All of the Inflatables

In annual tradition we travelled across town to see the spectacle that is Santa on Mountainview. 

It seems impossible but this year is probably even better. It seems as though the Mountainview house's neighbor has now fully extended the lights to the corner and it really makes that walk up even more spectacular. 

But don't worry...Santa didn't disappoint. Rudolph was there to greet us 

And there's the big guy just inside too!

We managed to grab a shot wth the Avengers in Hooville...

And a family photo too...

If you haven't been yet, head on over. You can't miss it off 20S (you can even see it from 64). It won't disappoint and will bring holiday cheer to even the grinchiest of you out there!

Walking in the Sea of Santas

Well Thanksgiving has passed and we ate our fill of turkey and cranberries. Now we're moving along to Christmas and are getting our fill of Santa too! We already saw Santa a few weeks ago with John and his older son. The boys loved making Gingerbread houses and hearing the Grinch Who Stole Christmas before getting some QT with the big guy. (No sneak peaks yet!)

Today we took the event a little further and decided to participate in Arc of the Piedmont's Santa Fun Run & Walk.

Ready for the Santa Walk!

A was even excited to do it, so we walked the event (it was only 1 mile) and he kept it up for a strong half of the walk before getting on mine and then Daddy's shoulders. It was fun seeing the sea of others dressed up like Santa and his elves...we may even have to make it a new tradition!

Happy happy birthday!

Today we celebrate 4 years of happiness and craziness with our fun loving A. He certainly has a huge personality and makes his presence and opinion known, and we wouldn't have it any other way. He also gives the best hugs, snuggles and high fives of anyone out there. Here's to many more buddy!

Halloween catchup

I know I'm a week behind, but at least you're getting cute pictures of Halloween, right? I love Halloween. In fact it is quickly becoming a favorite holiday. I've expounded plenty on my love of all things fall, so it's only natural I would love making jack o' lanterns and dressing up. Plus candy. All of the candy, that I can now steal...I mean share...from my kid!

But when you get the opportunity to celebrate such a fun holiday, why must it be confined to just one costume? Nonsense I say. Every kid should have at least one costume, preferably 3. Kyle and I only had 1, but that's more than most adults! Now on to the pictures. 

Costume 1 is the family costume - the Peanuts gang (Sally, Charlie Brown, Linus and Snoopy)

Costume 2 is a bit more obscure for you non-toddler parents...Marshall from Paw Patrol, the current favorite cartoon in our home. 

I don't have a picture of costume 3 as it was at school and he was a caterpillar, but for your final viewing pleasure, here is a shot of the madness that is Halloween. How can you not love a holiday that brings this big a smile?

Until next year when we get to dress up all over again!

 

Harvest time

A few weeks ago A went on his first school field trip. What?! Where does the time go?! They went to an apple orchard and picked apples and learned all about how apples grow. We've been going as a family since he was in the belly, so of course we had to go again as a family. Here are a few highlights. 

There's a nice one!

We carried the apples out, he lead Fella. 

Some wheels to help carry the bounty. 

And of course, a donut finish!

Fall is here!

First, to all our devoted followers, it looks like I was really busy today posting. Well, I was, but not really. Unfortunately technology failed and our last 2 posts didn't go up! So, you get lots of fun stuff to catch up on today. Better late than never!

But finally...fall is here! It's my favorite season, even though you all know I love the 90 degree heat most :) But I love fall and the colors, flavors and fun. This past weekend we made it down to DD and DaDoc's and started the fall fun with some pumpkin carving. I'm not sure who had more fun...A or DaDoc!

Getting the pumpkin guts!

Popping out the pieces

Ahh! Attack of the pumpkin!

Hats off to you Mr. P!

The Beach...at last!

We finally got to the beach this year (and I finally got to posting this) and man it's getting more and more fun! Perhaps the best part was that we were able to join dear friends who have young kids too, so A had a blast with his friends and we had adult conversation:) I think the favorite of the trip for everyone was the treasure hunts. 

But of course we had fun swimming and playing in the ocean. 

And we ventured to the sound to throw the net out for fish and lounge on rafts.  

And of course we had some old favorites like hunting for crabs at dark. 

