Sam at Outdoor Science School!

Sam spent four days at Arrowhead Ranch in Pinecrest. What was great (and reassuring) about this experience is that his classroom teacher went with the students and most all of his classmates. During the camp, parents received one text message and one photograph to let us know they were fine. It was a great, life-changing experience for the kids. I am so proud of Sam!

Excelsior

I'm truly happy to be at my current school. The students are friendly and hardworking, and the staff is stellar. After 6 different rotations at different sites (due to change of grades, job-sharing, and then going back full-time), this could be the school I remain at!

Louise

Longtime family friend Louise passed away last year. She lived with her sister and brother-in-law in Burbank, I have a lot of fond memories making the drive up as a child in our station wagon white pinto for gatherings, including 4th of July and New Year's Day. Delicious food and fun times. The parties would go until late night, and my sisters and I would stretch out in the back of the car, reclining the seat to cargo position, and fall asleep during the drive home. The seat belt laws were different back then.

Here are some photos from when Anna was a baby. Louise brought a lot of joy to others, her gentle kind ways were unparalleled.

Happy Birthday Anna and Lily!

Our visit up north also coincided with Lily and Anna's birthdays. We started the day off with a pedicure at the "fanciest" salon in town, I heard Golden State Warrior Steph Curry's wife is a client there. Once the girls decided to get flowers, how could we not join in? Afterwards, we celebrated at Kim and Mark's house with coordinated gifts and cakes, and a bonfire in the evening. Happy birthday, teenagers!

Cornerstone Sonoma

We visited family up north for a quick weekend, everyone (sans Carter, who is studying in China for his high school junior year) was able to make it to the trip out to Cornerstone in Sonoma. Cornerstone is a marketplace but so much more than that, it's a sculpture garden, playground, and interactive outdoor gallery. We ate breakfast, wrote wishes on glittery tags, played football, and enjoyed the lovely atmosphere.

Shiloh

Shiloh seems to be very content in our home. She finds comfy, cozy spots to lounge. She never fusses, never persists. She truly is a gentle soul. We are happy to give Shiloh the life she deserves.