OK, maybe I have a bit of an addiction.
The Y Hike
Chase had been wanting to Hike the Y for quite a while. Pace & I weren’t exactly eager to take the two younger girls along on such a venture. So when my dad was here for a dental convention/Education week, Pace was nice enough to stay home with the girls one evening while Dad, Chase, & I hiked the Y.
Can you tell that Chase was pleased to have finally realized his dream?
Don’t even worry about it that my dad had already hiked it once before, on that morning! Sheesh, he’s so hardcore.
California Part 1
Yeah baby, I am getting this done! We went to California a few weeks ago, & it was grrreat! I don’t want to forget these fond memories. (Many photos courtesy of Rachel, thanks so much sis!)
We enjoyed going to the Sonoma County Fair, just like we did when we were kids. Our whole family was there together! As you’ve probably already heard, Chase tried his hand at Mutton Bustin’, & did quite well! I knew he would do well because of his determined (ahem, stubborn) personality. He held onto that sheep for dear life & it was hilarious to watch.
We couldn’ta been prouder of our little guy gittin’ that there first place.
Charlotte stuck to activities that she knows best, like intense tea parties…
And basking in the attention of a whole bunch of doting adults. How cute is my dad?!
She especially adores Aunt Rachel. It was nice to have her be someone else’s shadow for a change!
We got to see Great Grandma T. a few times!
Some of the group went camping at Bodega Bay. I heard it was pretty fun, but then very cold & wet by morning. And I can’t forget to mention that Nathan & my dad rode bikes out there, & then Dad & Pace rode back mostly uphill, 30 miles, Pace wearing his cutoff jean shorts! My husband & dad & Nathan are intense!
We went out to a few classic favorite restaurants, like Crepevine & Omelette Express. The kids loved spotting Snoopy character statues all over town (Santa Rosa is Charles Schultz’s hometown).
And the #1 place we always have to visit, Howarth Park! So many fun things to do there, including my favorite boingy horses on a spring. And so many fond memories for me there, of years of cross-country training. Including meeting there at 6:30 am for summer morning runs. I don’t know what I was thinking back then, but… Go Me of the past!