A weekend on the West Coast!

Back in August we were able to spend the weekend at my grandparents house in Smith River, California. This quaint little town lies on the tip of the Northern California coast about one mile from the Oregon border. It was Seth and our kids first time there. Rick and Shelby met us there along with Shelby's parents.

Daddy was king of the mountain.

The tube part of this huge sea weed was hard and felt like plastic. Not slimy and mushy like I expected.

Inside the hollow redwood.

My grandparents still insist on spoiling us even though we are grown with our own families. Worried that there wouldn't be enough room for everyone in their spacious house they rented a little house right on the beach for Seth and I and our kiddos. It was so amazing to wake up in the morning to the smell and sound of the ocean and to literally walk a few steps out the door to the beach. We had tons of blackberry bushes right outside the door too. Yum!

If you ask me Smith River has it all. Gorgeous coastlines, amazing forests filled with huge redwood trees (my favorite) and a comfortable climate almost year round.

View from my grandparents living room.

Stairway to one of the trails on their property.

It was so good to spend quality time with my grandparents. Grandpa Spencer is just about 90 now and he is doing as great as ever. I seriously marvel at all they do at their age. They maintain the 6 acres of land they own all by themselves. Included in that is a huge garden full of delcious produce. They walk several times everyday and my grandpa attends weekly bridge games with some friends. They still cook wonderful meals and their house is always immaculate! Basically, they do it all and I think its what keeps them "young". What a great weekend it was. We have decided to make this a yearly trip until my grandparents make their move down to Southern California. That is where they plan to finally slow down in five or so years.

Beautiful fuschia growing in the front of their house.

Peas in a Pod

The other day I realized that I have many recent pictures of Bella and also of Everett. However, I didn't have very many of them together. So off we went to Albertson Park which is one of our favorite places to roam. I was able to get some great pictures of them. Notice how much they look alike. You can definitely tell they are related! I know every Mom thinks that their kids are the cutest but we seriously have the most adorable children ever! ;-)

I did get some cute individual shots as well.

Bella 3.5 years old!

Everett 13 months old!

4th of July 2010

This year for the 4th we got together with 5 other families and had our own little firework show. It actually turned out to be perfect because there were numerous large fireworks being set off all around our little show. It was a blast! We are greatful for all the amazing friends we have come to know and love here in this wonderful state!

Our baby boy is ONE!!!

Actually, he is now 13 months old! He turned one on June 8th! It's hard to believe this amazing little guy has already been in our lives for a whole year. I don't even know how to explain my love for this child (both children that is).

*He is the sweetest little boy! Whenever I get him up in the morning or from a nap he gives me a big kiss and then rests his head on me for at least a good 5 minutes. It melts my heart everytime.

*He is very polite and always says thank you (dant do) even when he is giving you something.

*Ev is smart just like his big sister. He loves figuring things out and is so proud of himself when he accomplishes his little goals. His usual response is a huge smile, a little giggle and lots of hand clapping.

*He is constantly pushing buttons to see what they do, stacking things, completely emptying drawers and then putting every last thing back in.

*He mimics people left and right whether it be a cough or a laugh or a motion that someone just did.

*He likes to brush his gums (still no teeth) and his hair (not lacking there).

*He is walking more and more everyday! Except this week he wanted to crawl or be carried most of the time.

*He loves to play with any kind of ball. His eyes light up when he sees one and he can never get to it fast enough.

*He loves books and being read to. He points at the pictures and gives you his take of what's going on in the story.

*This boy can EAT! It's hard to believe he only weighs 20lbs the way he eats. The incredible thing is that he can eat almost anything without having any teeth. The most impressive thus far has been celery!

*He can also SLEEP! He still averages two good naps a day and sleeps 12 or more hours a night. Maybe that's why he is so long and skinny.

*He loves his big sister and watching them play together is the cutest thing ever! I probably look pretty goofy but I can't help but grin ear to ear when I see them playing and lovin' on each other.

We sure love having two kiddos around to hug and kiss and to teach and learn from! Life is good!

Here are a few pictures from Everett's first Birthday!