Good Things to Fill the Time

Our time in Tahoe is coming to an end, and there is still so much I want to do! Everyone else is about ready to get on with life, though. Timothy misses his friends, Andrew misses his computer, Melinda misses her hamster.

I have loved being able to organize the house and finish a great many projects, such as adapting some of my skirts to fit the girls, and making pillows.






I even taught Audrey how to sew! She is an incredibly fast learner, and is already doing every step (including the ironing) by herself.






We took the kids to the Amador County Fair, site of JoshuaFest 2010, and enjoyed the horses, alpacas (?) and hand crafts.









(where are my boys in all these pictures?? They are much less enthusiastic photography subjects.)

In a few short days we will be back in So.Cal. and ready to be done with driving for a while...unless it's to head back up here!

Very Much, Thank You

We ARE enjoying Tahoe! The summers here just can't be beat: warm in the sun, cool in the shade; cool star-filled nights; startling blue skies and animated clouds; refreshing afternoon thunderstorms; constant wildlife sightings; streams, lakes, trees and mountains; and the blissful absence of sirens. There is something magical about these mountains.

Exploratorium

It has to be the busiest week at the Exploratorium in San Francisco, but is that any reason not to go? We made a detour on our way to Tahoe, allowing Chris to attend a business meeting and the kids the experience the Exploratorium. It had been YEARS since we'd been, but it was still the educational, engrossing, exhausting day I remembered.

The drive wasn't so bad (don't let the grumpy face fool you.)








Melinda was thrilled with The Palace Hotel and the free jam that came with breakfast (even though the room service guy was convinced she was speaking a different language.)




Once we got to the exploratorium, the kids were instantly hooked.




They discovered a new use for a traffic cone.




They even did some things all together.




They all enjoyed the exhibits, even if the crowds were stressful at times. Andrew especially was hungry to see and understand everything. We contributed to SF rush hour traffic, but still made it home (to Tahoe) before 10:30 or so. Feels so good to be home!

Left Behind

Tomorrow we go on vacation for two weeks or so. Here's a peek at what we are leaving behind:

Not quit ready heirloom tomatoes:





Roma tomatoes: (some of those are coming along with us)




Cantaloupe:




Watermelon:




Butternut Squash:




Cucumber:




Corn:




Bell Peppers:




Basil that has valiantly withstood the grasshoppers:




What will we have when we get back? I don't know, but hopefully more than we have now. We'll see!

Quote of the Day

"I can't wait until I like sour cream and guacamole."
--Andrew

A Weekend in Napa

For our anniversary this year, Chris and I drove up to Napa (which took longer than it should have) and spent the weekend enjoying good food and good wine in beautiful surroundings. It was my first time there--I enjoyed it very much! Can't wait to go back. Here's the proof:

Hey Dad! Look What I Got!

Are you worried?