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! 

The Potty-Training Saga

I thought I knew Stubborn until I met Max.

 

At two and a half, we switched Max to underwear and began potty-training. NINE months later, he had still never pooped in the potty. We tried everything. Bribery. Encouragement. Threats. Nonchalance.

True story, I once forced him into a battle of wills and after three days of holding it, I caved and he won. My dad even bought him a potty seat that played his beloved Thomas the Train music when used, and he told Grandpa to return it. I had visions of him going to kindergarten and returning home to poop in his pants. 

One day, he had a particularly bad accident and was finally fairly upset by it. The next day, he miraculously came to me and told me he wanted to go. Within a few weeks, we suddenly realized he had not had an accident in an entire week. And just like that, at three years and four months, Max finally decided he was ready to be potty-trained.



One more to go...

Life at home

A quote I heard today: "How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives."
-Annie Dillard

I often get asked how my transition to being home is going. Like a true attorney, my answer invariably goes something like, "It depends..."

The question feels too weighty and complicated to answer in a few remarks today. Instead, here are a few pictures of everyday moments at home this past month for me to remember the good and the bad. 

Daily hug at the bus stop 

"Mom, I made lots of mac and cheese"

And lest anyone thinks being at home with three boys is fun stuff, they were doing this for a good ten minutes before I decided to record it for memory sake... 

Kara's Cupcakes

I can't remember why (maybe just to get them out of the house?) but I took the boys for a fun treat to my favorite cupcake place. 

I can't get over how big they are looking

I tried to jump in the picture and they all ran off

Ready for action!

I cannot believe Noah turns six today. Where has our baby boy gone??

He is full of personality, full of energy, and full of new ideas. He told us the other day, "I'm ready for action!" Indeed he is.

We battle all the time but I love him with my whole heart.

Happy birthday Noah bear!