Love this

I just had to share the most amazing gift I got for my birthday. Jenny took my favorite photograph of Rhett and me and had an artist reproduce it into a pencil drawing. I LOVE IT!!!!! Thanks Jenny!

Surfing USA

Today was Jenny's birthday, and, not being a big fan of her birthday (unlike me!) she wanted to do something very low key. She had been talking about having a surfing lesson for eons now so we finally sprung into action and took the surfboard by the leash.

We headed out to Bolinas which is about 45 minutes away. It's a small town with one general store, one bar and one restaurant. I think we frequented them all. It's also a bit hard to find since the locals and nearby surfers have taken down the "Bolinas this way" sign in order to keep that small town feel. The sign can, however be found in the one restaurant in town.

Ian was our instructor and he was VERY patient. He taught us when to catch the wave, how to first go on our stomach, then our knees and finally how to stand up. We achieved the first two and only a millisecond of the last. Well, at least we were up on our feet for a short time. And as Jenny's parents said when we called afterwards, "She's alive!"

Check out our slideshow too. Sorry no action shots.....

And once again.....he cleaned

Angel

Not for a second can I take my eye off of Evan. Each day I am sure to pick up all markers, pens (especially the permanent type), pencils etc. that could be used to deface our home. Each time he draws on the floor, the chair, the table, the wall - he is made to clean it up himself. You would think he would learn by now.

Not only did he get the floor this time, but he also made sure to use the rainbow crayon (which is only about 1/2" long - don't ASK me how he found THAT one!) in picture bursts every 12-15" across the floor. As you can see by the photo, you CANNOT teach a young dog old tricks. And once again.....he cleaned.



Devil

Sweden comes to us!

Two years ago, our friends and neighbors Emma and Stefan moved back to Sweden. Their children Max and Elise were playmates to ours and their absence is felt everyday as we look across the street to, what is predominantly, an empty house. Emma and I were pregnant at the same time with Evan and Elise (they are one month apart) and it had been so nice to have someone to share the benchmarks of child development with.




This month, they returned to the US for a three month stay, doing a house swap with some friends of theirs. During this time we were able to get together three times and catch up. It was as if we had never been apart. Although Max did not remember any English, Kiira and he found ways to communicate and played for hours at a time. Evan and Elise similarly amused each other with their own comversations. And, at one time or another, each child asked the parents how to say something in the other's native language. Perhaps ours even picked up a few extra words of Swedish?

We met at each other's houses and then one day, the Larsson's came to the barn, the last day of Kiira's pony camp, and we all rooted her on in her little horse show. After, Max and Elise got a ride on Robin Hood!




Alan and I talk alot of how rare it is to find other couples that both husband and wife get on well with the other husband/wife. Not only are Emma and Stefan nice people but also they are interesting, worldly and intriguing. We love talking of the differences/similarities of Sweden and the US. We talk of cats/dogs - are we one or the other? We talk photography, gay rights, perception of motherhood. We joke, we ponder, we wholeheartedly enjoy each other's company. Thank you Emma and Stefan for including us in your lives, your thoughts and your US visit!

BOING!!

Alan wants a trampoline. The kids want a trampoline. Me - I am not opposed to a trampoline per say, I AM opposed to the amount of space the trampoline takes up. Alan wants a 14'-0" one. Seeing as our yard is only about twice that size, I am not eager to see a good portion of it go to the trampoline. Alan says it will be his excercise. Hmmmm.....I am wondering why he then has the tennis membership and the gym membership.

In the meantime, we purchase the mini trampoline. Kids love, alan like it, I can live with it. Stay tuned though......

Train Town

We never tire of going to train town. A short 30 minute drive to wine country and we go back into time to a miniature village with trains, rides and simple pleasures. The kids love it. They even have a tiny roller coater which Evan went on for the first time. He LOVED it. There's my daredevil!



After traintown we enjoyed a lovely lunch at a mom and pop place along the way home. they had a great jazz band playing to boot. The kids can never resist a little dancing!

Pony Camp

Kiira's summer has consisted of a few different camps but her favorite thus far has been pony camp. Mom loves it because I get to ride too. It has been wonderful in many ways but the things I have loved best are, Kiira has met more friends her age, and she has gained the confidence to trot off of the lunge line AND trot a course of cavelleti's by herself. I suppose it is the internal competiveness that drives her on. I think this is the best way to learn - pushing yourself rather than having someone else push you. I'm just glad she is having fun as well as learning. Go Kiira GO!!!!