Muir Woods & Sausalito

We just enjoyed a wonderful week with my parents. As is always the case, it flew by way to quickly and left me wondering why we live so far away from family. But then I look at these pictures and am reminded why we live so far from family. Northern California is an amazing place to live. Who know if it will be home forever, but for now, we are daily grateful for the beauty that surrounds us.

Lake Tahoe

A couple of weeks ago, early on the morning after the Fourth of July, we loaded up the car and headed for Lake Tahoe. I had heard good things, but wow, I didn't realize just how beautiful it would be. The water is brilliantly blue, there are mountains all around and the air just feels clean. We were so thankful for the getaway this trip provided our family. Time to disconnect. Time to just hang out and not worry about chores. Time to be in nature with fewer distractions. It was perfect. I am already plotting our return.

One of my favorite parts of the trip. We stayed out dancing with the kids until almost 10 at night. It was so much fun.

Meredith's Birthday

Goodness, we had fun celebrating Meredith's third birthday. It was hot and at moments, miserable and, here and there, Chris and I may have gotten into some tiffs as we struggled to get things set up for the party in the beating sun. BUT, overall, we had a great time. Simply put, we are just so glad she was born.

Friday, her actual birthday, we had a train adventure with some of her very favorite people. Later, we met up for cupcakes and dinner with her birthday twin and her parents.

Saturday afternoon was her party. We had a few friends over, let the kids splash in some water and enjoyed pizza and ice cream cake. It was simple and fun and thankfully there was enough shade that no one suffered heat stroke. I was seriously nervous.