Beloved Exersaucer

While we were at my parents' we got out exersaucer out of storage. Since Eva loves to stand, I thought she might like it. I had forgotten how much of a lifesaver it is. I can put her down and she is safe and entertained.
So, fellow parents, what toy is a lifesaver for you?

County Fair

Last weekend we went up to my parents' house to visit and go to the Glenn County Fair. I come from a small agricultural town and the county fair had that feel to it. Two of my sisters were there with their kids this weekend so it was nice to visit and go to the fair with them. We saw 4H and FFA booths with animals being auctioned off. We rode a small train around the fairgrounds (Brendan's favorite - we did it twice). There were craft and art buildings and prizes for the best baked goods and preserves. There was even a pig racing show. It was, however, 105 degrees so we didn't stay long but it was all worth it to see the smile on Brendan's face when we got on the train. He asks every day since if we can go to Grandma and Grandpa's house.

The train conductor punches our tickets.

That smile I was talking about

My niece, Hailey, waves goodbye as the train starts to move.


Brendan also got to play with his cousin Canyon, whom he loves. They are two peas in a pod. They'd fight and then play and then fight some more. They are funny. Canyon taught Brendan to go in and out the doggie door so we had to keep a close eye on the two of them. They loved the water table and the trampoline. Brendan got so dirty every day.



I enjoyed the yummy food at my parents' and being in an air conditioned house. Back in San Rafael, it was 100 degrees, and us with no AC!

My nephew, Dane, enjoys some watermelon.

Brendan has a slice too.


As for Eva, it was nice not to have to hold her all the time. She was passed around amongst relatives. My tired arms thank you all. :)

Eva with Uncle Aaron (its too hot for a shirt)

Eva with Grandpa Dave

The Bike

Jason here. This past school year I have been carpooling with Chad Curtis and Chris Adams. Chris is going to be a third year on a crazy schedule and Chad is moving into San Francisco. This presented a small transportation problem since we only have one car and I would hate to leave Christine at home with the kids and no vehicle. So we started to consider getting a motorcycle, which we ended up doing. I took the motorcycle safety course, got my license, and bought a bike from a local dealership. I got a good deal on Suzuki SV650 which got good reviews for being a beginner bike. Well... I crashed the bike the very first day I got it. No joke. I was fully geared up so I just had a couple scrapes and bruises. I was coming around a curve doing the speed limit and it was like someone pulled the rug out from under me. The bike came to a stop by hitting a curb which bent the tire, brake disk, front fork and the plastics. When the tow truck came to pick up the bike he asked me how long I had had the bike. I responded by looking at my watch. He said ,"No!" I just shook my head as the smoking, dripping ruin that was my brand new bike was taken straight back to the shop I just left a few hours prior. "Welcome back!" said the mechanic and laughing, slapped me on the back and told me that my bike would be ready in a few weeks.

Marin Cycle Works has probably the coolest people working there and they really helped me out on the repairs. I was able to locate most of the parts online and I really saved a lot of money. So I got the bike back a month ago and have been commuting on it every day now and loving it. No more waiting for the carpool. I can leave whenever I want and I can park at the school. I can leave in the morning when I feel like it and usually don't have to set the alarm since I don't have a specific time I have to meet anyone. Nice.

The red bike is mine. Christine calls the gear my "supersuit". These pictures were taken during a ride with some buddies of mine after school one day.

Mother's Day

The sweetest motherhood quote:
"Making the decision to have a child - it's momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around on the outside of your body."
- Elizabeth Stone (writer)
The funniest one:
"Motherhood is like Albania - you can't trust the brochures, you have to go there."
- Marni Jackson (journalist)
And both are so true!!
Thank you Mom!!

Last of the Sunday dresses

Sadly, we have come to the end of the dresses given to us for Eva. I guess now she can wear them all over again. :)
This pretty pink one is from Patience Adams. Thanks, Patience!

It has begun

I put Eva on the couch and walked over to get the swaddling blanket. When I turned back around, she wasn't in the same position. She had rolled over. When we tried for a repeat performance, she almost made it over again. Thus ends the days of being able to set her down and knowing she'll stay put. Thus begins the days of chasing after her. Darn. :)

Flogging Brendan

There are two songs that make Brendan stop what he is doing and dance, "Devil's Dance Floor" by Flogging Molly (he is a bit Scottish after all) and "Crazy" by Gnarls Barkley (which is pretty appropriate for him). His version of dancing is mainly jumping in a circle. He is ready for a mosh pit. At the end, he is pretty dizzy. It's funny.

Sugar and Spice

I just LOVE little girl's dresses. They are my weakness. It is a good thing I got so many at the shower or I'd have bought tons by now. I have to deliberately avoid the infant girl section in any clothing store. These two are courtesy of Chelsea Bevans and Tara Thompson. Thank you, ladies!