Julia at Nana and Grandpa's

While we were in Maui, Julia was being spoiled by Nana and Grandpa's in Vista, CA. She LOVED her time there and they enjoyed her ever so much.  They even found some joy (or humor) in her over abundance of energy, antics and will power. 

As you can see in these pictures, they sure kept her busy!

Guess Nana was hoping she wouldn't get her face and hair wet :)

California girl!

Ready or not...

Nana gave her best shot at potty training which was a great foundation for us to start from when we got home to finalize that skill.  Something we hope for her to master before her baby brother comes. 

Thanks Mom and Ron for taking such great care of our daughter and allowing us a much needed break!!

Maui - Surfing

Activity #2 was surfing!  Long boards...the Hawaiian style.

I must admit, the wipeouts were my favorite. 

Nat and Karin...these sisters are BEST friends.  Their laughter is constant and contagious. 

Mike giving surfing a try. 

Ben taking a break...

Karin bought Ben a shaved ice and was trying to get his attention to come in from surfing. Instead it melted before he even noticed.

This was Brett's best wipeout. 

Couldn't just put a wipeout in for Brett...here he is mastering the wave.

The 6 of us in Lahaina ready for pupu's (Hawaiian for appetizers)

Ben and Karin enjoying the sunset.

Maui - Windsurfing

A week in Maui with our good friends Ben/Karin (England) and Nat/Mike (Canada) was just what we needed.  After months of restless sleep and stress at work, we returned not only with a tan but a relaxation that I hope lasts.  Ben and Brett have been friends for decades and have so many memories already built up but the ones that we now have from Maui will surely be some special ones.

Our family members were all enjoying vacations of their own....Oli at Disneyworld, Julia at Nana and Grandpa's in CA and Scout on Whidbey Island. 

The week in Maui was full of adventures, Brett and Ben had a long list that they were working their way through.  Giving me plenty of time to practice photography.  Many blog posts to follow.

Highest priority on the list was windsurfing - their favorite sport. Brett hasn't done it much at all...infact once in last 12 years but that didnt' stop them from trying their skills at one of the most world famous windsurfing beaches. 

It was incredible to see the number of windsurfers and kitesurfers...our best guess was 200+.

There goes Brett...

Karin and I enjoyed the beach...way too much going on (and WAY too much wind) to read our books but the days that followed allowed for that.

This may be my favorite photo from the trip. 

Spring is here!

We were fortunate enough to have a few sunny weekend days recently and needless to say it was such a nice change!  The hope of spring is in the air.  The sunshine, the warmth, the joy in playing outside.  Ahhh....

Scout, "Come on, won't someone come play with me?"

Oli, "Ok buddy, let's go!"

WaaChaaa

"WaaChaa" is what Oli wrote in his Flat Staley book as the description of his week of Karate Camp during spring break.  He really enjoyed the week and loved earning his next belt at the end of it.  And get this, he came home and slipped up and called Brett "sir"..."oops he said, that is what we said at camp all day".  Wowzers is what I say :).

Maybe another sport to pursue...at 8 years old, he is already running out of days to participate in all the sports he is passionate about.

Kirsten's Baby Shower

Remember, I'm playing catch up here...Over a month ago, us girls got together to celebrate Kirsten's upcoming baby.  Good thing we did because Garrett didn't wait too much longer until coming into this world!

It had been too long that we had been together with Kirsten, Katie, Ashlie and Natalie.  And it was a bonus to have Peyton and Allison there!

Julia noticed that Baby Allison's hat had fallen off and she was determined (yet gentle) getting her hat back on.

Peyton is one good kid!  At one point during our brunch, he said, "why isn't Julia following the rules?"

Ah, they will grow up being good friends...nothing makes me happy.