Kite Flying

The other week it was nice and windy, so we headed over to Crab Cove to test out Lane's kite - the kite that is twice Gabriela's height and that he hasn't used in years.  Poor kite.

Gabriela took her job of transporting the kite very seriously.

She (mostly) watched while Daddy assembled the kite.

And successfully launched the kite when the time was right.

She tried to help Daddy do some tricks and fly the kite.

Daddy made it easier for her to help.  Look at that concentration!

Daddy showed off, doing loop-de-loops, figure eights and all kinds of other fancy moves.

Gabriela was impressed.

Wow, was it windy.  People were on the water nearby kite surfing, and just look at Lane, leaning into his kite. 

Friday Fun

We have had some fun Fridays around here lately.  A few weeks ago, Uncle David was in San Francisco for work, so he came for a visit.  He arrived at our house early in the afternoon and got in some visit time with Gabriela and met little Easton. 

Then we went out for ice cream at Tuckers. Gabriela insisted on a chocolate cone, but happily shared Uncle David's raspberry and lemon sorbet. After ice cream, he introduced Gabriela to Jelly Bellies, and then off we went to Crab Cove so Gabriela could ride her bike.

The weather was so gorgeous, they just had to play in the sand and get their toes wet. We all enjoyed sushi together that night.


The following Friday was just as beautiful and Uncle Noal and Elizabeth drove down from San Francisco for a playdate with Gabriela. I wish I had my camera that day. She was so thrilled they came down to play with her.  They played on the playground, helped her do the monkey bars, chased her, pushed her on the swing, drew with sidewalk chalk with her. It was a blast. But even better, we all went to Tucker's together for ice cream.  Gabriela immediately ordered raspberry and lemon sorbet. Such a fun Friday.

We have been lucking out with the Friday weather lately. This last Friday, I took the kiddos to the beach, a 5 minute drive away. Early March and we played on the beach for 4 hours, in the sand, ate lunch, got our toes wet, made new friends, met up with old friends, Easton even napped in his bouncer at the beach.

Unfortunately, it seems our stretch of Friday summer weather is ending, since it's been raining all week.

Little Farm

Prepared with celery for the animals and a whole assortment of snacks for us, we piled in our mini van with the Yalins to visit Little Farm the other week.

In hindsight, I admit it wasn't the smartest idea to tell the story about when we thought the cow was going to eat Gabriela's arm off RIGHT before she tried feeding the cow. She immediately burst into tears, convinced the cow was going to eat her for lunch.

Everywhere with Daddy involves  lots of jumping, catching, and even more giggles.

Four Months Old

Easton continues to be a little busy bee - He has gone to see the animals at little farm, gone bowling, napped and played at the beach, checked out the discovery museum in Sausalito, he flew a kite at Crab Cove, went out for ice cream TWICE, and even went to Pump it Up in the last month, in addition to regular park outings with his big sis.

He is drooling like nobody's business, chomping and sucking on his fingers.  Easton has been staring in wonder at his fingers, wiggling them and opening and closing his hands in amazement.  He also has discovered his little toes a couple times.

Our little sweetheart figured out how to blow bubbles, making that little raspberry noise and getting his clothes all soggy in the process.  He mastered this fascinating skill while we were out to Thai food, and repeated his new trick over and over (and over and over) during our whole dinner.You could just tell how proud he was of himself!

He has also rolled over a couple times in the last month, but I think they've been flukes. He hasn't learned yet how to do it on purpose. But he is really good at grabbing just about anything, usually my arm or fingers, and putting it in his mouth.

Easton seems to be growing even lighter hair underneath his baby hair. In honor of him turning four months old, we decided he was ready to try out the jumparoo.  Woo-hoo, does he enjoy it!  Easton is much more vocal these days, talking and cooing up a storm and making eye contact when he's ready to play. He's also shown himself to be a little ticklish under his arms and on his legs. We can't help but do just about anything to hear those sweet giggles.

He still freaks out every once in a while when we dress him and his clothes go over his face.  He also really doesn't enjoy his baths.  I thought all babies love bath time! Not this guy.  He just doesn't like being wet.  Hope he gets used to it by summer time!

Gabriela's School

Gabriela goes to preschool Tuesday and Thursday mornings. She really loves going to class, doing her projects, and playing with all her friends that she's made there.  I can't believe what a big girl she is now. 

The parents are supposed to volunteer to come in once per session and bring snack. When I realized they had school on Valentine's Day, I jumped on the chance to volunteer that day.  

What Gabriela was looking forward to most about me coming and having her special day at school was being the line leader!  This is, apparently, a huge deal for 3 year olds! Gabriela has been talking for weeks about when she might get to be the line leader.  She also got to choose the songs the kids sang at circle time, pick the toys for playtime, and help prep the snack we brought.

 She was so proud, and quiet about being the line leader.  Gabriela picked the Slippery Fish song and The Wheels on the Bus.  When Gabriela told her class my name, the teacher mispronounced it and told all the students to say good morning to "Ah-lay-na". Gabriela got pretty upset and told Miss Dana what's up. "No! Her name isn't Ah-lay-na, it's Eh-LEH-nah!!!!!" Yeah, I'm pretty sure that was my favorite part.

 My little line leader

 We brought strawberry lemonade because everybody needs a pink drink on Valentines Day.  We cut cream cheese and raspberry jam sandwiches into heart shapes, as well as strawberry hearts. Gabriela and I even put little valentine stickers on the paper towel place mats. We had so much fun together planning and making our snacks.

Speaking of Valentines Day, we made the cutest cards to send family and friends. G started on hers in January and I helped Easton with his while we were in the hospital.  I wish I had thought to snap pics of them before we sent them out. Gabriela was so cute. She packed all her valentines in a bag, walked to the mailbox and dropped them off for delivery.