Stinson Beach

Everyone that we talk to up here says that Northern California beaches are very different than the ones in Southern California. Well, everyone was right! We finally visited Stinson Beach and it was exciting and beautiful, but VERY different then what we are used to. It had a forest-like feel due to all of the pine trees and huge mountains that surrounded it. Gigantic cliffs and rocks were everywhere. 

My two guys ready to have fun!

 We could not believe how windy it was, and chilly! We asked around and people there said that it was actually a pretty warm day! Yikes! We wore sweatshirts most of the time. :) 

The wind and chill did not stop this guy from getting in the water up to his neck! He asked John and I over and over if we would get in with him, but it was just way too cold! Luckily he quickly made a buddy and the two of them played together for a good hour.

 Brandon loved that this beach had a TON of rocks to find and collect. He had to bring home two big baggies full of them. 

I didn't get a picture of it but Brandon was so sweet and dug a hole in the sand for my belly! I was able to lay on my stomach for the first time in two months! It felt SO GOOD! 

I am so in love with this picture. He looks so sweet and innocent.  

 This picture is WAY too light but I had to include it...the classic "buried up to your neck in sand" pic. :)

 We went for a walk and tried to find sea life around the enormous rocks. 

Brandon and I built a mountain from sand and made a tunnel through it. See his little fingers peeking out? 

 This deer was surprising to see just as we started to head for home.
It was a great day at the beach, cold weather and all.
So fun to experience a new place as a family. 

7 months!

Wow! I REALLY look and feel pregnant now! Funny how it just kind of hits you at all once. 

 12 more weeks to go!

Summer Fun

 Summer is here and we are enjoying the beautiful weather. I have always thought that Northern California was pretty chilly (I've worn socks and shoes almost every day since we have moved here). But now the heat is here and it is beautiful flip flop weather!

A couple weeks ago we took Brandon and his buddies to a fun children's activity night
at a local church in our town.
 John was a great sport and played Minute to Win It in front of LOTS of kiddos. 

Brandon has been in the "fort" mode lately...always wanting to build fun places to hide! He even insisted that we have our last FHE in his fort. It was quite warm and cramped in there, but lots of fun. :)

Glow in the dark chalk was super exciting to make and use! 

Brandon has been loving his swimming lessons. He is really enjoying learning all the different strokes and I love watching him. I cannot get a good picture of him though because they do not allow parents near the pool during lessons. Bummer! 

Nana gave us such a treat and came out for almost an entire week! We were so spoiled! 

We LOVE Summer! 

Bye bye...

I have mixed feelings today, both happy and sad...excited and scared. Today my little boy said good-bye to second grade, and now is on to third. It has been an amazing year, starting with a HUGE transition for him. John and I getting married, moving to a new house and starting a new grade in a new school were all major events that he had to deal with. I must say he impressed me greatly. 

Kids are resilient, and thank goodness for that.  

To kick off summer, Brandon and I together made some sun cookies for his classmates.

  

We thanked the office staff and the principal with some patriotic goodies. 

We got Mrs. Machado a bucket full of fun summer stuff. 

We will miss you second grade, but we are so excited for the adventures that are ahead. 

Field Day and Second Grade Picnic

 Field day was such a blast! The kiddos all got to participate it various fun activities.

 This crazy race activity was a hit with the kids. It was pretty hard but they loved it.

 Anya and Brandon

 Brandon and his buddy Hawk won the water balloon toss. I think that was the highlight of his whole day! :)

 The second grade picnic was the very next day. It had a carnival theme so all the kids got to wear a clown nose! 

 Bobbin' for apples was the BEST activity. I am positive that it was everyones favorite thing!

 Success!

The kids enjoyed a yummy lunch complete with corn dogs, watermelon, popcorn and cotton candy!
After school we had Brandon's buddies over. They had fun making and playing in a fort. Only two days of second grade left. This past school year has really zoomed by! 

Silly Penny

This dog of ours is so funny! It is never quiet around here with her as part of our family. :)

Brandon's Baptism!

This past weekend Brandon was baptized! We decided to make a special trip down south so that we could have both of our families in attendance. It was a wonderful weekend. The above picture is of our cute lil travelers being so patient on a pretty long car ride. 

The baptism was extra special because everyone there was family.  

Aunt Julie and cousins! They sang BEAUTIFULLY! 

The whole gang...both sides.  We have such wonderfully supportive families. 

 Brandon having a blast with his dad Jeff. 

Brandon received so many fun things for his birthday and baptism. I wish I would have taken more pics of his special gifts.

 Many family members wrote special notes to Brandon.
These will go into a baptism scrapbook for him to cherish!

 We had fun going across the Balboa Ferry and getting frozen banana's at Dad's.

Becca did some face painting for the little ones...that is Brandon's Harry Potter scar on his forehead. :)

 Brandon snapped this of Penny on our way home. What should have been a 61/2 hour trip, turned into 10+ hours due to Memorial Day traffic. Luckily Brandon had a cute companion to help pass the time.