Our very first camping trip

I guess it wouldn't be right to be in CA and not go camping.  It feels like the kids were too young before (or is that an excuse), but all of the sudden, we wanted to start exploring.  So our first trip was to the edges of Mt Tamalpias (why venture so far from home?  I mean there was always a huge possibility that this was going to be a disaster!) where we stayed for only one night...the kids loved it.  It was COLD even in June.  We went with our friends Jill and Pete (and of course Cole and Stella) who were pros at camping and showed us the ropes.  It was a large group as there were 20+ people altogether but it meant that we had lots of help.  And even in his pack and play, Kuba did great.  Here are some pics:

Easter 2014

And it's Easter!  Grandma and Grandpa visiting, lost of eggs and candy, and of course a visit to church.  It's so sweet to be here in Marin during this time - spring is definitely in the air!

And Ella turns SIX!!!

It's pretty shocking really!  And for her birthday Ella decided that she wanted to have a sleep-over, so we did have a few little ladies come to watch Frozen, play princesses, and spend the night.  Lots of work for mom and daddy - but I think a ton of fun for the birthday girl!

Maya turns 4!!!

Maya turned 4!!! As always during the ski season, the the lucky lady got to celebrate in Tahoe and again while back home with her friends for a little tea party and jumpy in the back yard.  Sweet and cute.  Very happy little girl!

ski 2014

Many fun weekends filled with snow, skis, ice skating, sledding, jumping (and roller blading!) and most importantly friends.  Tahoe is such a sweet spot to visit.  We had a great time with Jill & Pete, Nicole and Mike, and Michelle and Steve, and of course all the kiddos.  Mommy and daddy also had a chance to ski a bit (thanks to Michelle for watching the kids!)

Christmas 2013

We celebrated Christmas with both grandmas and grandpa.  The kids were thrilled of course with presents, but also with 'the feast' as they refer to Christmas Eve and Christmas day dinner.  Kuba seemed to 'get it' a bit more this year, as he's getting older.  And Ella with Maya both seemed so much older - little ladies at tea at the Fairmont.  It was sweet to celebrate all of it here again.

Celebrating fall 2013

It's been a while - so we have lots of catching up to do since fall of 2013.  That's where we last left off.

The fall is always such a fun time of the year - we do a bunch of hiking, picking up parsimmons, and of course getting ready for Christmas.  This involves the pick out the tree, baking cookies, going to see the Velveteen Rabbit, several santa visits and well, just general craziness.  We also had a blast going into SF to ride the cable cars, visit Chinatown and enjoy some of the Christmas displays.  It's a great season and such a blast for the kids!

Hedging Bets

Since the girls are into gymnastics, ballet and skiing, I figure that i need to get them into a more lucrative sport to fund my retirement. Kuba's boxing career might do it, but otherwise we'll have to continue to refine these swings.

Judging by these videos, I should get Ella into Hockey....


Ella Golfing


Maya Golfing

Fall 2013

From Halloween, to pumpkins, to costumes and everything else in between - it's always such a great time for kids, particularly in this amazingly warm weather...

some fun pics...

From a photographer....getting ready for Christmas!

Hawaii!

So Grandma turned 70 and to celebrate we all went to Hawaii for a few days.  So much fun to play in the beach and at the pool with Grandma and aunt Niki. We also got to meet Mickey Mouse...and got to see kids surfing, go to a lua' and well, we can't remember everything we got to do... :)

Sioux Falls, September 2013

We got to visit grandma and grandpa for a bit, while mommy had her high school reunion.  Later in the year Kuba got to go as well (over Thanksgiving, as a surprise) but mommy did not take any pictures.  It was nicer weather in September anyway!

Ella's first day in Kindergarden

It really happened - she actually is now going to school. Somewhat scary for Mom and Dad, but Ella seems thrilled which is all that matters in the end...

We spent a weekend in LA at a lake house with Robyn and Steve.  Not Okoboji, but still a great time!

Europe Summer 2013

We know that we're fortunate to do this.  And yes, it may be a bit crazy to travel with three kids, 1,3, and 5 to Europe with multiple stops, taxis, trains, planes, and automobiles.  Hot weather, broken air conditioners, huge bug bites, places where we were going to sleep but couldn't - it certainly was not without some hassle.  But seeing our cousins in London and sharing many days and evenings with close friends, the wine, cheese, beaches, and amazing company in Sardinia along with the swimming in the sea and the pool - well, it more than made up for any little discomforts.  

Mommy and daddy time...

Sometimes, rarely, but sometimes we have a chance to sneak away and spend some time without the kiddos.  We cherish the moments and count our blessings.  Often it's just a weekend away, and most of the time it is not much worth documenting, but when we get a chance to explore Marin, during the daytime, it's always so sweet.  Here are a few shots from our latest adventure.

Summer nearly here...

a quick visit to SF and Muir Woods with Grandma and Grandpa

Easter 2013

Lots of egg hunts, lots of eggs, the Easter Bunny and fun all around...Kuba still a bit too little to participate...

My first work trip

with Ella...! Mommy had some work to do in Florida and Ella got to tag along to visit our aunt and uncle and cousins.  Along with way we spent some time on the beach, on the water, and with the penguins at the Tampa Aquarium.

Birthdays, Birthdays, Birthdays!!!

Busy, busy spring with b-days.  First Maya had a little celebration in Tahoe while skiing with friends.  Then Ella, for her fifth birthday had a gymnastics party.  Kuba had a little bbq outside with close friends and family and Daddy had a picnic on top of Mt Tam (with delicious views and sushi).  Lots of fun all around!