Memorial Day Camping Trip

Over Memorial Day weekend we planned to go camping with our pals the Adamson's in Bodega Bay.  We have been planning the trip on the beach for quite some time.  We made it to Bodega Bay and our campsite, the spot we initially had reserved was too small for both our family tents, so we traded it in for another site. We all really liked the spot and began setting up.  It was super windy.  The kids lasted about 10 minutes and then headed in the car.  We set our tent up and seconds later the wind ripped it out of the ground. We hadn't been there and hour and it was miserable in the wind.  We noticed that most of the other campers were in RV's and all decided we needed to come up with a plan B.  We packed up and decided to take a chance. After making several phone calls we found a place that had spots available and ended up at China Camp in Marin.   We got lucky to find China Camp.  It is a small camp grounds that you hike in your gear.  Beautiful views and lots of wildlife for the kids.  

Happy Campers.

The beach was a short drive from camp. 

When we got back to camp from our day at the beach, there was a guy making giant bubbles.  The kids really enjoyed the giant bubbles.

On Memorial Day we drove by a Veteran's Memorial and took some time to explore it and had some good talks with the kids about what Memorial Day is all about. 

Annular Solar Eclipse

We were on our way out for a bike ride when Grandma G called us to remind us about the Annular Solar Eclipse.   Freddie quickly made a viewer for us, using a pizza box and one of Issy's picture windows in her room.  It was perfect!  It projected the eclipse right on Issy's closet door.   The girls really enjoyed watching it change and having an impromptu science lesson. Thanks Grandma G!

Insta Weekend!

Fun filled weekend in cell phone pics....

Nana brought Issy her old ipod.  This girl is in heaven and hasn't put it down since.

On Friday when Daddy came home from work, we had a little surprise waiting for him.  He LOVED it and so did the girls.  Issy was watching and waiting for his car to pull in the driveway and as soon as she saw it, the girls and I ran and hid in the backyard, waiting for Daddy to find his note we left him.  Daddy came out with a towel on his head.  It was so much fun!

 Friday night Freddie and I went to dinner with our friends Jada and Ryan, while Auntie Jennipher spoiled the girls.  Jada and I have been talking about getting tattoos so we made a date night out of it with our hubbys. 

It's hard to see in this picture, I got the word smile on the inside of my finger.  You can see it when I push the shutter button on my camera.  

Jada put I love you honey written in her grandmother's handwriting from a letter she had on her shoulder. 

Sunday morning treat.  We heard about a donut shop that serves fun flavored donuts so we decided to check it out for a fun treat before church.  Issy got a cake donut that had strawberry frosting and sugar.  YUM!

 Calista just wanted something pink.

 Freddie and I split a Bacon Maple Donut.  It was SO GOOD!!  

Calista is loving taking photos with our phones and always asks us to make a silly face, I had to post her favorite!  She saw this on the computer while I was drafting this post and excitedly said, "I took that picture!!"  

Sunday night we were headed out for a bike ride when Grandma G called to tell us to watch the solar eclipse.  So we scratched the bike plans and Daddy made a home made eclipse viewer that projected on Issy's closet door.  We all sat and watched it change.  It was a great learning experience for the girls and we were surprised how fascinated they were by it.   Can't wait for the next one in 38 years! 

Jumping Rope

We have been spending a lot of time outside in the front yard since Issy learned how to ride her bike.  Issy and Calista ride back and fourth up and down the street while I sit on the grass and watch.  The other day Issy gets off her bike and the next thing I know she is skipping down the driveway and jumping rope.  I looked at her and said, "When did you learn how to do that?"  She laughed!  She has been practicing at school.        I begged her to stop growing up, I can't handle it!  Learning how to jump rope, riding bikes, and losing her front tooth all in a week!  It's too much for this Mama.

A visit with Grandmama and Nana

Grandmama lives in Oregon and we only get to see her once a year, so her visit is always special to us!  The girls were so excited!  Calista asked me if Grandmama was going to remember her.  She is so cute!  How could anyone forget you sweet Calista!  We had a nice visit and I even had time to take a special picture of my Mom and Grandma together.  

Insta Mother's Day

Mother's Day started for me on Friday, when I got to go out with my girl friends.  We got pedicures and then went out to dinner and dessert.  I am so thankful for the women in my life.  It was a great day!

Saturday we spent the day together riding bikes and playing together at the park.  Sunday I got treated to breakfast in bed, my favorite!  The girls gave me the sweet cards and gifts they made at school.  We went to church.  After church we went for another long bike ride.  Freddie and the girls made me chocolate covered strawberries and we ended our night with a yummy dinner at my favorite, Smash Burger!  

I felt like a queen!   So grateful to be the one that these kids call Mom.  

Both girls had a fill in the blank card, those are my favorite, because I love to hear their perspective.

Calista's card said...

My Mommy's name is DeAnna.
Why did God create Mommy's?   Because she is cute.
What does she do?  Something on the computer.
The best thing she cooks is?  Eggs
What do you think she's like for a present? A puppy.
My mommy is special because...  She loves me.
Happy Mother's Day!!
I love you,
Calista




Isabelle's card said...


My Mom's name is DeAnna
She is 11 feet tall and weighs 20 pounds.  Her hair is curly and pretty.  Her favorite food is macaroni.
She likes to eat in bed.
My Mom has a pretty smile, she always smiles when I give her flowers.
My Mom can do many things!  Her job is a photographer.  Her hobby is scrapbooks.
My Mom is smart! She even knows how to roller skate.
My Mom is special because she is beautiful.
Signed Isabelle Date May 13, 2012


There was also a place in Issy's card for her to write a special note, it said... 


I love you Mom.  You are the best.  She makes me smile. 

The Best Job In The World!

The best job in the world,  is 24 hours a day, comes with no sick days...  and well the pay is non existent.   I have not one but two bosses who sometimes can be very demanding and can throw temper tantrums at a moments notice. They have more energy than I know what to do with.  Even though they probably don't really get how hard I work, they fill my heart with joy each and everyday. There never is a shortage of hugs and kisses, laughter is an everyday occurrence, playtime is a must and there is even an occasional nap when the schedule permits it. They are always up for an adventure and no matter what at the end of the day my heart is always full.

Two Wheeling!

 It all happened so fast!  Freddie and Issy went out to run an errand this afternoon and on the way home Issy asked Daddy if he would take off her training wheels.  The next thing I know she is flying through the house to get on her tennis shoes and Daddy is in the garage taking the training wheels off.   Less than 15 minutes later and she was riding her bike on her own.  She freaked out the first time she realized no one was holding on to her but it didn't stop her.   As soon as she got it, we packed up her bike and drove down to the bike trail where the sidewalk is long and straight. She walked her bike right onto the sidewalk and just took off.  Steering and even turning around without ever a problem.  We had to scrape our jaws off the floor a few times.  We finally just took a seat on the grass and let the girls ride back and fourth.  We enjoyed watching her ride back and fourth for a solid hour.  It truly a fun and memorable evening!

 Auntie Jennipher was there to witness it too!! 

 So excited and so proud of you Issy! 

 Daddy being silly! 

 Calista getting in on the fun too! 

Issy's New Smile...

Insta Friday

This week in cell phone pics...

Love how she sticks out her tongue when she is concentrating.

Issy and her buddy Arshaun before school.

Snuggle time! 

At lunch and lunch recess with Issy and her friends this week... trying to get a picture of Issy and her friends and they boys were teasing them, it was actually kind of funny to watch.

Finally got away from those pesky boys! 

Cooking with one of my favorite chefs... making one of her favorites Mac N Cheese!