Spring Break - Better With Snacks

Went on the road with three teens for part of Spring Break. Destination: Santa Cruz. No, we haven't seen Us. I have fond memories of my undergrad time at UCSC. Both kids have been there before, and like it and the ocean.

The hotel room had a balcony with a view of the ocean. The weather was a fantastic sunny break between rainstorms. We spent an afternoon at the beach and enjoyed it. James did a lot of walking. We all slept great.

The hotel had a great continental breakfast buffet, which was a relief because James is being extra picky right now about what he eats.

The teen girls enjoyed bubble tea and shopping at the Pacific Garden Mall. James and I found our own places to visit, including the Pacific Cookie Company. I could tell this really hit the spot for James. He turned on his great smile and it stayed for quite a while. 

Stormy, Weathered

Over the past week we've had weather. Some places near us received over 10 inches of rain over 3 days. In an area that gets an average annual rainfall of about 36 inches a year, that's intense.

We had snow on the mountains near us ...

We had hail that looked and felt like snow...

We had amazing rain showers with double rainbows ....

And par for the course, James was sick. So he stayed home for two days. He went back to classes for  Friday, and now he has a three-day weekend.

The apartment looks like a teenaged boy has been hunkering down for a few days. Luckily respite has finally started and that helped him do his own laundry again. There will also be trash hauling, fridge purging, and open windows. Carpe storm lull.

Wordless Wednesday: Off Year

For the first time in over 10 years, our cherry tree has zero cherries. The drought and cold were tough, and when combines with a damp and chilly blossom time the tree conserved its resources and concentrated on survival.

So this year, we have our memories, and hope for a better season next year.

It's disappointing, but sometimes there's a reason for an off year.


               remembering on ... Wordless Wednesday

Throwing Back to 2005 ...

Hard to remember what life was like 9 years ago for us. These photos make me smile:

Oh my goodness, how he loved that balloon! He'd giggle and flirt with it. When it bounced about he'd kick and wave his feet and hands. My grandmother would have said it was the Irish in him.

So many things to touch and tug on that cow. It'd make him laugh so much.

Nap time on the beloved John Lennon Imagine gym mat. Miss Sylvia Daisy Pouncer sits curled at his head.

James was about three months old here.

The Great Outdoors

It's the beautiful time again in our yards. The back is lush and overgrown. You can still smell new leaves and damp soil -- the promises of things to come. The air is soft and inviting. The kids love to wander and explore.

Finally.

It took until they were both in school for me to be able to spend time outside again. My daughter could not stand the feel of grass and they both freaked out if flies or bees buzzed too close to them.

The yard awaits. Our daughter climbs trees now, making her own bows and arrows. James follows her about, swinging on the swing set or making pictures on the chalkboard or pads of paper. They have super soakers that are just waiting to be used.

Lazy Weekend

Gave both kids baths yesterday after dinner, then took them to see the Super Moon rise:

The super moon, rising over the vineyards.
Courtesy of my little Cannon point-and-shoot & our van's side-view mirror.

James' big sister is finally feeling better. James has fun at his afternoon ballgame. With full tummies and fresh from the tub, they relaxed and enjoyed the unexpected trip out at night. My bonus was being able to sleep in until 7:30 this morning, and hour or 2 later than usual.

I was able to spend some time out in the back yard, working on the garden and smelling all the roses and jasmine. The rose trees, in particular, were spectacular:

James and I were up for an adventure, so we hit the Farmers' Market. James is all about the bread, music, and water fountain. We even ran into classmates on our way back to the car:

They were playing some great Beatles tunes.

Sunday breakfast at the market: sour dough ficelle, Peet's coffee in a cup from home, and a fresh peach!

Just what we needed to reset from last week and get ready for the coming one.

SOOC Saturday: Making the Best of It

Have had a sick kiddo at home for almost all this week. Hopefully James' big sister is feeling better soon. I have been pretty much housebound with her, with too much swirling around us as this school year winds down. We miss her smiling face and whacky humour.

So glad we got out and about while we could. Like the Farmers' Market:

When I got too much cabin fever, I was able to duck out into the yard and admire the roses, breathe invigorating spring air, and take a moment of peace:

And amazingly I was able to attend Open House for both kids, same exact dates and times, two different schools and districts. Only because my mom came through for us -- thanks, Mom!

I got so excited for James' that I wrote two separate posts (here and here) -- I hardly dared to dream that one day I'd be able to share this with him.

My daughter's classroom. Best SOOC shot I had. Love those balloons!

Here's to another week of participating in the SOOC action at Marvelous Mommy's blog. Come on over to see more or join in.

SOOC Saturday: Kigo Ume

Early Spring and the plum blossoms are so beautiful, fragrant, and brief. They are at the mercy of our region's tempestuous fits and are therefore to be enjoyed as much as possible.

Especially the mornings that start cold and clear, with frosty winter overtones. At sunrise, this brings out the ground fog, and makes us think the day will be grey and cold.

Then the sun climbs higher and burns off the mist, leaving a beautiful day. If the winds are strong, it remains cold. If the day is merely breezy, our days warm and delightful.

I am not sure why the lens in that last one is blurry, but I suspect this guy and his fingers had something to do with it:

James, self portrait.

P.S.: Don't forget to Spring Forward tonight to Daylight Savings Time (void where prohibited)!


All photos are straight-out-of-camera (SOOC), for the SOOC action at Marvelous Mommy's blog. Come on over to see more or join in!