Redwoods and Point Reyes

While the first part of the week was a regular work week for Jason, we spent the last two days of the week exploring some California landmarks.

We woke up to clear skies and watched a beautiful sunrise over the San Fransisco Bay. 

Our first stop of the day was at Muir Woods where we saw some giant Redwoods. It was less than an hour drive from San Francisco. It's amazing how fast the landscape changes.

After a couple hours there we headed towards Point Reyes.  The drive along the coast was amazing.  As you are driving out to Point Reyes there are a number of working dairy farms. It seemed like an odd place to see cows. We learned that these farms are national landmarks that date back to the mid-1800's.

Our first stop was at South Beach where we let the girls play in the sand for a bit. The waves coming in were probably the largest we have ever seen. After that we headed to the lighthouse. The lighthouse was retired from service in the 70's but it is open for visitors.

We happened to be there during a whale migration. I envisioned seeing whales diving in and out of the water.  Instead we got to see the top of one whale. It was something...

I love when we can provide new learning opportunities for the girls. Hopefully it was a day that they will remember.

Napa Valley

 A couple weeks ago we were in Napa Valley for the day. Jason captured some beautiful photos of our time there.

These first two pictures were taken at Beringer Vineyards. The grounds were amazing as were the buildings. I love how Anna is watching Ashlyn.

 Playing a game of Ring Around the Rosie at Robert Mondavi Winery may not have been our best decision as parents, but we hadn't seen green grass in months!

Our time at this winery was cut a little short as the security guard was eying us. Perhaps it was the game of Ring Around the Rosie, or having kids on their manicured lawns or the fact that Ashlyn was standing on the statue of the naked man. Oops.  We took the hint and left.

Freezer Meals x 11

I really like being prepared. In fact, when it is 5:30 and I don't know what we're having for dinner, I start to feel a little stressed out. It wouldn't be so bad if I was alone in the house and have to whip something up for dinner at the last minute.  But 5:30 is one of the most trying hours of the day with the girls and to combine that with no meal ideas....well, you get the picture.

Tomorrow my friend Laura and I are preparing 11 freezer meals for our families.  I am so excited (really). We went grocery shopping this morning with our four kids (picture car cart with 4 kids) and I think we are ready. 

Here is our menu. I have no clue how long it will take for us to do all of the cooking.  What I do know is that I have 11 onions that need peeled and chopped by tomorrow. I wonder who I can pay to do that....

Hearty Turkey Chili
Chicken and Dumplings
Skillet Lasagna
Asian Turkey Meatballs served with brown rice and edamame
Chicken Cashew Lettuce Wraps
Chicken and Cheese Lasagna Roll-Ups
3 Cheese Baked Rigatoni served with frozen corn
Chipotle Pumpkin Enchiladas
Red Beans and Rice with Sausage
Streusel-Topped Blueberry Muffins
Black bean, Corn and Beef Empanadas 

Update:
Cooking day was great. It took us about 6 hours and two runs to the store (thank you Eric). The most important lesson learned this day is that you have to really like the friend you are cooking with.  Thankfully, the friend I cooked with is a dear friend. She let me mess up her kitchen (a lot) and share a coveted space in her house. We both agreed we'd be doing this again.

Onesie-Themed Baby Shower

This past weekend I had the privileged to help host a baby shower for a friend. The shower was a team effort by members of our small group Bible study.

The theme was "onesies".  One really easy way to save ideas for any party or shower is creating a board on Pinterest.  You can search within Pinterest for ideas or 'pin' ideas you have seen on the internet. You can view my pinboard for this shower here.

 

 

• Over the past few years I have enjoyed making applique onesies for friends. I wrote out directions for these a year ago. You can find them here. Thinking this would be a fun activity for a shower, I decided to simplify the process so that each guest could make one for the mother-to-be.   For the shower I pre-cut different fabrics in 4x6 measurements and ironed the Heat'n Bond to each piece.  Personally, it is hard for me to come up with a creative idea on the spot.  Thinking others might feel the same way,  I printed off some ideas for people to use. Such ideas were prints of a whale, heart, butterfly, and high heels. All the guests had to do was draw (or copy) a picture, cut it out and iron it on the onesie.
• The cake was a White Almond Sour Cream cake with butter cream icing.  It was carved from a 12x18" sheet pan. 
• The invitation was from Tiny Prints. I believe they have matching thank-you cards.   
• A friend made the personalized onesie banner.
• The poms were homemade and cost $2 to make! You can find the super-simple directions here. 
• A few different friends volunteered to bring snacks and appetizers. 

One other thing to mention.  While some people were finishing up the craft, one of the other hostesses introduced a shower game for the guests who were finished. I thought this really helped to keep people involved and engaged.

Dance Recitals and Christmas Plays

Ashlyn had a pretty busy weekend.  First up was her very first dance recital. She has been in dance class since September.  It was pretty fun to watch her preform on stage to Swinging on a Star. She did great!

The following day was our church's Christmas program. She, along with her class, sang their little hearts out to Angels We have Heard on High and one other song.

Safety Scissors Do Cut Hair

She did as many 4 year old's do (or so I have been told). Ashlyn decided to cut her own hair. Not a little bit just to see what would happen, but she gave herself a full-on haircut.

And in pure Ashlyn style, she proudly walked into Jason's office to show off her new look.

I thank God for my husband who calmly reacts to situations. Not only did he have to respond to Ashlyn but to his wife who needed to be told that 'it is just hair.'

I didn't....I just couldn't....take a picture of it that day.  Now I regret that because it was a sight! Two weeks and two hair cuts later and here is the new look. 

Pancake Batter and a Squeeze Bottle

I recently blogged about our latest breakfast craze....penny pancakes.

I had the squeeze bottle all ready to go this morning to make more and I thought, wait I can use this squeeze bottle to write the girls names.

The result?
A very surprised daughter.

Next up--I am thinking pancake snowmen and snowflakes.