Wednesday, March 28, 2018

Spring Break 2018 - California Dreamin' in Yosemite

This year the spring break travelling families (Us, O'Briens and Spriggs) headed west for spring break, in hopes of better weather. In the end the weather (mostly) cooperated and we were able to spend a wonderful week exploring Yosemite, San Francisco and Muir Woods.

We arrived San Francisco and headed straight for Yosemite. It was a long drive (nearly 4 hours) especially long after flying all day, but it was nice to wake up and be in the middle of an amazing place. We spent three days in and around Yosemite. We took an all day tour through the park on our second day, which was amazing. It was a long day for the kids, but we were able to see all of the must-see areas in Yosemite. After making it through Yosemite in one day, we ventured out on our own and hiked around Bass Lake and that views did not disappoint.

After three days taking in Yosemite, it's time to pack up and head back to the City - San Francisco!




 
(evy ready for the next stop)

(glacier point - beautiful!) 

(family photo op @ glacier point)

(charlie and daddy at glacier point)

(daddy and evy at glacier point)

(selfie time - couldn't miss this view!)

 (evy and charlie at glacier point)

(evy and morgan being silly)




(half dome)




(and still dabbing...)

(Yosemite Falls)

(charlie and daddy exploring at bridal veil falls)

(riding with the top down  - and freezing!) 

(tree huggers!) 

(yosemite falls - largest in north america)


(evy and morgan checking out the falls)

(evy, taylor and quinn)

(daddy and evy at the falls)

(family falls time)

(charlie named those peaks - charlie's fingers)

(so beautiful and serene)

(dabbing in Yosemite)

(rock hopping)

(it's just too beautiful)

(photos don't do it justice)

(bass lake hike - I need selfie stick practice!)

(one more time, but I missed most of Evy)

(evy and lilija finished the hike)

(the three amigos)

(our friends surprised charlie with a post birthday celebration - his hat is awsome and so is his dabbing)




Saturday, March 24, 2018

Charlie's Birthday Party

This year Charlie had a birthday party at Play and Spin. It's a local kid place that has laser tag and video games - every boys dream! 

We hosted 10 boys, plus Evy and Olivia (Charlie's friends sister), to celebrate Charlie's birthday. The boys started with Laser Tag before eating pizza and singing "happy birthday" to Charlie who sucked up all of the attention. After lunch the kids played abother round of laser tag and games before calling it a day. Charlie made a special request for a Sweet Mandy B's cake this year and because I think birthdays should be special he had a Sweet Mandy B's cake - it's still the best! 

Happy Birthday Charlie! 

(Charlie, Evy and Connor)

(really goofy face) 



(sing to me) 

(cue the music) 

(sister love) 

(birthday dab)


(evy and olivia)

(some of the boys)

(happy birthday charlie!) 

Tuesday, March 20, 2018

Happy Birthday Big Guy!

Happy Birthday Big Guy! (Charlie's recent nickname for Matt) 

Happy Birthday to the best...The best Mario and Barbie player. The best and hardest worker.  The best wanna-be PGA golfer. The best home designer. The best person to watch funny shows with. The best aventurer. The best friend ever. The best vacation partner. The best jokster. The best backyard baseball player. The best bike riding teacher. The best daddy and husband ever! Thank you for you! 

I think the last year of your thirites is going to be the best yet! 


Monday, March 19, 2018

Cuddles Needed

Nothing like a quick cuddle with all of your guys to make your tummy feel better! 


Tuesday, March 13, 2018

Yay for Eight! Eight is Great!

The Universe is not listening to me! Somehow, my baby boy turned 8 today! How and when did this happen? 

Charlie is growing into an amazing person. He is a brilliant second grader who loves Language Arts, Math and PE. Who knew Matt and I would have a child who excels in math? He loves Four Square, in fact it's the only thing he does at recess and afterschool if we stay to play. We are so proud of him anf the way he has adapted to Park Ridge. He has made some amazing friends and we cannot walk out of school without saying hi to 10 people he knows. He is calculated and observant, he loves making people happy and he hates disappointing anyone. He is loving and caring, especially to his sister. He would probably play minecraft all day, but the house is builds and creates are amazng, his imagination knows no bounds. Eight is going to be a memorable year!