Time to catch up

A lot of diapers have gone in the pail since we last paid attention to this blog. I'm hoping to rectify that sad lack of postings over the next few weeks. It's not like we haven't done anything, or don't have lots of pictures to post. Indeed, the busy-ness of work and home with two little ones to shower love on (and clean up after) has been the biggest obstacle to new posts. Perhaps I can just hit the highlights -- a post or two for each of the neglected months since October, and with lots of photos, of course. Stay tuned...

Solvang Day Trip

This week, we made a day trip to Solvang, California's "Scandinavian" town.

Anneka: "We're here!  Let's go explore!"

Mariella: "I'm still napping.  Keep driving!"

It's always breakfast time!

 

Solvang has some lovely sights and architecture.

We enjoyed the architecture...

... took pictures of the sights ...

... and posed the kids.

The kids remained supremely unimpressed by most of the sights (seen here nearing the end of the day), but they like getting out of the house, and Danish pastries were a hit!

Toys

Mama says we have enough toys,
but if there's still space for me in the toy box...

We Got Wheels!

"So I've finally graduated from the walker, and they got me something with some style!"

"Hah! Ain't no style if you can't break a sweat using it!
Besides, you gave up these cool balloon and ice cream cone decorations for that thing!"


"Hey, this gear shift does feel quite right..."

"... And look at that -- the hood came off!
What's this??? No engine?!?!?!"

"Wait, maybe that's the trunk lid... No..."

"Hey! Did you get Triple A for this thing, Papa? 'Cuz I need a tow!
Where was it made, anyway? China? Four wheels is a good start, but get me something with 6 speeds and 8 cylinders, and then we'll talk!"

"Ha-ha. Mine runs better'n hers! I tell ya', ya' can't trust many things in the world more'n your two legs..."

Death Valley Trip [video placeholder]

This Sunday morning, we flew to Furnace Creek in Death Valley for brunch with a bunch of Papa's flying friends.

Unfortunately, we mostly took video, not photos. This picture, however, shows the Carrizo Plain and the San Andreas Fault.

It was great fun to finally land and get our ear protectors off. We knew we'd get to walk around pretty soon, too!

Yup, it's an oasis at Furnace Creek, complete with springs and natural pools!

[placeholder for video, to be added later]

Sabbath at Avila Beach

A lot of Sabbaths go like this:
Get up, eat, play a little, and then nap through Sabbath School.

After that, it's time to get dressed up and go to church, where we listen to the sermon and eat an early lunch. (Why doesn't everyone do church this way?)

Then, most times, we take a drive, go on an outing, or do something fun to get out of the house with Papa. This week, we went to Avila Beach and strolled the boardwalk & pier.

Mariella liked the bumpy ride on the pier.

[placeholder for videos, to be added later]

Driving Lessons

I don't think my first car came with balloon and ice cream cone decorations...

I don't think I looked this good in the driver's seat, either.

Morro Bay Farmers' Market

On one of our recent excursions, we visited Morro Bay, and happened across the weekly farmers' market.

 

Morro Bay is a quaint little fishing town just west of San Luis Obispo

Jolene & Anneka were up for the adventure.

Mariella reserved judgement (as usual).

"Fresh fruit makes us happy!"

Then there are the other items, not necessarily grown by farmers, but they still show up.  Aprons, in this case.

Case caught sight of this sign and started searching for the Dutch influence in town.

Sure enough.  Contrary to myth, it appears the Flying Dutchman eventually got free of his ghostly ship and opened a restaurant in Morro Bay.

Sunset on the Pacific Coast, with Morro Rock in the background.

"Home, James..."

"Yeah, Papa, what she said..."

Red Sabbath Dresses!

Hard to believe it's January!

We Got Good Jeans!