Alllll Aboarrrd!

As I've mentioned before, Alex loves the movie Polar Express and as he gets older he gets really excited over trains. When we were on vacation, we took him to a cute place in Sonoma called Train Town.

This little train takes you through several wooded acres and stops partway through at a petting zoo. The exciting thing for Alex was when the conductor came and punched his ticket just like in the movie Polar Express.

Grandma is a "soft touch" as she says, and bought Alex this little toy train and adorable hat. It was so fun to watch him, he was in awe.

He also got to ride the carousel a couple times and loves to watch the video of himself which he calls "horsies and Poo Pess" (Polar Express)

One happy little guy!

Geeked Up

Pretty dang cute, eh? This is what happens when you are a two year old with a teenaged sister...believe it or not this is a fashion statement. (The glasses with the lenses missing). Steph refers to it as "geeked up". Pretty fitting description. Along with being aware of the latest fashion trends, Alex is also known to randomly quote lines from rap songs..."Get out my face!" or "You a jerk"! If you think that's bad, let me tell you what Steph taught him last night. He pulled up his shirt and said, "Look at me titties!" Of course Steph laughed hysterically so it just encourages him!

"Hahmelyon, sae messy"

Just a little tip from one mom to another... When unloading the groceries, if you've just purchased a watermelon, DO NOT leave it sitting at the top of the stairs in the presence of a two year old. BUSTED!!! (Both literally and figuratively) Alex is looking at this photo as I'm typing this and he keeps saying over and over, "Hahmelyon, sae messy". (Watermelon, it's messy) I guess that's good that he acknowledges for every action, there is (in this case) a very messy reaction.

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...