Birthday PARTY!

Here are several highlights from the celebratory week:

Sam with the earth in his hands took a walk around the sun four times symbolizing the four full years he's been here. After his big day at school as "star friend" he had a party in the park with his friends.

Prior to the actual day, we went with Grandma Carberry to the Wild Animal Park. Our favorite was seeing the five day old baby elephant. One of the kid's favorites was the playground.

Sam with his teacher Mrs. Donaldson preparing him for his big walk.

His choice: A knights and dragons birthday cake

His other request: a pinata (lucky boy)

We finished off our week with a camping trip at the beach. Once again the van is proving to be so cozy for our little family.

Roadtrip

Seven hours in a car with a busy toddler trapped in a car seat can be, as many of you know way too much work. So as I was preparing for our trip north to Santa Cruz I was dreading the drive, particularly out of LA, and hoped my basket of tricks would keep the boys entertained. Despite the "toys" I bring which might work for like five minutes, we end up entertaining each other. On this drive we did a little role playing: Evan impersonating Sam's crazy face (the photo doesn't do it justice you must see this in person). Everyone pretending to be the lead singer in a rock band. Head banging to "crazy music". Sam as photographer. Silly hat swap, etc., etc. We made it and had a great time. I appreciate Santa Cruz for its real, easy-going vibe unlike the sparkly OC and the weather was amazing. Joe worked the waves while the boys and I were able to reconnect with my longtime friend Kristin Kosglow and her boys. (She has two-Ronin 20 months, and Reese 2 months.) Sam loved staying in the hotel and continues to talk about the pool which was actually a hot tub. The drive home went well. We did it at night so the kids slept most of the way. We are looking forward to our trip home to Idaho this July. I am sure there will be many memories made on that 15 hour jaunt. Can't wait!

Excited Evan

Superstars!

Evan and Ronin

Kristin with the babe on the boob-of course!

Found this beauty....the picture doesn't show off its magnificent purple
hue.

Sand, tastes delicious!