Birthday Treat, Creek and Cows!

As a special afternoon treat today for Matt's birthday we went to get cookies for afternoon snack.  We also went to check out the creek after all the rains we have had.  It has a good amount of water going through it.  

 In checking the creek we found a cow that was kind of hidden called Brewster.

 And then we went to the other side.  We took photos here back in January 2012.

And one last cow before heading home, Marilyn Mooonroe.

Early start to Valentine's Day!

Tonight we gave the kids some goodies for Valentine's Day knowing that tomorrow was going to be a busy day (and they got some clothes).  

We had a special treat for Olivier.  He has been wanting a "big bear" for very long time and he was so excited!  He carried it around loved on it and insisted on sleeping with him tonight.  It is a very full top bunk!

Look at that smile!

Lots of love!

Mason got a book of origami instructions and paper.  He was very focused.

He made the tulip and stem, then made the piano.  He was so proud!  Anna got some ear buds and we put some music that she would like on Matt's old iPod nano.  Between her books and the music we may never hear from her again!  :-)

Father Daughter Dance Time!

Matt took Anna to the local Father Daughter dance today.  He knows that Anna is full of energy but after a period of time dancing she is hard to keep up with!  :-)

Happy girl!

Strategic Thinker!

Today Olivier got an award at school for being a strategic thinker.  He was surprised and very excited!  

Keep thinking that way Olivier (especially in your school work)!

Family time

Today we enjoyed some time together without the craziness that seems to have surrounded us the last...oh three months!  We went up the coast to see the elephant seals.  

There were some dark clouds but no rain.  

 This male was making sure we knew he was there.

 We also saw what looked like two younger males fighting.  We made sure to remind the kids they don't get to bite each other when they fight!  :-)

As boring as it would seem, the kids really do love seeing them and would have stayed longer but we were hungry!  :-)

After eating lunch we visited the museum at Hearst Castle.  Then we stopped in Harmony.  It is very small (as you can tell by the sign) and they had four of the cows for the kids to see.

It was a nice Sunday to spend some time together!

Anna's 9th Birthday!

It is hard to believe that it has been 9 years since Anna made her grand appearance at 3:22 a.m.!  Last night she had a sleep over with a few friends...or should we say night over?  :-)  After a fair amount of caffeine for us we had a family lunch.  We are so thankful for days like today when everything seems to just fall into place.  We all have busy schedules but we were all able to gather and celebrate!  For that I will always be thankful!  This year Anna wanted galaxy donuts (they have marbled sparkly marshmallow frosting).  We let her pick which one she wanted and I am sure you aren't surprised by which one she choose!      

 I took photos of the others because they are very cool!

 Waiting for the candles to be lit...

 And of course we sang happy birthday!

I think she was saying yummy!  :-)  

Time for everyone to dig in!

And now for the silly questions I have been asking all the kids on their birthday.  The current year answers are first, then 2016, 2015, 2014, and 2013 answers.  

Favorite Color:  Pink (pin, pink, pink, pink)
Favorite Book:  Harry Potter - all of them (Rainbow Magic, Rainbow Magic, Rainbow Fairy, The Cat in the Hat)
Favorite Gift:  pen pal kit (doll scooter, roller skates, wallet, pop charm bracelets)
What do you want to be when you grow up:  Horse trainer (horse hider, horse rider, librarian, librarian)
Friends:  Lupe from school (Lupe from school, Lina her cousin, Sydney from Cal Poly, Sydney and Brooklyn from school)
Favorite thing to do:  Read (read, read, read books, play on the structure at school)
Favorite thing to do at school:  Science (science, write, play on the structure, write in straight lines)
Favorite food:  Macaroni and Cheese (Macaroni and cheese, peanut butter and jelly, macaroni, yogurt)
Favorite place to go:  ?? she didn't have an answer this year (school, beach, library, the secret forest - a place they trek to at school)
How old will you be when you grow up:  25 (20, 53, 34 - Same age as Mom, 16)
How old will you be when you get married:  she didn't have an answer and wasn't sure if she would (30, 20, 20, 17 - and she said she would marry Mason)
How old will you be when you have a baby:  30 if she gets married (35, 25, 40, she said she didn't know if she would have a baby)
She is 4' 4.125"  Mason is about half an inch away from passing her so that 1/8" may be critical!

She is growing and changing by the day and we wouldn't have it any other way!

Women's March

Today Anna and I took part in the local Women's March.  It was a very positive event.  We started out dry but the last quarter mile (if that) had pouring rain.  I had a small umbrella which we shared but we were soaked by the end.  It was well worth it and a quick trip home to warm clothes made us appreciate all that we have even more.