel like it was just yesterday that I was telling my mom that my new boyfriend was a bit older and turning 24 (sooooo much older than my 19). When I look at you, I still see the 24 year-old surfer guy that is really smart and funny, with big dreams and a bigger heart. I love you!

Summer Break

Forgive me for the lack of posting; not only are we still adjusting to life with two children, we are enjoying summer vacation as a family of four. This means lots of laughs and little camera time. I did capture this one gem, though...