Banana's Bread

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Happy Birthday, to my July darlings!

Happy #7 Miss Immy!

Happy birthday sweet Immy! Your seven years have flown by. You are so smart, kind, and a natural leader. You make me laugh. You have a wonderful understanding of how to get people to do things -good or bad. You love your brothers and sister, and you are talkative and quick to make a new "best friend". You are also often happy to just be alone drawing or reading. You taught me how to be a momma, and everything you do will always be new to me. I love you, and the "new" that each year with you brings.

Big #1!

Happy birthday PT! Your first year has flown by, and it would break my heart to think that you are growing so fast were I not enjoying it so much! You are driven and determined. You are a bit particular, but you love to see new things. You have a temper, but are also quick to smile and laugh. We have so much fun with you, and you adore your brother and sisters. I love you.

Happy 27!

Darling, I laugh because we are starting to feel old- though we are far from grey. Life feels a bit more fragile than it did before, and we are starting to realize just how fast it goes. We have been together for eleven years, with good and bad, and lots of time apart; but I am thankful for all of it and how it has taught us to treasure our time together now. I love you for your dreams, and determination. For your sense of humor, and the amazing way you make friends everywhere. Thanks for the everyday; you have my love always.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

California

Here are a few more highlights from our trip.

Casa De Soledad

PT and I spent a few days just chillin' in DH's man-pad, and I am in love! Well, of course I'm in love, but not just with DH; also with the simple, small space! Is it time to move yet?

PT's first trip to the SLO Farmers Market!

Mmmmm, cheddar garlic bread. Nom, Nom!

Hiking at Gaviota

PT and me at the Hot Springs. I picked up a little poison-oak rash to remember the trip.

A visit to the amazing Salvatore's espresso machine shop.

Solvang!

Flower Fields in Lompoc

Train Station at Surf Beach

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

San Francisco

On the way back home from our visit to the base we decided to drive through SF. I had flown out of the there before, but never really driven through the city, so it was a treat!

San Quentin

It was so cold and windy!

We stopped at a vista point over the Golden Gate bridge, and found that it was also the sight of an old military battery; so cool!

Still foggy

The wind was blowing really hard and it was so cold that it kind of took your breath away, so we took a little shelter down in the battery.

Battery Spencer

PT was so good, and really enjoyed getting out of the car for a bit.

Officer's Quarters

Golden Gate Bridge

Alcatraz Island

In the city

Our good little traveler munching on some bread.

SF!!

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Head West Young Man

Hh has been working in CA on four week rotations, four weeks out then one or two back home, so this time when he went back out for work PT and I tagged along for a visit! The other kids got to spend the time with Noni and Popi (Thanks Mom and Dad!), so they had fun too.

PT's first plane ride

PT is an awesome traveler and loved to look out the plane window, maybe a future flyer??

Soaking up the attention

We were excited to receive a last minute invitation to come out to the base Dh will be working at, so after we flew in, we hopped in a rental car and drove five hour to the base. It was a long day of traveling, but PT was a real trooper, and I was so thrilled to see the Reserve base and everything we have been working so hard for. The people were so kind, and after our brief tour and lunch, we set up plans to meet up with some of the families at the local festival.

The fest was at a waterfront park

It was an absolutely gorgeous day!

There was food, vendors, and music; and of course ice cream!

Little PT

After the fest we drove over to Napa to look around.

So pretty!

Napa!

I wish we had had a day to just look around there, but maybe another time.

Hey Handsome!

The next day we were given the privilege of a touring the airplane Dh will be flying. Such a thrill for our plane-lovin' family! And, it was wonderful to see what we have been working towards for the last two years.

The Plane!

A cool inside view from the upper window

PT and I in the future office. :) He was so mad I wouldn't let him touch the controls!

It was so wonderful! The hardest part was that we have to wait two more years to get back out there! That being said, the one thing moving a lot teaches you is to enjoy every bit of where you are. Everything in life is temporary, so I will still treasure being near my family for as long as I can!

The Near-Perfect Beach Bag

Since it's mid summer and hot, hot, hot here, I thought I would share my advice for the Near-Perfect Beach Bag!

I have seen, and been, one of those parents that have over prepared for the beach, just to have a miserable time toting it all out, and in, and keeping up with it all; so this summer my goal was to see how little we could get by with. It turns out we don't need much to have a wonderful time!

The contents of our ONE beach bag.

In our bag was: a blanket, a paddle (mama's strict about beach rules), a camera, snack for the baby, a phone, baby wipes, one diaper, water, (and unseen) keys, a sun screen stick, and a banana. The bag was very light and easy enough for a child to carry, leaving me free to carry the baby.

Also, I brought and left in the van: one towel for each child and extra diapers. I had $10 in my back pocket for ice cream, and we brought a small bucket of sand toys.

To the beach!

I had the kids hold hands, Immy carried the bag, and Lulu carried the sand toys. I carried (only!) the baby. We didn't pack food because I planned our trip for 8am; we ate breakfast before we left, had ice cream at the beach around 11am, and we were home for lunch. Very, very simple, and the most fun I have had at the beach in a long time!