Morro Bay

This was our camping site at Morro Bay State Park. We picked a perfect time to visit and got lucky with wonderful weather, only one day of rain on the whole trip. During our stay we only had one or two neighbors which gave the girls lots of room to explore.

Across from our capground and next to the Natural History Museum we had a perfect view of Morro Rock.

One of my close childhood friends Kelly (Crisman) Wade lives nearby in Arroyo Grande and brought her family up to visit us for a day. This is Elizabeth's with her new best friend Willa. They were like two peas in a pod.

Here's a picture of Emily and I with Kelly and Breger.

Half Moon Bay and San Francisco

Visiting with Aunty Norma and her dog Samantha.

This is the one picture form our trip to San Francisco. Unfortunalty the camera's battery died before our Cable Car ride and trip to Ghirardelli's Square. Other than my expanded waist from the chocolate, this is our only proof of the visit. Jay and the girls in front of the Golden Gate.

One of our favorite stops just south of Half Moon Bay in Pescadero. Really good food and the best Olallieberry Pie! We just can't get away from Duarte!

San Simeon and the Elephant Seals

This is a picture of thousands of Elepahnt Seals. February is the month that the females come to give birth and the males come to mate (poor females, never a break). We were lucky enought to arrive just as one of the females was giving birth, the pup was huge (poor females). Is it just me or are the females getting a bad deal here?!

Emily with the Elephant Seals.

Check out that perfect weather!

We found a spot a couple of miles downthe road to have our picnic lunch. Its in the same area so we had huge male seals literally 15 ft from us while we were eating. I know this picture doesn't show any of their faces and its not up close, but its a classic picture of a Daddy and his girls.

Carpinteria State Beach

This trip has made Emily an expert at bike riding!

Elizabeth prefered to be a sun bathing beauty and steer clear of the water.

Emily on the other hand, wouldn't come out of the water.

A short walk from our campsite in Carpinteria, we missed you Barnes Family!

Enchanted at El Capitan

Last month the girls and I joined Grandma and Peepa for a trip to the movie Enchanted at the El Capitan in Hollywood (Thanks to Aunty Traci!!!!!!!!). Yes, the movie was a bit frieghtening for Emily and Elizabeth. But, the incentive of seeing all their favorite pricesses after the show ended was enough to keep them on our laps as opposed to out the door. They had a wonderful time as you will see in the following pictures. Thanks again Grandma, Peepa and Aunty Traci for thinking of us!

Getting ready for the movie to start.

Elizabeth and Cinderella

Emily with Belle and Sleeping Beauty

After visiting with the princesses the girls got to have their makeup done and dress up just like their favorite princess. As you can see in the picture, Elizabeth had a hard time sitting still for eye shadow.

Who says princesses can't climb rock walls?

Snow Angels

Today the girls and I packed up a lunch and took a trip up to Mt. Baldy to see if this last storm left any new snow. Since no new snow had fallen Emily's snow angel didn't come out quite as well as she had hoped. But we were able to make a snowman. The girls were really excited for the first ten minutes or so, then the realization of the need for it to be really cold and slippery set in. All in all they had a really fun time, good thing we remembered our carrots!

Making snow angels.

Our first snowman!

I love going on little adventures with the girls, the hard part is getting the three of us in one picture together.

Decorating the Tree

We have started a tradition of sorts. First we put up the Christmas lights, then we go get our tree and later that night we decorate it. With the girls getting older I feel like the tree decorating is a little less chaotic and a little more relaxed and low key. Gone are the days of babies trying to eat ornaments, climb the tree, and splash the tree water. Now, we listen to Bing Crosby, Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra sing the classics while enjoying our hot chocolate and telling the girls the history of each ornament. It couldn't be any better.

All finished!

Chief wants some too. Yes, there was a spill about two minutes later.

Christmas marshmellows are the best!