San Francisco in a Day

In ONE day in the city, we...

saw China Town,

drove Curvy Lombard Street,
drove up to Coit Tower (after a wrong turn),

saw the sea lions,

saw Alcatraz from Pier 39,

toured the Boudin Bread Factory and Bakery,

completed the Maritime Museum' s Junior Ranger program,

touched the Pacific Ocean,

ate treats at Ghiradelli Square,

rode a Cable Car and the Muni subway,

saw the Golden Gate Bridge,

and ate at In N Out!

Whew!

Our California adventures with our cousins ended too soon! Come back again...we loved having you!

Yosemite in Numbers

Bridal Veil and Lower Vernal Falls

Bear Sightings: 2 (same bear, different days)
Waterfalls we saw: 6
Waterfalls we hiked: 2 (Bridalveil Falls and lower Vernal Falls)
Hikers: 11
Sleeping babies in backpacks: 2
Rock climbing cousins: 6
Satisfied appetites at Degnan's Pizza: 13
Official Junior Rangers: 6
Bus rides: not nearly enough for Brinton
Costco rolls consumed in two picnics: almost 6 dozen
Group Pictures at Tunnel View in the rain: 1
Minutes the sky cleared for us to have a great view at Glacier Point: 60
Deer who visited the cabin: 4
Constellations we recognized in the starry sky: 2
Water beds at the cabin: 1
Choreographing Cousins: 2
Times we listened to "Pea on My Plate": at least 20

Car-sick tummies: 1

Baskets of fresh strawberries from a roadside stand: 1
Unforgettable Memories: countless

Views of Upper Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Falls, Nevada and Vernal Falls

Two little sleepers had the best naps up the trail--Brad actually carried Andrew most of the way--he is SO heavy!

Brinton loved riding the bus and singing "Little Red Caboose!"

Climbing cousins--they loved the rocks

That pizza was SO delicious!

Swearing in the Junior Rangers

Quick picture at Tunnel View just as it started raining

Glacier Point Photo with Half Dome and Nevada Falls in background

Turkey Sandwiches at our 1st Picnic

We have this same picture of Brad and Lauren in front of El Capitan

Andrew and Papa outside the cabin

The baseball lesson

Baseball had it's ups and downs for us this year. There were moments when Caleb just didn't want to do it anymore, and even more moments when I had had enough of dragging 3 kids and dinner (on a good night) to the ballpark three times a week. He struggled at times with his confidence and with an assistant coach who intimidated the heck out of him. I struggled with finding the balance of teaching Caleb to fulfil a commitment vs. ending the misery. On one of those nights when he didn't want to go to practice, in desperation I made a little "deal" with him. Although I don't remember it being an official bet, Caleb certainly did. We had an interesting conversation after his team party that made me glad we stuck it out. Caleb asked if I had remembered the deal I made him. I didn't know what he was talking about, so he said, "Never mind." When I asked him to remind me, he said didn't want to tell me because I would be the winner. I told him the bet was off if he would just remind me what I had said. Finally he admitted that I had bet him that by the end of the season he would like baseball. So I guess he did. (Whew!) When I told him how proud I was that he stuck it out even though one of the coaches was pretty tough, he said, "Actually, Mom, I used to think he was mean, but now I don't think he's mean at all. He was just trying to teach me, just like he taught his son." (who is an amazing all-star player). Hallelujah for that moment. That right there made it all worth it because I know that's not the last tough coach or teacher he will encounter, and he learned a really important lesson (without me telling him) about recognizing others' intentions and adjusting to different styles. So, I guess that might mean more nights at the ballpark...

Pomp and Circumstance

Check out our little graduate! Even though I reminded myself "it's just preschool graduation" about fourteen times that day, it was easy to get swept up in the emotion elicited by the sight of our little girl in her cap and gown. (Did they have to play "Sunrise, Sunset"?...can't help but get a little teary on that one.)

Lauren was so precious as she slowly walked down the aisle smiling at everyone and enjoying the attention.

While wrestling with a very active Andrew (who did not enjoy our attention being diverted from him), we enjoyed hearing some of the classic songs that have become favorites over the years, especially "Coconut Soap" and "V.I.P." Here's a little sample of "The World Outside My Window":

The ceremony wouldn't have been complete without receiving the "Bachelor of Rhymes" degree!

Lauren will miss those friends who are going to different schools, and especially her teachers who have taught her (and me too!) so many things, and have been a special part of our lives. Although this is only the first of her graduations, we are so proud of Lauren and happy that she is ready and excited for kindergarten. Look out..here she comes!!