Sun, Sand, Surf and ...SHARKS?!

We had a most excellent day at Stinson Beach while we were in California. Now, keep in mind that this is Northern California and you really never know what you're gonna get weather wise at the beach. Even if it's a clear, sunny day inland, you may get a cold, foggy day on the coast. So I was so psyched that it was sunny, warm and no wind, it couldn't have been better. To make the day even better, luckily it wasn't until we were packing up and getting ready to go, that the beach patrol drove down the perimeter of the beach instructing all swimmers and surfers to leave the water. They didn't explain why, but I had a hunch. Sure enough, Steph looked it up online that night and there had been a Great White sighting. Several beaches were closed for the next few days so I'm glad we went when we did...and really glad we didn't see Jaws while we were there.

This is one of my favorite pictures from our trip.

A few days later, we went to my sister Lesley's house for dinner and swimming. My other sister Lorna, who lives in Utah, was also in town for our reunion, so there were a ton of cousins and they had a blast. At least with a pool, you don't have to worry about any wildlife encounters. I take that back...there was a dead toad in the pool that sent Steph runnning into the house. We eventually coaxed her into coming back out!

I love that all the nieces and nephews in my family get along so well and love spending time together!

"...and the Wine is Bottled Poetry"

"...and the Wine is Bottled Poetry". No, I haven't become a "sommelier" (wine expert), I just love this quote that refers to the beautiful Napa Valley, which is famous for it's numerous vineyards and award winning wine. This is where I was born and raised, and quite frankly since Napa was all I knew, I definately took for granted what a beautiful place it is. Now, as an adult and after living elsewhere for several years, I realize how lucky I was to grow up here, not just for it's physical beauty but also for it's smaller town feel, away from the chaos of the big city, but just an hours drive from San Francisco and Berkeley. We always make sure we take a drive "up the valley" when we're visiting.

Even when Steph was as young as 5 or 6, she used to cry when it was time to leave Grandma and Grandpa's and now at 17 she still hates leaving. (Confession: even at 38 I still choke back the tears when it's time to leave...) We kept telling Steph that registration was going on at Vintage High, it wasn't too late to sign up for her senior year. I think she was half tempted, seriously.

As you can see here, Alex is working on bottling Napa Valley's innovative toddler friendly cabernet, he likes to call it 'vin du juicy juice'.

These two cute girls belong to my good friend Christine who I grew up with in Napa. When her girls heard we were in town, they asked their mom if they could come play with Alex (lucky boy!). Funny thing is, they live about 15 minutes away from me in Salt Lake, but we seem to see each other most often when we both happen to be in Napa at the same time. Sounds strange I know, I guess our lives are so busy that we have to travel 700 miles to catch up with old friends!

Christine and I....

I once saw a license plate frame with a quote that said, "Utah plates, California driver". I think that sums up the way I think of myself...I've now lived in Utah for half my life, but in my heart I'll always be a California girl.

Steph, the Fisherwoman

We just got back from our wonderful vacation to California. Most of it was spent at my parents house in Napa, and we also had a great family reunion in San Jose. There are so many highlights I want to post, so I think I'll just break it up into segments and tackle a little at a time. Steph, Steve and my brother Brett went fishing down on the Napa River. Alex and I came just for a few minutes, the four foot wide dock and a 2 year old who wants to run around are not the most relaxing combination. Here's Steph demonstrating her casting skills, I was pretty impressed.

Alex trying to get a bite on that line.

Steph is definately not her mother's daughter when it comes to fishing. I've always had an aversion, or should I say a down right fear of fish, so how cool is this girl, who was cutting up the anchovie and baiting her own line? You go girl!

Life is Good

This has not been the most "peaceful" summer. Lots of trials, challenges and worries weighing on our shoulders.

Heck, just this week in a 24 hour period, my dad was hit by a motorcycle while riding his bike and I was in an accident driving home from work. (Dad's been in the hospital under observation, it looks like he'll be ok. My insurance premiums however, will not be ok since I was ticketed!)

Sometimes my stomach is in knots just thinking about everything that's weighing on my mind. But, life is good. Wanna know why...? Because tomorrow I will be here....


California here I come, right back where I started from. Peace out Utah, I'm going back to chill in the 707 with my homies...for 9 days...and it couldn't be more exquisite timing. No better cure for the blues than some of mom's home cooking, a day at the beach, and going for a walk with the beautiful Napa vineyards as a backdrop. Like I said, life is good...

Teaching Alex to Pray

It may seem a bit irreverent that I'm taking pictures of Alex learning what he should do when we pray.... but it was so dang cute I couldn't help myself. I love the look on his face that says, "I guess I'm supposed to squint my eyes since that's what everyone else is doing." Of course we're all squinting because we're trying to take a peek at him!

Here he's almost got it down. The head is semi-bowed and we've got the one arm crossed.

There we go! It sure looks like it's taking a whole lot of concentration, but he finally got it down!

Hot Hot, We Got It!

Alex loves the movie Polar Express. If you've never seen it, there's a scene where a bunch of singing and dancing waiters with handlebar moustaches come out to serve hot chocolate to the children on the train. They sing, "Hot, hot, we got it...hot chocolate!" Well, the other day I found Alex with a black marker in hand and a line drawn across his upper lip. I didn't think much of it until he started doing a little dance and singing, "Hot, hot, got it..hot hot, got it...". Then I realized he had drawn on a moustache so he'd look like those waiters. Sometimes it amazes me how much these little ones retain when you think they're not paying much attention. Who knows, all this time we've anticipated a future athlete, but maybe we've got a future Broadway star in the making!

Family Camping Trip

Over the 4th of July weekend, we went camping in California at Grover's Hot Springs, a great campsite my family has been going to since I was a little girl. All of my family was there, minus my brother and his family, plus my cousin and his family came so we had a large group.

I've been trying to get Alex to eat watermelon all summer, but he's shown very little interest. Perhaps being in the great outdoors did something for his appetite!

Our sites were near a creek, Alex loved throwing rocks in. He was such a good boy and never tried to wander off. He loves being outside so much, camping is definately like being in heaven for this little guy!

My theme for this camping trip was "simplicity". I just wanted to be able to relax as much as possible, plus knowing that I would be chasing after a 2 year old, my goal was to make things as simple as possible. So, in the campsite next to us one of my sisters was making some delicious chicken fajitas, and to the other side of us, another sister and her family are dining on grilled tri-trip and dutch oven cheesy potatoes. And here are the Lillys preparing a gourmet meal of roasted hot dogs!! But hey, basically no prep work or cleanup was required, so my goal was fulfilled, and let me tell you those were some scrumptious wieners...Alex ate two!

Alex in his 4th of July attire. Would you believe some idiot campers actually brought fireworks...into the FOREST?! We had some fantastic rangers though, who were up to their site as soon as the first one was shot off, and they hauled his drunk @#* off in the ranger car. Serves him right.

My brother-in-law Mark brought this inflatable raft for the little guys for the creek. Alex and Adam sat in there for probably close to an hour being pushed around, they had a blast.

There's a huge meadow at the entrance to the campground that's gorgeous, especially at sunset.

You know Alex is exhausted if he actually allows himself to fall asleep in someone's arms.

The whole gang, minus Alex who had crashed at this point. We couldn't have asked for a better trip, it was so nice to get away and spend time with family. It's such a great bonding time for all the cousins, we've already made plans for same time, same place in 2010!