Bodega Bay, just for a day

We road tripped out to the ocean for a day and a drive. Of course we stopped in Petaluma at Bella Trattorio, THE best restaurant I have been to lately. Home grown, or at least grown by a local farmer, organic when possible, and only in season ingredients on the menu (Chris kept thinking, "could I just get the B.L.T. without the T???") The thing that I like best about it is that you get to walk through the kitchen on the way to the bathrooms. It is homey, and even though I have been in restaurant kitchens, I feel like it is a glamourous glimpse into the creation of such down-home foods and treats. Of course homemade bread and noodles.
Well we were overthinking the heat a little. From frequenting the place, you would think we would remember to pack/dress fairly warmly. Yet we didn't. We set up our chairs and used the oversized beach towel as a mini snuggy. We played catch, ate some salt-water taffy, and took in the smell of the fresh crisp air.

Up we drove through Occidental and down to Sebastopol. The last time Chris was in Occidental was with Kyle P and his parents. The last time I was there was for Science camp in 6th grade!! I hadn't been to Sebastopol since visiting Kaela with Margaux probably 6 years ago. We got some fro-yo (of course!!) and figured that we were in the wrong business that day. Anyone else ever observe how many people come and go out of fro-yo's? Almost as many as coffee shops.

Peace of mind. Chill-ax. Relax....We had a splendid time driving and were home before dark.

American River Day

What can I think of that I am going to miss the most about this area??? Being 5 minutes from the bike trail and river! That is my hands down answer, no second guesses at all!

We brought cold waters, snacks, and magazines to chill-ax with. We defined the word our last weekend off together.

A new home

Well we are in the process of escrow! We are supposed to close next week. So it is real but not a totally sealed deal. Here are some of the many pictures to share: Chris and I are enthralled with the decor in the bathrooms. The gold shine on the shower really works well with the baby blue tile. BUT, I haven't seen cleaner bathrooms! A fixer, down the road.

Can you say beautiful?? This is Chris contemplating how we are going to attack the growing grass in a non-round up way...We are still thinking...tractor? Propane weed eater?? Who knows, only time (a week or two!) will tell! The great thing about this property is that there is no in between brush. Just grass and trees. And trees!! I am stoked!!

Here is a view from my future garden area (hence the tall fences and nice sun exposure), over the field and up the hill to the house. It already feels like home to me. Take me away!!

Lilacs are in full bloom. I may need a beekeeper's outfit but I would sport it. I could pull it off :)

A distant hill view is very peaceful to me.

This 3bed 2bath is what we have been looking for, on 2.5 acres. We will have our work cut out for us, but we couln't be more thrilled! Stay tuned for more.

Easter

The day began with a very early 7 miler run with Wynter. Sorry, no pictures! We started as the sun did, and had a great time chatting and huffing and puffing up those eldo hills! Off to Grammy and Gramps's for a family brunch. Chris and Court were working.

Always beautiful no matter what the weather. The yard, not Austin!! :)

Fiddling with my cam.

The girls were planting some spring flowers.

Thankful to be with all of you on a special day. Afterwards, mom and I went on an hour hike, and then stretched and laughed with Grammy.

Sunday @ Gram's

I can't think of a better way to spend a Sunday than with my family, surrounded by nature! Here is Chris and Ava, Mandy and Jack and Lily on the See-saw enjoying the day.

AWWW! This is an ADORABLE photo that does give him cuteness justice!

Uncle Chris and Ava enjoying the swing. We had a picnic outside, and relaxed. We always get a little sleepy from the good eats and company and fresh air. Mom and I pulled through the drowsiness and went on a decent walk up some crazy hills. Thanks mom, I was SORE!!

Happy 1st, Elise!

Well my blogging skills are definitely still developing. Sometimes I just can't get them in the right order. But I am also a little lax on actually trying to fix it. Here is Ava helping Elise with the candle.

Here is Lily trying to help Ava who is helping Elise....

Boo as we call her, she is such a cutie pie. She loves Wynter so, but also has been cuddling more lately with others! She is almost walking, taking multiple steps by herself. She isn't scared of much!

Meet Jack, second cousin from Mandy and Ben! They came out for a week. It was great to meet you Jack! I had a special time with you, getting to know you, and having nice chats with your mom.

Here are the girls and Aunt Kim at the kiddo table! What a special day it was to spend time with family from near and far.

Happy 4th, Elly Rain!

Elly Rain, Jay and Mat's oldest also had a birthday celebration in late March. (What was everyone doing in the hot summer months of June and July?? hmm?? She got some very special pets for her birthday, two rats named Lily and Jasmine. Well I am absolutely the worlds least fan of rats but I can say that they were tolerable from a distance when secure in the person who was holding them's hands..... eek!

My old old buds, Jay and I have been best friends since 6th grade READ 11-12 years old when we were the only ones who didn't have "best friends". Can you imagine if either of us already had one, and we would have missed out on such a blessed thing! Tony (left) has also been a fantastic friend through the years, and ironically, knew Chris and I separatley in junior high and high school through football (Small world up in Placerville, you know?) Tony is now in his 3rd semester of nursing school and we wish him the absolute best. Jason has also been a wonderful friend since 7th ish grade, always providing a laugh and having that wit that just makes you smile thinking about it! What a great gathering. Hope to see more of you all soon!

Happy 5th (I can't believe it!) Lily!

Well my oldest neice is just getting older. We celebrated Lily Grace's birthday with a feast of mac and cheese and lentil soup, menu picked by the birthday girl herself. (I did hear her say to Wynt: "I don't like this kind of mac and cheese." Maybe the gruyere and three other gourmet cheeses didn't tickle her fancy like it did mine.

Here are Lily and Ava with their neighbor friends, Sean and Alexandra. Happy Bday 'Lil! I remember the day you were born so well.

A Card Party!

Ok, so you may be thinking, A card party, really?? But please put those thoughts away! We got together, crafted, ate, and exchanged homemade greeting cards. And I just can't wait to do it again! Here is Carolyn's favorite card, the almost edible card. She was following an instruction book to make some of her nice cards.

It was fun to meet Court's friend Laura. She was getting crafty and making her cards look like collages.

Court made some sweet peaceful cards. Glad to have you in Sac Town Court!

Margaux made a delish homemade macaroni casserole dish that was a Barefoot Contessa recipe (that reminds me, I need to download it!) With bacon, I might add, which I am not a huge fan of, but one smell of this and I devoured it. (With leftovers the next day that barely made it to 11am). Margaux used a kit from Target and did things with it that I never would have thought to do.

Here is the hostess with my favorite card. There will be more card parties, don't you worry. Oh yes, and Chris WILL be working, just like he was this time! :)

Happy Birthday Tish

Tisha invited us out for an early evening birthday celebration. We enjoyed appetizers and drinks at her husband Chris's Parent's restaurant Club Phesant in West Sacramento. YUM! Then a short drive across the street to streets of London for dinner.

Here is Uncle Bob and Aunt Brenda. We had a blast chatting it up with them. A great day for celebration.

Tish and I have been friends since I worked at Cafe Bernardos 2001! She was my manager. It seems like just yesterday...we have both gotten married, she has 2 kids, we actually both finished school and have careers and have a sisterly bond. Tisha, Chris and I were honored to be at your bday celebration. We love ya!

As a bonus, we ran into our other West Sac amigos, The Clarks with Margaux's mom Greta. We caught up with them and what luck to see friends all in one night!