Little Basin Camping Trip!

Boys visit Hidden Villa!

Boys special day with Teacher Jennifer *Austin rides a horse for the first time!

{Gavin 68 Months}

Dear Gavin,

Things have been so busy here. You love your new home. Every once in a while I will ask you if you miss the old house. You tell me that you miss it a little, but your new house is SO MUCH FUN!

You are crazy busy these days with school 5 days a week, gym on thursdays, soccer mondays, and weekends spent working around the house and going to Ma's to spend the night. I would say that your favorite part of the week has to be going to spend the night at Ma's house!

You love life, school, playing, biking, sand, and cooking. 

Things shall slow down this summer!

Momma

So much to celebrate!

Since we officially sold our home this week, we thought we needed a night of celebration. Papa and I have also been selling a lot of stuff that we don't use anymore, and we thought we should use the $ for a night out with the kids. We asked Gavin and of COURSE he picked Benihana! Go figure!

When the chef asked us if we were there to celebrate an occasion, Gavin shouted "OH YEAH! We sure are!" then gave a huge smile. He then went on to explain all the things we were celebrating. Like the fact that Austin can now ride a bike with training wheels or the fact that he starred in his first play at school. Oh the joy in his voice!

Both boys were completely mesmerized the entire time. Watching the chefs every move. Gavin even uses his fork and spoon on his own plate to mimic the chefs actions. 

Thankful for this next chapter to start!

Meeting Betty Peck

For a few years now, I have been going to have Tea with Betty Peck in her home. Its something I win at the Mountain School auction every year, and its so charming. She is such an inspiration to so many.  She is the founder of Mountain School, and was a kindergarten teacher for a very long time. Positive discipline, observation nursery school, let them play...she is the queen of these things. SO much to learn from her. She has so much experience, and is so knowledgable. She is one of the people I went to when trying to decide whether or not to send Gavin to K as a young 5 or young 6. After many talks, one thing that has always stuck with me is to "Give them the gift of time." In all things parenting, time is always on our side. So many things take time, and time can mean so much to a young child. So, she has been an inspiration to me. 

Last night I had the annual tea with the other Mtn School moms at her home. Today the boys and I decided to take her some fresh sweet bakery bread (her favorite) to say thank you. She invited us in, and talked with the boys for some time. They talked about the train tracks in her yard that her husband built. She told them the story of how he went up to SF to get them from a peach orchard. They were so intrigued by her words and stories. 

After we talked, she told them to go check out the creek in her yard. So we went down and played for some time in the water. Her property is magical. Lots of secret gardens, pathways, tree house, acting stage, and even a train. We explored for over an hour and they loved it. 

We are so thankful to have had this incredible experience. 

{Austin 38 Months}

Dear Austin,

Phew! Thats what you say all the time. That and "Oh, its TERRIBLE!" when you don't like something. Your vocabulary is that of a 6 year old. We laugh together SO much!

Things are busy. Busy busy busy. We get to do so much fun stuff during the week, just you and I. Museums, zoo, parks, and lots of biking. Mtn School Fridays. You love it all. Oh, and per your request, we frequent a LOT of Starbucks!

You are eating, sleeping, and playing great these days. No complaints.

Thanks for being such a cute ham Austin!

Momma

ps. I ask you every day if I can "have a bite of your cheeks" and you let me. LOVE.