Down by the River Side

In mid May, we made the drive to visit our dear friends, the Yalins, who moved away from Alameda for some country life. We had an amazing weekend with them.  

 

There was all sorts of wildlife around.  First, Easton got a kick out of following a tiny frog around that some how got inside the house.  The kids and Lane found a tiny little turtle, and there were caterpillars and cocoons all over the place.

So, did I mention this is what their backyard looks like? It is unreal - beautiful trees, giant boulders and a rushing river.

The boys just jumped in the water for a refreshing swim in the afternoon. 

Gabriela was really anxious to get in the water too!

Later that day we went on a tour of this organic farm called Harmony Hills Farm. You know you have good friends when they suggest you go to hear a talk on composting together and it's everyone's idea of a good time!  We actually misses the talk, but the farm was perfect. Everyone was so genuinely friendly, we saw their chickens, different gardens that were growing, and they had baked fresh cookies to share with visitors. 

Easton was happy to meet the puppy dogs.  

It just melts my Jett to see these two playing together like this. 

Heather wanted to buy some produce and the farmer said we would have to wait because she needed to pick it, or we could go pick it ourselves!  Of course we couldn't refuse that offer. She handed us baskets and off we went together. Farm freshness at its best, second to growing it in your own backyard of course. 

Easton and Rowan both picked some Swiss chard. Gabriela learned from the farmer how to know which leaves to pick. 

Meanwhile, the boys played and giggled on the farm with their Swiss chard toys. 

Next, we drove to a winery.  As we rolled into he parking lot, Gabriela exclaimed, "oh! I love this winery!!!"  She got busy snacking in the fancy chairs and exploring the gardens. 

Lane and I were taking turns sipping wine and plying with the kiddos. Daddy is always playing chase with these guys. 

The next day we packed a picnic, complete with icy cold mojitos and took a little hike down to a different area of the river that was perfect for the kids.  There were tons of tiny pools, the water was shallow and still. Easton and Rowan threw rocks together while Gabriela climbed and splashed around.  

Serkan, relaxing in the river ;)

Heather and I even took a dip in the super cold water. 

We miss our friends terribly, but are so happy that they have so much nature to explore with Rowan, space for a garden, and a river to swim in anytime they want. 

They sure know how to show us visitors a good time. We had so much fun spending  the weekend together and we can't wait to go do it all over again. 

Gilroy Gardens

 We went to Gilroy Gardens with Grandma last month.  Check out this stud muffin.  We are lucky that Easton is so easy going and just happy to come along for the ride.

He really liked driving the fire trucks.

Easton loved the hot air balloon ride. I was a little nervous about how he would react since it goes up pretty high, and then spins all around.  But he kept saying "up" and "more" so he's a fan.

It was quite a warm day, and the water play area hadn't opened yet for the season, so Gabriela spent some time playing in the waterfall.  We also had ice cream cones, as usual.  That cooled us off too.

We are ready to return to Gilroy Gardens with Grandma and Grandpa this summer! 

CuriOdyssey

So last month we went to San Mateo to check out this place called CuriOdyssey, recommended to us by one of Lane's coworkers.  We knew it was going to be cool when we passed this playground on our way to the park.  I mean, how could we not stop to check it out???

 Super duper giant fancy slide

 Gabriela was, obviously, a fan.

 Easton was begging to go down the slide too. How could I deny my little daredevil this experience?  So we went down the slide together... several times.  He was a fan too.

We got half priced admission because we have a membership at the Oakland Zoo. Gabriela saw some cool things in microscopes, made wildflower seed bombs, and put together a nature journal.  Easton loved the wind tunnel.

Then we saw the falcons and other cool birds really up close. 

This is a view I never see.  Yeah, I wonder where Gabriela got that profile from.

Golden Eagles are no joke, people.  Those birds are HUGE!!!

We also saw this giant turkey vulture.  Gabriela will tell you, without hesitation, that when turkey vultures are in danger, they vomit in order to gross out their predators and also to make themselves lighter so it's easier to escape.

She was excited to see the owls up close, especially after reading Harry Potter.

This is a peregrine falcon. Gabriela will also tell you that it is the fastest animal in the world.  It was such an interesting experience to see these birds up so close.  They also have coyotes, bobcats, beavers, river otters, and lots of other animals there.  All of the animals at CuriOdyssey are there because they have had some sort of injury and they are being cared for until they recover, or indefinitely because they can no longer survive in the wild.