Overall it was a great vacation and we all got to relax a little!

Campfires and marshmallows

I'm pretty sure most kids love a campfire, if only for the fact that a campfire inevitably means s'mores! We came down to the farm this weekend and everything was prepped for a campfire. Since we don't have a yard right now, this was a real treat. 

The boys were so excited they decided to start praising the campfire gods. 

The s'mores were obviously a hit too. 

The night was capped off with a few small fireworks. I mean, why not? 

Goodnight moon!

First Day of School!

Parents are always saying how time flies. Those first few months after A was born it sure didn't. But now...man, it sure does! 3.5 years ago A started day care at what would become his second home. We sure do love all the ladies at First Steps and can't say enough good things. I won't lie...I teared up saying goodbye to them on Friday!

But it didn't seem to phase A too much. Monday he started at his new "big boy" school. Here's a glimpse of him at his new school.

So far he seems to be liking it...though I think he likes it mostly because they have three sandboxes. We still miss our old friends though and hope to see them again soon!

My Little Vegetable Farmer

As some of you know I spent a solid 7 years avoiding meat like the plague. I absolutely LOVE vegetables and fruit and could live off them (and chocolate...and wine, which is of course born from fruit!). Not surprisingly A is a chip off the old block and loves his fruit and veggies. Take a recent trip to my parents' farm. 

Me: What do you want to do tonight? We could go swimming or play on the playground?

A: Hmmm I want to pick vegetables. 

Me: You do? You don't want to swim?

A: No, I want to pick vegetables because I LOVE vegetables. 

You probably think I'm lying...but the kid has literally picked a green pepper or tomato, turned around for a minute and then I turned back around only to see my child chomping into said vegetable. 

Going up!

How has it been almost 3 months since the last post? I'm surprised all my crazy fans aren't out there screaming at me over email. (Ha! Aren't I funny?) well the big news in the last 3 months is of course the house! So I figured I'd share a few photos of it coming along.

Future home site!

That's a lot of dirt.

Every kid loves an excuse to climb on a tractor, especially when it's building your new house!

Standing on the side porch

Our future front door!

It'll be a while until it's done, but we'll post more updates soon! Can you tell I'm excited? :)

So Blessed

I had a fantastic Mothers Day and I hope everyone else did too. Even though some aren't mothers themselves, we all have a mom or someone who served that role in our life. I'm blessed to not only have a wonderful mom and mother-in-law, but also be mom to an amazing kid! We had so much fun this weekend just spending time together doing a few favorite things, like picnics (two actually!), going to playgrounds and just being silly. 

We also planted some vegetables and herbs and he ran in his first race!

So I hope you all had a blessed weekend doing whatever makes you happy!

The End of an Era

Today is our last day on Walnut Lane. It's been a great 5 years, though some things we certainly won't miss. But I will miss walking on "our trail," dinner on the porch and relaxing by the fire. I love this home we built for ourselves and A and all the things we've learned as homeowners. 

We celebrated our last day as we have many days before...with bubbles and outdoor adventures.  

I love what we're taking from here and growing with in our new home...and building will certainly provide that adventure! 

So here's to our next home. May it be as warm, inviting, comfortable and bring adventure as our first home. And may you all come visit us next year!

Playgrounds and Carousels, or San Francisco with Toddlers

I like to think we take A a lot of places and expose him to new things. But if I'm being honest, he sticks to a nap schedule and we always work in stuff that he enjoys no matter the location.  Our recent trip to San Fran was a clear example of this. But guess what? We had a great trip, spent time with family and had some awesome experiences. 

How did we do it? Well, every day included a playground. Yep. We saw the playgrounds of SF and loved it. 

Duboce Park, just a few blocks from our house

Giant cardboard/concrete slide at Golden Gate Park

Riding the carousel (Koret playground here but Pier 39 not pictured and also enjoyed of course).

Alta Plaza for a picnic with friends

By keeping him happy we got to do some awesome stuff too like see the sea lions

And ride the cable cars

And go to the Japanese Tea Garden

And of course celebrate Cousin Bryan's wedding 

So for all you parents out there...stop and enjoy the playgrounds. We did and had a great time.