happy to be healthy

Now that the virus had made its rounds through our house, I'm happy to report...we're back to our healthy version of life. Hope you can keep the germs out of your house this season ~ it's no fun having sick babies!

Time for soup

Bri has had a wicked cold for the past few days, so as a family tradition I made chicken soup (for the soul if nothing else). As I was cleaning and preparing this little bird I thought about the life that it once was and how grateful I am to be able to feed my family organic & free range foods. We are so blessed by the access we have to all types of food which I admittedly take for granted sometimes.

I'm hoping this homemade soup will bring health and energy back to my sweet girl in the next few days so that I can see her glowing smile again soon.

xoxo

And the winner is............

Excitement doesn't quite cover how I feel about this day.

Decision Day

How bout you?

In Character

We were surrounded by plenty of little characters this Halloween who were grinning from ear to ear once the concept caught on. It didn't take long. We took our little tiger over to give a roar to grandma while little Charlie Chaplin spread his charm then headed out to a parent and toddler trick-or-treat shindig. The loot will be quickly forgotten, then POOF will never be seen again. Magic...I know.

Our eldest has decided she'll never be too old to go door to door, hence the borrowed '20s gettup she sported for the evening. The kid loves dressing up no matter what the day, but to bring home all those finger licking gooey treats~it's her icing on the cake.

Three days of goodness

We got home safe and sound from our journey up in Northern Cali to visit my mum (and a short visit with dad, too). It was just the little getaway that I needed...a break from the everyday routine which gave me a new energy and perspective. We crammed a lot into our little visit with plenty on the list to do next visit. We managed a drive to tahoe to see me dad and mama rhonda, a full day at Apple Hill indulging on all things apple~yum, tractor rides, horse-lovin, a rinse in the river and shopping to boot. Three days just doesn't cut it up in the mountains, but does leave me eager for our next trip up hopefully with my man as captain of the ship....I missed him so, plus that drive is a bear! Thanks mum for all of your love, support and oh-so-wonderful hospitality. I am better for having spent some time with you and your zoo.

xoxo

Girls gone north

A couple of photos from yesterday's hike before

we head off for a girls trip to Nana's house to seek

some laughter and adventure.

Happy Trails

xoxo

Harbor cruisin

When we mentioned to Maya last weekend that we were going out on Ed & Andi's boat her response consisted of a squeal of excitement followed by a matter-of-fact announcement that she would be throwing up while on our excursion. I can understand how she would be expecting a rerun of the last boat trip but luckily there was no vomit to be had so our day ended with smooth sailing and good company. Thanks for fun outing guys!

Maya's first thank you card ever to her sweet little friend. Did I mention she's only 3 & 1/2?

The verdict is in

Best birthday gift....ever

Matt loves his new roadster due to it's hauling capacity. He can load anything from surfboards to groceries plus his favorite girls.

Sweet treats

Maya turns out to be a girl after my own heart and takes ownership over the air hockey table at a new indoor playground we visit today. She spends about 80% of her time in this very spot, rarely tempted by the many bouncy-bright toygems all around her.

A nice close up of this beautiful visitor as I was watering today.

Miss M gets to stop and chat with her favorite neighborhood purrrball...Patches

Then off to fly (more like pull) the butterfly kite at the park

The view from the baseball diamond. One I hadn't noticed before.

Watching the full moon rise on our way home.

Getting a slight glimpse of my studyholic daughter

Talking to my Mr before the night is done