They Humored, I Snapped

Friday afternoon I shuffled everyone into the van and headed out to a local spot. They were so generous. It was pretty hot. Vesper napped on my back and I snapped away while the boys played. Once everyone was too red in the face, we headed home where they dressed down to undies and returned to jumping on the sofa... 

Happy Three Day Weekend, Friends!

In Manual Mode

This morning I threw on their birthday tees, just to see how they looked. And to give manual a little go. Since when did my almost-four-year-old start looking like a teenager?! Seriously. And my sweet little babe is now a toddler. They only humored me for about five minutes before they were off doing boy stuff.

Love my growing blondies.

Getting Ready For Fall

I'm finding that I can only pick one personal activity per day these days and blogging just hasn't been one of them. Our house has been chalk-full of busy in addition to the normal chaos, so I guess that one last post I've drafted about our nephew visit will stay on the back-burner for now.

My girlfriend and I met last week to go over our pre-k plan for homeschooling. Our books are slowly starting to arrive so it's feel much more real. We're really gonna do it this year!!! We're all very excited for this new adventure.

I'm prayerfully considering a new venture, but fearful of its success. Time has gotten ever so precious and I don't want to waste it. Either way, it's been a joy to create again. 

I've also signed up for a photography class--I'm ever so ready to take on manual mode and do more in the way of post editing...neither of which I've really done, I'm sad to say.

And I've been recruited by our church's MOPS for craft coordinator. I was kinda opposed only because I've got three and definitely feel tapped out often, but so far it's been a great life-giving outlet. And without taking away from our family time. There's two of us, who have the same style and work well together. And we've already planned out the year and prepped ahead of time. Hoping this opportunity to serve brings about good fruit. Plus, the women on leadership are amazing so it's a blessing just to be around them!

So I might be a little crazy by taking all this on, no?! Let's see how I make it by the end of this fall season. Ha! 

We're still getting in lots of fun outside. Both boys are pretty much in hardcore super-hero stage...Theo much because Ezra is. Little brother follows big. They came home from a gparent day stuffed to the brim with superhero contraband; everything from a new costume, rain boots and a handful of tees. Grandma takes her spoiling work seriously. ;) And Juju is working hard on her two bottom teeth.

Over the weekend, our church held service at our local fair grounds during a huge car show. It was really fun to outreach and check out some amazing cars. ;) E and I also hit up a friend's birthday party while everyone else napped. A little Mama/son date.

So bring on the pants, boots, cooler temps, and lots of busy!!

SF Day // Take Two

We had another great day in city over the weekend. Our last day with our two nephews. Pitstops included Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square, and Lombard Street. 

It was a perfect day in the city and the people-watching was great. ;) Happy to show our nephews more of my favorite city. A random smorgasbord of our day...

Cousin Visit {Weekend Recap}

W's brother, Frank, and his two boys drove here on Friday so the boys could have an extended trip with us. Camp Swenson Circus. ;) Before Frank made the trek home, we decided to have an adventure in the city---along with everyone else that day...so crowded! But everyone stayed in high spirits so it was a great trip!

Our first stop was GG park where we had lunch and played. There was a festival happening, so much of the park was sectioned off. 

Then we hit up an ice cream shop in a nearby neighborhood and walked around.

We ended with a quick trip to the Presidio to see the Golden Gate.

Sunday was mellow-- church, long naps, and some crafting/errands/park time.That evening, we really scored some major points by introducing them to Pride and Prejudice and having a laundry folding party. They're totally gonna want to come back here, huh?! ;)

Bumpass Hell

Before heading home, we wanted to squeeze in one more stop in the area. I'm starting to think we're becoming park junkies-- or at the very least that we need to add "visit all national parks" on our bucket list. Haven't decided which just yet. After a stop at the podunk yet adorable town of Chester for some coffee and shops, we made our way to yet another park.

Lassen Volcanic National Park neighbors Lake Almanor so of course we had to go. We had limited time and a long drive ahead so I'm thankful for technology {i.e. yelp} to provide the best spot for our short allotment. And it did not disappoint.

After reading reviews while driving up, we decided to stop at Bumpass Hell-- basically a bunch bubbling and steaming hot springs--remnants of former volcanic activity. We could tell that this was the park's main attraction with boiling pools of 322 degree temperatures and terms like "hydrothermal system" and "fumaroles" being tossed around. It required a 3 mile round trip hike which was welcomed before a long drive of sitting. We were game.

The hike was beautiful and easy so we did it in typically tourist fashion.

They have boardwalks set up to walk around the sights since the ground is really HOT and brittle. 

It was a really cool. It smelled awful {sulfur}, made lots of noise and had all sorts of different things to look at. I'm sure it's like some kind of heaven for geology nerds.

After the hike back to our car, we hit the road for home and made great time. We picked up the boys. Then fed, bathed, and put them all to bed. W and I enjoyed some sushi and a movie to unwind before the week ahead.

I'm happy to report that the following day was amazing. I thought for sure the boys would go through major detox. But they were pleasantly normal and that made for a very happy Mama. I was able to be super productive in getting us back into the swing of things and we even sneaked a bike/walk trip to the library. Major props to the gparents. They sure are pros. :) And great weekend for all!

Jessica + Kevin

I've known Jess since 2002 when we lived on the same floor in the dorms. She was living with Amy {pictured below with her hubby Jon}. So funny how us NorCal peeps gravitated together while going to school down south. The three of us have had many adventures together, shared many honest heart talks, and been the best cheerleaders for each other. I've mentioned them before here and here. And even though time passes and family/work commitments fill up our focus, we have still remained present in each others' lives. And I'm so very grateful for them.

Jess and Kevin got married at a family friend's house right against the lake. It was breath-taking. Jess was gorgeous and the ceremony was entertaining and endearing.

The ceremony was officiated by Jess's bosses: Jerry and Kimberly Deerman, who are the head pastors of the church she works at. Jess has been there since she graduated UCLA so it was very special for everyone involved. Many many people had been waiting for these two to meet and marry. ;)

Some of the sweet details...

Loved being able to celebrate this sweet friend!

On the Lake

Saturday morning was spent in bed and having a lazy breakfast out on the porch. We were visited by a little caterpillar that dropped down right on W's plate.

I really wanted to go out on the lake, but since we had Vesper, it limited our options just a bit. We packed up our lunch and found a boat rental place. We snagged a paddle boat, loaded us and our stuff and paddled out onto the lake.

The weather was perfect for sunning and having a picnic lunch. We relaxed while Vesper napped in the wrap. The water looked so inviting. I kept telling W that I was going to jump in. I kinda have this fear about water you can't see well in. It freaks me out a little bit. I probably spent the next 10 minutes talking about how I really wanted to go, but was too scared. I finally just went for it and nothing got me. ;)

W went in after V woke up and we were both cooled down for the rest of our time out. It was so so so relaxing.

Afterward, we headed home for naps, a little happy hour, and prepping for the wedding.