Summer days

The emotional life cycle of a one year old

 

Uh oh, Mom says don't mess up the laundry...

I am not happy with this

Definitely not happy 

Tears for extra effect 

Still tears in my eyes 

Oh wait, discovered rocks! 

Life is all good again.

Forty-eight hours in Big Sur

A weekend trip to remember.

On the way down we hit brutal traffic, but got to see the sunset over the west coast.

We never know what mood our kids will be in, but on that day Noah and Max hiked happily for the two-mile round trip beautiful trek. It was fun to see their adventurous spirit grow when we gave them so much unstructured time outdoors. 

They were race cars racing, collected roly pollies, searched for walking sticks, and pretended to build a train track on their hike. 

Sammy released from the carrier for a few moments.

Happy with ice cream.

Peering at a blue jay out our window. 

After quiet time in the lodge, the fog had come in so we set off for McWay Cove. 

Quintessential California dinner feast of cheese plate, mozzarella salad, roast chicken, burger, and pasta. After seeing how much I ate, the waiter exclaimed that I had a "tremendous appetite." I'll take that as a compliment. 

We rose early the next morning to explore Pfeiffer Beach.

 

Sam did not want to leave and refused to head back to the car. 

After lunch, we roamed the river by the lodge. 

In my opinion, one of the best features of California - the giant redwoods. 

A few scenic stops on our drive home while Sam napped. 

Bixby Bridge was built in 1932 and came in under budget at $199,861. When has that ever happened again?

 

What a trip! It was not easy, there was a moment at a rest stop when all three kids were throwing a fit in the women's bathroom that I did not think we were going to make it. 

So many good and beautiful memories made. Goodbye Big Sur, can't wait to be back!