Summer, So Far

I don't think it gets any cuter than this (thanks for this photo Bernadette).

Jane has been enjoying "coffee" (hot, er, warm chocolate) with us on weekend mornings. It's kinda a big deal.

Our dear dear friends Rick and Bernadette had a beautiful cake sent to us on our anniversary (R and B are the most genuine, thoughtful and generous people we know). I am not sure I can describe the sheer joy and excitement Jane felt over a surprise cake arriving at her door. She could barely contain herself.

Art project! One afternoon Jane and I made block prints with some linocuts and finger paints. Jane was an absolute pro and I am so excited to do more art projects with her.

Here she is rolling the paint on the linoleum with a brayer.

Gently putting the paper down.

Patting down the newsprint.

Time for a new color!

Happy Girls!

Surprise!

It was a surprise birthday for my brother Ben (or Uncle Gna, according to Jane) this year! Bridget orchestrated an awesome shin dig at my folks' place and Joe/Aja, and Chris/Jane/me all drove in late the night before Ben's birthday and then surprised him in the morning. However, the biggest surprise came when my brother Danny and his girlfriend Katie (who live in Bellingham, Washington) pulled into the drive way 1/2 hour before the actual party started. They had decided the night before to hop in the car and make the 16+ hour drive from Bellingham to Mariposa. A great surprise for us all! By Sunday afternoon we were all making our way back home, but not before we went for a dip at one of our old swimming holes...so much fun.

Jane enjoying a little time with Dusty, pre-party!

H A P P Y C A K E T I M E ! ! !

Early in the evening, the party took a wild turn.

Another awesome surprise, my cousin Hayley was able to make it to the party. Hayley is spending the summer working at a law firm in Fresno and Joe and Aja picked her up on their way up the hill. It was great to see Hayley, and I know Jane really enjoyed getting to know her.

Playing with Uncle Danny.

Relaxing at Hornet.

A Visit to Grandma and Grandpa's

Dad came down to see Grandma and Grandpa so Jane and I took the opportunity to head up to Escondido and visit all three of them. Grandma is in the middle of sorting through all sorts of wonderful old photos. I hope I can go up there on a regular basis and help her archive all the wonderful images. Jane thoroughly enjoyed poking around Grandma and Grandpa's place discovering all their treasures and just hanging out.

Reading the newspaper with Grandpa.

Here is Jane with Babu and cousin Jake (it was his birthday!)

Playing with all of Grandma's vintage dolls.

And of course we had lunch at Cocina del Charro. Muy rico!

Jane and Dylan had a Farm

A month or so ago Dylan came over and spent the night! He did such a good job and was so happy and charming the entire time. After a fun day of playing in the park, bouncing on the jumpy, and singing songs from Mary Poppins we headed off the farm for a potluck and some exploring.

Little Man

Playing with splintery wood, plastic spoon, and dirt...this kind of fun never gets old.

Jane is still enjoying her umbrella.

Off to explore.

King of the Mountain!

Here the rascals are looking a little tired from their busy day.

The Getty and Los Angeles

This April we met up with my folks and brother in Los Angeles for a day at the Getty Center, http://www.getty.edu, (amazing!) and a little time in LA.

Jane was thrilled to find receptacles filled with umbrellas throughout the Getty's grounds. These umbrellas are provided to guest to protect them from the sun which reflects off the beautiful buildings, but Jane used them as a conversation starter.

Meme brought bunny ears.

Here we are back at Uncle Coco's house playing around.

Jane and the Dude.

Out to dinner.

That's right, she was allowed to take as much as she wanted from both cakes! It was not an early night.

At the height of the sugar rush, Dude was forced to wear the bunny ears.

Bubbles!

Jane practices walking Dude.

Jane walks Dude and Coco walks Jane.

Babu and Jane take in the stars.