Off to Lakeside!

We'll see you all in a few weeks....we're off to Lakeside to hang out with both sides of the family. Happy 4th of July to you all!

Ball games, trains and trolleys....what a day!

Uncle Alex and Charlie getting ready for the Giants game....and why are they both wearing Cubs hats? Let's just say they are 13 & 2....they have strong opinions! and they do look very cute!

Charlie's first ride on the train up to the Giants game. He always covers his eyes as the train pulls into the station. Must be too much stimulation for one moment in time:)

A photo in the trolley outside of the ball park. Charlie & Mama took the train home and let the boys enjoy the baseball game!

Uncle Alex & Charlie

Jeff's youngest brother Alex has arrived....we have been so looking forward to his visit!! Charlie ran straight for Uncle Alex at the airport, giving him a big hug! What a greeting.

I'm not sure Alex will get a moments rest for the week that he's here. Already he is top choice for cuddling, book reading, dancing and chasing.

And of course Charlie must do everything just like Uncle Alex...even carrying in the groceries over his shoulder.

Gned the Gnome

How it all began....

During a visit to Amsterdam in April 2006, while walking around our friends neighborhood, they pointed out the little gnomes hidden in trees for the kids to find. We were totally engrossed and captivatied. Later, Jeff & I were shopping in London at the garden store for plants and he HAD to buy our own little gnome to take home. Now...anyone that knows me well would agree I'm not the type to have a lawn ornament. But... I'm also not one to discourage any light-hearted child-like behavior in my husband. Better yet, Jeff wanted to name him Gned (pronounced Ned, the 'G' is silent). Gned made the trip from our London garden to our California backyard safe and sound.

Like father like son, Charlie has developed a deep attachment to Gned. He opens his blinds after a nap and says hello, wants to 'visit' him in the backyard, and thinks that red and green crayons are 'Gned' colors.

So for Father's day, Charlie 'picked' out his very own gnome shirt and notecards to share with Daddy.

Father's Day

A little boy and a little tree. Father's Day was spent at Muir Woods. What a sweet idea, two beginnings of something great (a beautiful Sequoia tree) and little Charlie.

It feels like having a baby....

My first post. Well maybe not that scary and life changing.