Calaveras Big Trees

 Pic-nic before the hike

 tree hugging

 Mia, Leila and Lucy

Out for giant ice cream cones after the hike. 

Castle Park

We went to Castle Park on Monday June 20th 2011. We went with Katie, one of our friends. By Leila S.    

Memorial Day

We spent the afternoon at the California State Capital grounds. The grounds feature many memorials, gardens and a tree tour which includes all the native California species. We had an enjoyable day and met up with Matt, Amy, Todd and Eve and out to pizza in Old Sacramento.

Another week, another hike

The girls and I got another hike in today which is a good thing because Wednesdays are our normal hiking/nature excursion days and it is supposed to rain tomorrow. The weather was perfect today- the sun was out with a nice cool breeze. It was an unexpected hike, so we didn't go too far in, but it was a great new discovery that we are going to have to do again especially with Sam because there were some fun looking steep parts that I didn't dare do on my own with the three little ones (Amelia, Lucy and Joy- Leila is still in school). I love discovering new hiking trails. 

 I love to see how excited the girls are to go on the trails, it is really contagious. They love discovering new flowers, seeds, pinecones, birds and whatever else they can spy. Mia is a wonderful leader, she forges the way. Lucy likes to hang back by me a lot of the time and then sometimes she gets brave and goes discovering more with Mia. And Joy just loves being outside. On this particular trip somehow she got her hands on a pinecone and she gnawed on that for quite a bit- who knew they could be great teething toys?

Folsom Animal Sanctuary

It was a bit too rainy at the beginning of the week to go for our weekly hike and so as soon as the sun started to come out and the rain looked like it was going to let up we headed to the Folsom Zoo. It was perfect timing! The animals were happy to have the rain over and it was still cool. The skies were back to being a brilliant blue and the big fluffy cumulous clouds were perfect object finding clouds. The animals were so active, yet the zoo was not. We were some of the only patrons. At one point I will admit I was a little freaked out with animals howling and calling all around us with no one else in sight. We loved it!

 Amelia with a Peacock

 Amelia and Lucy found a natural swing made from a vine tucked within the trees.

Peacock spreading it's feathers.

Hike with Todd

The girls and I have been going on weekly local hikes. We decided to invite some company and were delighted that Amy, Todd and Eve could join us on one of our hikes. This hike is at the vernal pools near our home. We went on a hike and then headed to the playground for a bit. Then they came to visit our home for a bit.

 Amelia, Todd, Lucy

Our Last Day

Our last day worked out perfectly in that we were able to meet up with my mom in town. We also got to see grandpa again. The girls wanted to see Grandma's boat and so we met her there in the afternoon. There was a guy on the dock that was really excited about the jellyfish and caught one for the girls to hold.

 Apparently not all jellyfish sting, but they sure leave slime on your hands. So, here is Amelia holding a jellyfish. Now, that is a once in a lifetime experience. 

 On the boat. 

My beautiful mom and Lucy during our walk around Waikiki. I love that we got to spend those last few hours with my mom. We were sure sad when we parted ways at the car rental return. We had a wonderful trip and can not wait to get back and visit again. 

Banzai Sushi Bar

 Sam and I went on a date. We left the kids with Nate and Heidi and walked through Haleiwa town to a place called Banzai Sushi. It was a fun little open air place. We sat on pillows on the floor and there were surf videos playing and good food. 

It started to rain just as we were leaving. We managed to get home though. 

Matsumoto's Shaved Ice

The girls looking very haggard after a day at Shark's Cove, none the less enjoying their shaved ice. Thanks Nate and Heidi for cleaning them up, feeding them, putting them to bed and allowing Sam and I to go out on a date. 

Polynesian Cultural Center

On a canoe ride.

Sam and Lucy got picked to be on stage and dance with the dancers. Woohoo!