Grandpa surprised Alex with a new bike, which was the highlight of Alex's vacation! They went on bike rides almost every day, and in Santa Cruz there is no shortage of beautiful scenery. We rode bikes to the harbor, to downtown for hot chocolate, along the river front, to the beach, to the park. It was heaven for a four year old. And heart warming for his Mama.
He was a trooper keeping up with his Iron Man Grandpa. I was very proud of him.
Meanwhile, the girls had fun at the beach - not that you can tell from Cassiel's expression here. She was more interested in all the dogs out for a walk on West Cliff than in the ocean or the sunset. I'm secretly hoping it's just a stage and she'll outgrow her love of dogs, but shhhh...don't tell Alejandro. She goes nuts when she sees a dog.
A stroll on West Cliff with Grandpa...
Speaking of things Cassiel loves....Slides. Swings. Climbing. Parks. She is a fearless little monkey. She amazes me every day. And she's tough - when she falls she stands up, brushes her hands off and is right back at it. No tears, no fussing - just on to the next adventure. She's a very determined and willful little thing. Alejandro says she is JUST like me (imagine him rolling his eyes as he says it - I'm not so sure it's a compliment)
Cousins!!! We spent Thanksgiving and the day after with cousins Holly and Alec, my cousin Mary's little ones and had so much fun! It's such a treat to have cousins the same age. I wish we lived closer.
Grammy and Grandpa bought the kids season passes to the Boardwalk for an early Christmas present. I love this pic! It perfectly captures their complete and utter joy.
Can't wait till baby Noah is old enough to play. He so wants to - it's precious to watch him crawl after the big kids.
Giving Mama kisses...love this baby girl. I'm so grateful my kids are affectionate. They smother us in hugs and kisses; nothing makes me happier.
Cassiel is starting to talk quite a bit and just beginning to put words together to make short sentences. One of her regular phrases is 'All done' when she's finished eating, done with her bath, etc. OR when she wants something to be all done. So we're at church the other day and 20 minutes in to the liturgy she shouts "All done. ALL DONE!" Alejandro and I had a fit of giggles. I can't blame her, church must be less than interesting for a one and a half year old. We've been visiting the Cathedral lately with the thought of possibly switching. We love our little parish in Torrance, but now that we have two kids we're looking for a community with a more active kids program. It's no small consideration, but so far it feels right. These little munchkins have changed every aspect of our lives - even what church we go to! And we've never been happier. #countingourblessings
