Visit from John and Christine

Five, Four, Three . . .

Five days left until we modernize, going high speed and wireless. Instead of it taking us about 5 hours to make this post it will take no time at all. Or so it will seem after having had dial-up.

We may be seeing more of you on video chat!

Hikin' Buddies

The kids have a natural love for taking hikes. I am as pleased to watch them explore as I am to be out on the trail. These pictures are from a recent hike. The kids spent a good chunk of time playing on this little bridge. While Mikey enjoyed his break from the pack, Adam or I watched him with one hand reaching for his belt loops, just in case.

Our hiking pace has changed with a 3-year-old walking beside us and a 20-some pounder in tow. I'm already wandering what we'll do when there are 3 kids and only 2 sets of carrying shoulders. . . .

Don't Miss it

Friday evening, Adam and I enjoyed watching the film, Miss Potter, with Renee Zellwegger and Ewan McGregor.

I think we are all familiar with her children's books such as The Tale of Peter Rabbit, but Adam and I knew nothing about the life of Beatrix Potter. As it turns out, it is quite the story to tell. I won't ruin the surprise by giving away those details, but I will say that the acting is great, the setting is enchanting, and the film is clean. If you watch it, please let me know what you think of it.

Coincidently, my mom and dad also watched the same movie Friday evening. Talking with her on the phone tonight, she started to explain this movie they'd recently seen and recommended. So, I guess that makes 6 thumbs up, 8 if you count my dad.

Growing Up

After looking at our previous garden post, I thought an update was needed. It's growing up! This picture is 3 weeks old, so most of the lettuce has been eaten, but the cucumbers, tomatoes, beans, and carrots are getting taller. Pepper plants aren't doing so good, probably because Mikey, Emily, and their friend Tanner have each taken a turn pulling the pepper plants up by thier roots. I just replant the poor things and hope for the best. I can't give up on them yet.

Princesses & Angels

We've been home for a little while, but Adam and I have some photos from the beach house trip that we want to share. This first one is a favorite.

Our first full day was spent at Disneyland. Before the tickets were even bought, Emi and Dani were dancing with Grandpa.

And when it was time to go, they were still savoring the sweet experiences (doesn't Emi have an I've-been-Disnafied look?). The most amazing part of the trip: Emily feel asleep at Disneyland.
Don't you love their Mickey ears?
Grandpa was a good sport and put Emi's Mickey ears on so we could get her to laugh for a family photo. It worked, as you can see.

We went to see the Anaheim Angel's play the Twins. The Angel's were heading for a win I thought, but they ended up losing by 2 points if I remember right. (Mary, who were you rooting for anyway?) Mikey occassionally would blurt out something like, "Ba! Ba!" He got this free toy baseball, but we had to put it away because he couldn't just hold it, he had to throw it or try and eat it.

Speaking of eating, Mikey wasn't too interested in trying the sand on this his 2nd trip to the ocean. He stayed busy trying new things, like rinsing off in the shower . . . while seated in a car.
My favorite part--Family time; and looking out at the ocean with Emi and Mikey.

Quite the trio

We didn't notice we were all standing alike until I saw this photo on our camera. Adam took it while we were at Disneyland learning some princess dances and such...the steps didn't come as naturally as holding a baby or knowing how to hold on to mom.