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...

Happy Memorial Day!

For the last few years we have hiked around Pinecrest Lake on Memorial weekend- it's kind of our personal summer kickoff. We knew it would be colder than normal on this year's hike, but we really weren't prepared for the SNOW that met us. SNOW. So much for our plans for a hike and picnic lunch. 

 It really was beautiful. There were still people camping (in tents!) but the area was almost empty and everything was so quiet and peaceful. Just what we needed after six weeks with a newborn. After our displaced picnic lunch we stopped by Travis' parents' cabin for a quick visit before heading home.

Monday we celebrated my great-uncle Vernal's 90th birthday party with the extended family.  My dad's cousin Michelle hosted a beautiful gathering and we were able to introduce Spencer to all his great-great uncles and aunts on my dad's side. Uncle Vernal is the oldest of four (my grandpa is the third child) and all the siblings were there to celebrate. Every single one of them is still sharper and funnier than I am today in my 30s. I always look forward to hanging out with them and hearing their amazing stories. (This time one of the stories we heard was actually about how my dad shot one of his brothers without using a gun when they were kids. They both lived to tell about it-thankfully- but it's just one of the many stories we hear about our amazing family. I really should write all the stories I have heard down and compose a book. Some of them are so outrageous they're almost unbelievable. I only believe them because I know my dad and his siblings and I can vividly picture the scenarios they describe.)
Anyway~
I didn't think to bring my camera so I don't have any pictures of the party, but Michelle's friend was taking pictures and was kind enough to send these pictures her way, which she sent our way (thank you Michelle- I'd love to give your friend photo credit, so please send us her name!)

The party had a tractor theme (perfect for the farming family!) and these great little toy tractors kept Adaline and my cousin Aimee's children Julie, pictured here, and Jenna busy.

 Delicious food!

 Well, what I was able to taste was great- Adaline liked it so much she ate most of my plate :)

 Not very often someone takes a picture of me with my children, so I am so happy to have this one!

(Spencer is now SIX weeks old- already!!!!)

What a wonderful way to spend Memorial Day, celebrating a milestone birthday of a WWII vet with multiple other WWII vets who are also family members present (my grandpa included). Happy Birthday, Uncle Vernal, and thank you to all the servicemen and women who choose to protect our country as well as all their families who support them in their quest to do so. Hope you had an enjoyable weekend, too!

Math Fun

What do you do for a fun past-time when your dad is a math teacher? Practice your counting, of course!

This was after a full day of fun and no nap...hard to believe she's only two.

My Mother's Day

My first Mother's Day with two children started off on the right side of the bed- well, me sleeping in on the right side of the bed :) Travis gifted me an extra hour of sleep, and it was the best present I could have received! Then we headed out to a peaceful Mother's Day Brunch on the river where we watched some rafters floating by (looks like the perfect summer to raft- the river level is so high you won't have to paddle too much.)

Adaline 26 months, Spencer 1 month

Adaline, waving at the rafters passing by

The rafters, waving back...

My sister and her children

Apparently it was a yellow day :)

As hard as it was to get out of the house with two children, it was well worth it. The weather was perfect for our little gathering and we were able to get home in time for naps all around. I hope everyone else had a great Mother's Day, too!