Middle Harbor Shoreline Park

Last Monday Gabriela and Easton and I checked out the Middle Harbor Shoreline Park in Oakland. It was a nice break from our usual playground park kind of visit.  Gabriela got ready by wearing a tutu, fairy wings and silver sparkle shoes, of course.  

 It was right on the water, and there were awesome views. Even more of a hit were the free binoculars through which we got up and close looks of birds on the water and other ships on the water.

 Gabriela spotted a dolphin and immediately befriended him, hopping on for a ride.

 We spotted lots of birds

 And wild flowers

 There is my little fairy :)

 The biggest hit of all was watching this cargo ship roll in.  We walked down the park to a tower where you can spot an even closer look at the ships and the cranes that load and move cargo around. 

Brotherly Love

Isn't this the cutest thing ever???  I love that Gabriela knows just how to make her brother burst into giggles, and how happy it makes her too.  She always wants to pick Easton up and cuddle with him and love on him.  He is so lucky to have her for a big sister.

Six Months Old!

This was a very busy month for Easton.  This month Easton cut his two bottom teeth.  I'm sure the top two teeth will be here before we know it. A few days after he turned 5 months, Easton rolled over for the first time with purpose and intention. He has been doing it ever since!  I knew I was in trouble when, just the other day, he rolled across the room.

 

 Easton has also been enjoying all sorts of different foods like avocado, frozen mango, roasted carrots, and sweet potatoes.  But his favorite, without question, is watermelon.  Easton goes to town on it!

 

This little guy loves exploring and tasting toys.

So, this whole mango thing seems overrated guys.

ooooh, much tastier on this side! And it feels good on my gums!

Just enjoying some light reading about jungle animals

 

 I am certain that Easton understands the sign for up.  Every time I do the sign he gets really excited.  So either he understands or I look completely goofy when I do it.  

Easton also learned how to pucker up and make little kissing lip smacking sounds. 

 

 Starting this month, he gets very upset when I try to lay him down for a solo nap.  No matter how soundly he seems to be sleeping, he wakes up heartbroken when I lay him down. He also gets sad when I leave the room.  On one level, this is totally sweet and adorable.  When I come back he flashes me giant smiles. But, on the other hand, it makes it a little difficult to get anything done. Luckily, he will hang out in his bouncer or on the floor with his activity mat, but he mostly is right next to Mama in the carrier.

He will sleep for hours in the carrier, jumps like nobody's business in his jumparoo, and is starting to be easily distracted.  This comes in handy when Easton is feeling fussy, but not so much when he is trying to nurse. Easton watches in wonder and amazement when we brush our teeth. He thinks it's the weirdest thing ever. 

He had his first rides in the baby swing this month, attended his first outdoor movie (and slept most of the time) and even checked out the snakes, lizards, turtles, and spiders at the Vivarium in Berkeley.

We are so lucky to have such a happy, darling, and easy going little guy. I can't believe how big he is now. He wants to touch everything, wants to eat everything, and can even sit up by himself for just a few seconds before he topples over.

We love you, sweet Easton Michael, and are so happy you joined our little family!

Grandma and Grandpa!

We rushed over to Uncle Nate's house straight from our hike because we heard that Grandma and Grandpa stopped in for a visit on their way home from Paradise.

 That Sunday (4/29) Easton's first tooth popped through his little gums.  We were able to catch a glimpse of it while he napped.

Grandma got some Easton love too. 

Gabriela was too busy running around with the big boy cousins for me to snap any photos of her.  We all had dinner with Uncle Nate and family. It's so great to live as close as we do.  We have dinner with them almost every Sunday.  What a treat!  And what a special treat for Grandma and Grandpa to join us that week.

Hiking in Pleasanton

We went for a hike with the Yalins the other weekend up in a beautiful park in Pleasanton.

 Gabriela carried her own backpack with her snacks and hiked the whole way uphill. After she got ahead of us, we no longer had any excuse for being behind everyone else.  Thanks for blowing my cover, Gabriela!

 The views were beautiful - so lush and green.

 In our sunhats, ready for more hiking!

 Gabriela got in some Serkan time. 

 And gave Easton a piggy back ride.  How did our little girl turn into such a big one?!?!

 Easton and Daddy

 We passed right by some cows on the trail. Gabriela was really excited to get such an up close view.

 Daddy and Gabriela

   After hiking up the whole trail, snacking, and giving Easton a piggy back ride, Gabriela informed us that she was tired. Lane and I decided to head back down, and walked down the rest of the way, each with a kiddo in a carrier.  Thank goodness we brought two.

Hollister for the Day

Last Saturday Lane went up to Sacramento to help his sister move into her new house. Since he was going to be gone all day, I had the great idea to invite myself over to my brother Tim's house in Hollister for the day. Then I told my sister I was coming. Then I suggested that my other brother and parents come over too.  Yeah, I'm the best.  Actually it's Tim who is the best. He said there was nothing more he liked than having his family at his home.  He was glad to host us all.  Thank goodness.  

I was so proud of myself that morning.  I had us packed, fed, everyone went potty, and we timed it perfectly to be out the door at Easton's nap time.  We were loaded up and on the road before 9am!  We drove straight there without stopping!  Yay, us!!

The day started with some special cousin time. 

 

 We checked out the new chickens

 Nana had some special time with her two newest grandsons, and it was a beautiful day.

 Easton got to meet Uncle Matthew finally. 

 The kids dug in the mud, found worms, chased each other, played family and ran around while I helped Kristie hang a ton of laundry on the clothesline. I got the kids to help pick up all the oranges that had fallen off the tree.

My mom came over with tacos for the kids, enchiladas for the grown ups, rice, corn relish, hot chile sauce, mexican cheese for garnish, and jello and brownies. Wow, it was delicious.  And later that afternoon, Kristie grilled pizzas for us.  No Clower get together is complete without tons of food, and that's okay with me.

 Easton was excited to see that he and Papa had the same hairdo.

 Nana also brought a new handmade twirly dress for Gabriela. She and Mina were matchies. Caetlin has a matching dress too, but couldn't be convinced to put hers on.  Andrew came over and, I couldn't believe it, but there were six kids there!  And they had a blast.

We were happy to see Auntie Theresa too, even if just for a short time. 

I was so glad we drove down for some family time.  The drive back up was breezy too. Both kids passed out as soon as we got on the freeway.  Thanks kiddos.