Summer Trip 2016 - coast and Oregon

We were late this year into our summer trip planning and at the end decided to stay closer to home.  We started by making a 3-hour trip off the coast to Mendocino (always one of our favorites) where we stayed at Sanford Inn and kids got introduced into vegan food (not fans!).  Lots of hiking and kayaking...we then drove across to go to Lake Almanor which was such a gem. It reminded me of Okoboji - we went out on the lake nearly daily with the finale of watching the fireworks on the 4th (we often tend not to be in the country on the 4th - this was the first time the kids saw fireworks).  We went out on the boat late into the evening and the view was spectacular!  We then went north into Oregon where we played in Bend for a while.  On the way back we stopped by Crater Lake (rainy and cold though, so missed most of the views) then hiked around Lake Shasta to cap off the trip.  It was our first major American road trip (not counting often visits to Southern California) and based on how much fun we had last summer in Poland, we thought that we are ready for something big here.   The girls got to be junior rangers - a great program from our National Parks.  They are ready to do more.  Can't wait to do it again soon. PICTURES

Steep Revine 2016

It is like winning the lottery.  We secured one of the cabins for July, which is a miracle.  We were ready on Jan 2nd - and somehow it worked.  It was amazing.  30 mins from home, but really, a world away.  Our own little quiet beach, but we could also play at Stinson for the afternoon.  Beautiful weekend; I'm hoping one we can repeat many times. PICTURES

Spring 2016

It has been a busy spring.  Piano and Ballet recitals, mommy's work trips (Florida for the crocodiles), of course the auctions...and well, end of school for the everyone (which included a field trip to the jelly bean factory for Ella).  We also celebrated Father's Day by going for a small sailing trip near Bolinas.  We were lucky to sneak in a little trip to Napa for Mother's Day with Jill and Pete - and though it rained, we managed to get in a tasting or two. Warrior's Game was fun too - although in the end no championship for them this year.  And Rob is getting old - 10-year Kellogg Reunion in Chicago (great sneaking out without the kids!)  There was a fun excursion into San Francisco and all of the sudden we're ready for summer! PICTURES

Easter 2016

And yes, the Easter Bunny came again.  We had a nice brunch, blessed our basket, and too much candy!  Lots of big smiles :)  PICTURES

Birthdays 2016

Maya 6, Ella 8 and Kuba 4.  Lots of parties (again) ... with a nice dinner party for Rob - at 39 he's getting up there (I now recognize that we will one day look at these pictures back and dream about how young we were).
PICTURES

Spring Break 2015 - San Diego

Love combining work and pleasure...and Maya, so brave to fly to San Diego on her own to meet mommy on a business trip!  It's been fun spending time here - playing with Fletcher, San Diego Zoo, and of course lots, and lots of beach time.  Perfect spring trip!  PICTURES

Hawaii (Kauai) 2016

Our best trip to Hawaii yet.  Kauai proved to be breathtaking...but it's likely the kids' ages that are made it truly special.  We had an adventure nearly every morning - from jumping off cliffs to helicopter rides, to hiking the Napali coast (only a bit of it, to be fair) to great snorkeling trips, we loved every minute.  Very lucky to be able to live so close to Hawaii...PICTURES

Skiing 2016 - and winter fun!

Kuba's first real, real debut on skis.  Ski school was a bit of challenge on the first day....there were LOTS of tears.  Bribery also lost its magic.  But finally, mommy and daddy left and Kuba decided that he had not much left to do but to try to ski.  It was amazing to put all three kids in school so that we could ski by ourselves.  After waiting for 7 years, these little steps give us some little previous of freedom that is much, much appreciated.

Oh, and mommy got to sneak in a short trip to Sundance - so much fun!  PICTURES

MLK weekend - first time I have it off!

It's amazing what an extra Monday off in January can do (as my first full year at Airbnb shows).  We decided to visit Big Sur and do a ton of hiking.  Spectacular views again...kids are getting to be great hikers!  PICTURES

NYE 2015 - here we go Mendocino

It is always amazing to be at the edge of the ocean and particularly spectacular with close friends over NYE.  Lots of hiking and playing.  Stunning views.  Lots of wine.  Excited to start a new year!!! PICTURES

Christmas 2015

Nutcracker in SF, Christmas trees / cookies and of course grandma and grandpa.  PICTURES

Nutcracker - getting ready...

After a mouse the first year - Ella is moving on to a little solider.  Lots of fun!  Proud parents :) PICTURES

Thanksgiving 2015

We hosted for the first time in years.  The Spardas and Grandma came over for a great evening, and then early on Friday we bolted to Yosemite.  With all the snow, the hiking and views were spectacular.  Tanaya Lodge did not disappoint, particularly the Gingerbread House competition.  Loving Thanksgiving there.  PICTURES

Halloween 2015 - here we go!

Family theme this year???  Cats! Great weather and lots of candy, of course...But mommy also had to a get a little scary in the morning for the office... PICTURES

Fall 2015

It's that time of the year again....apple picking, pumpkin carvin', soccer, and a beautiful trip to Clear Lake.  Everyone is getting settled in school and getting ready for Halloween!  PICTURES

And Maya starts Kindergarten!!!

Here we go...only one left!!!  A little nervous but also super excited (as are mom and dad).  All the best to this little curious, spunky, funny, and intrepid little girl!  Way to go Maya!  Loving Ella taking care of her little sister too.  And Kuba starts 'nature school' by painting the bus.

PICTURES

10 Years - WOW!

It's been 10 years since Daddy and Mommy got married.  TEN YEARS!!! To celebrate, we took a little mini trip up to Canada to the Gulf Islands in British Columbia.  Started off in Vancouver and then luckily took a little sea plane to Pender Island where we spent a few days hiking, kayaking, sailing and just relaxing.  10 amazing year....can't wait for the next 10!  PICTURES

Campin' and Gampin'

It has been an epic summer.  We had a great camping trip to the Redwoods with the Rennies and down to the coast with Jill and Pete.  Lots of hikes, redwoods, beaches, and even saw some dolphins. Fortunate to be living in California....
PICTURES

Poland Summer 2015

An epic trip.  We were not sure how the kids would do, especially Kuba who was only 3.  We moved A TON.  Several different locations in Poland starting with Warsaw for just a night at my brother's house to get settled.  Then ALL of us (Grandma and Grandpa included) moved on to the lake district, Mazury where we did a lot of boating, and relaxing.  Then Sopot at the coast - where we met up with Iza and Andrzej for a bit...then all the way south to Zakopane for an unbelievable 4 nights with Ania and Rob and their kids.  The views were stunning - what a life!  Then for a couple of nights to Wroclaw to visit family.   A journey that I hope the kids won't forget for a very long time.  We even stopped by to see Polkowice and my old school. The paczki from the same pastry shop tasted as deliciously as they did 20 years ago.  I hope we get to come back sometime soon.  PICTURES

School is ending....done with 1st Grade for Ella and pre-school for Maya!

Wow!  That flew by fast.  On to a great summer...first some final ballet rehearsals...and on to the first sleep-away camp for Ella.  Such a big girl.  Mommy and Daddy are quite proud...and I think that some tears were shed but with Siena all seemed better.  Sneaking in Father's Day on top of Mt. Tam for pancake breakfast and Ella's first major piano recital.  PICTUREShttps://goo.gl/photos/Z1P15W7KzqqxHLZNA