fun and free

Last post on our trip to Cali. Most of the trip, we were visiting family and friends. There's something wonderful about reconnecting with old friends. That was probably one of my favorite things about this trip. But while talking with friends is great for the adults, the kids can get a bit...antsy. So we had to find a way that would work for both. One solution was to visit museums or parks, so the kids could play while the adults could chat. An unexpected bonus was being able to get into these museums/parks for free with our Museum of Science membership (they apparently have a lot of reciprocal partners!). So the kids got to have some fun, the adults got to chat (at least a little), and we didn't have to break our pocket books (some of these museums cost $20+ per person). Above is Collin at Happy Hollow Park and Zoo, where he rode on his first carrousel, went on his first theme-park-ish rides, and got to pet some goats. Meanwhile mom got to meet up with an old law school friend...and talk about being moms! Yay. The Tech Museum in San Jose was fun for all ages - adults and children alike. A great family trip with my uncle and cousins.

We also made our way to CuriOdyssey in San Mateo, joined by a good friend from the Trow days, and the Exploratorium in San Francisco - a daddy + sons trip, while I hung out with the bride on her last day as a single lady. Traveling with kids is a big learning curve - so sometimes, when we hit on something that works, it feels pretty good. All in all, the trip was a good break from life in Boston, but we are very happy to be back!

my little ring bearer

What can I say, he did his job - it was unclear to me that he would be willing to do it, but he seemed to have taken it all very seriously. No smiles, just a very serious and focused look walking down the aisle...until he made it to the front and came running to me with a big grin on his face (I was the matron of honor, standing next to the bride). Took a while to get him to go back down to his dad (phew!), but he seemed pretty proud of himself. I guess it's probably the biggest "task" he's been asked to do thus far in his life - kinda wonder if he felt "pressure" or "stress"? Hope not - though from his serious demeanor, maybe he did just a little bit. Sigh, my little boy is growing up fast. :)

the land of giants

Our family is in California for a week on vacation. The reason for the trip is a dear friend's wedding in SF, but we flew to LA the weekend before to see Jason's 91 year old grandma. It's amazing how alert and functional she is. We decided to drive up to the Bay Area from LA, and spent a day visiting Sequoia National Park. A small park with GIANT trees. Jason and I kept saying it felt like we were in Dinosaur-land, whatever that means, but that is just what it felt like. It's really quite amazing - no one knows how old exactly these trees are, but some have been around for 3000+ years. That's a LONGG time. And most of them don't die from old age, but because they fall down from storms. We also saw General Sherman - the world's largest tree (by mass). Here is Collin in the midst of the trees - can you even see him?

He also informed us that he would like to climb one of them...and so he tried...

And the little one? He enjoyed a nice little nap amongst the big trees. :)

We have been in the Bay Area for a couple days, visiting some of my extended family here. I'll save those adventures for another post. For now, must work on the wedding toast!