Sibley Volcanic Preserve

Spring is here! While the kids were at school, we mucked around muddy trails and green hills to explore Sibley just 10 minutes from Lafayette. Our trail took us around the remnants of the volcano, shown here in front of Gina.

Sidewalk artist at work

New Nesting Spot

"We watched Fluff-Fluff lay an egg on the couch! It must be her new nesting spot." - guest writer Nate

Baseball

Nate loves baseball, especially hitting. He's been practicing at home, and whacking balls to the fence. Next game, after a long rain-out during the entire month of March, is this Saturday, April 16.

Science Fair

On Thursday, St. Patrick's Day, the drenching rain relented long enough for the kids to bring in their cardboard science fair boards into school. Nate decided to do research & a launch test of the two catapults he built; the Viking Catapult won with a 35' launch of a mini-marshmallow. Julie wanted to sniff, touch & taste her way through our fruit bowl to do her experiment on senses. Like last year, the displays and demonstrations were all great: bees, bubbles, electric car, Mr. Science astronomy talk, exploding bottle rockets.

Baseball picture

How we survived the snow

Snow-venture 2011

We drove up to Arnold for the long President's Day weekend to find our vacation house buried in snow and no power. It took me an hour to clear a path for everyone to come inside. The hardest part was driving the 1 or 2 miles into town with downed power lines, abandoned cars, and unplowed roads. The Acura did wonderfully though, and a thoughtful neighbor let us use his driveway until we could get the driveway cleared. John, Janine & their kids joined us that night for candlelight dinner and we ended up enjoying the "survival mode" until power was restored late the second day.

Valentines Day after school

Picking flowers with the chickens

Julie is keeping the house well-stocked with daffodils. The chickens are happy to peck anything to see if it's tasty.

Seattle

After seeing Mom & Dad, I spent the night in downtown Seattle. I had to hit all the familiar spots: Wallingford, Freemont, Pioneer Square, Pike Place Market, Seattle Library, etc. Probably the best highlights were getting a personal tour for of the Seattle Symphony building and striking it out my last night to hit a show at the Jazz Alley, dinner at Pink Door, and dessert at Palace Kitchen. Thanks, Gina, for giving me the ability to do this.

Visiting Snohomish & Edmonds

View from the new condo and a semi-crooked picture taken from the roof of the rental car. Great weather and it was a wonderful visit!

Views from the ride up to Seattle. Always sit on the right side of the plane! 

Backyard portrait

 

Stinson Beach

 

 

 

 

Saturday we packed up the kids and drove an hour due west with one goal in mind: get some beach time. Mid-60's and no fog; Stinson beach in Marin was perfect for splashing in the cold waves and reading our books. Our favorite quote from Nate that day: "My feet are numb with happiness!"

Napa birthday

 

 

 

We stayed overnight in Napa last weekend to help celebrate the 50th birthday of our friend, Sharon. The event itself was at the Sequoia Grove winery and we stayed at the Napa Valley Lodge, a foggy 10 minute drive away.

Footprints

 

Footprints outside our sliding glass door one recent rainy day.