Gilroy Gardens with friends

Last month when my friend Cara invited us to join her and her girls at Gilroy Gardens I said "yes" because I knew my kids would enjoy it and I wanted to see our friends.  I didn't think about how the tricky timing since it would be sandwiched between our out-of-town guests and our summer trip.  Oh and it's really hot in Gilroy.  

But I decided to make it work because we wanted to be with our friends.  Plus, it was Riley's fifth birthday on Thursday.  So yesterday we drove down to Gilroy.  Here's Serafina and Riley.  They are the same age (though Serafina is nine months older) and both will start kindergarten in a couple months.  

 Leo and his first friends, Addison.

 The big kids.

 Serafina and little Paige.

 Leo was nervous about the roller coaster and didn't like the loud horn that signaled the start of the ride.  But we rode together, he relaxed a little and had a blast.  Here's our roller coaster selfie.

It was really stinking hot.  We did okay before lunch and stayed in the shade a lot, but then we gave up and hit the water area which was chocked full of people.  It was chaos and after having a little bit of fun there, we packed it up and called it a day.  Here's Serafina on the water slide.  

More visiting with the Streppones

We've been having a great visit with the Streppones.  Monday, they headed up to San Francisco with Tom and Mike and Lynz.  The kids and I skipped the trip and went to the movies to see Inside Out.  The movies was really good and I think I laughed more than my kids.  

Yesterday was a fun day around our pool but today Tom went back to work and we checked out the Streppones's hotel pool.  After the swim, Aunt Marie spoiled them with some giant cookies. 

 Tom joined us for dinner.

Tomorrow is their last day in town before they head back to New York on the red eye.

Happy Father's Day, Happy Birthday Aunt Marie and the coast

 We had a big adventure today.  We headed south to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.  We love this spot and Tom wanted to share it with his family.  We had very good luck with an amazing clear, sunny day.  It's usually very foggy this time of year.

Here are my adorable kids looking nice.  

Here's Leo looking more like himself.  

 Setting off on the hike with Lynz and Mike.

 Our little family.

 The whole crew

 Marisa, Marie and Joe came all the way from Staten Island, New York.  The last time they were in California was for our wedding almost 10 years ago.

 Having some lunch in a scenic spot.

 I told them they should use this shot for their engagement photo.

 With Marisa and my kids.

 My kids wanted to get down by the water so I took them to this very cool rocky beach.  It was just the three of us for a bit and it was nice.

 These guys were there too just a little off the shore.

 Daddy came down to round us up.

 Marie and Joe rested for a bit on a nice bench while we did a little more hiking.

We stopped at a restaurant in Santa Cruz for dinner and got to sit outside on the patio, which was perfect.  Then at home we celebrated Marie's birthday and Father's Day with a cake I made.  Chocolate cake with whipped cream and strawberries.  It was very good.  

 Of course, it goes without saying that I was missing my dad a little extra today.  I love celebrating what a great father my husband is, but this guy was pretty darn good too and I'm sad I don't get a chance to tell him that anymore.

Family fun in the sun

Tom's family arrived Friday night and we are enjoying time with them.  Yesterday morning I snuck out early and headed to the park for the 108 Sun Salutation challenge.  I did it two years ago and I forgot just how exhausting it is and how sore it makes me.  But I'm glad I did it.  Since Tom was busy entertaining family, this is the only picture I have of myself.  

 When I got home, it was already pool time.  Here's Serafina, Leo and Mike's fiance, Lynz.

 I got some new floats for the pool just like my friend Kristi's.  Look at Serafina's sassy pose.  She's a little too much sometimes.

 Of course Daddy had to take over the float.

 Uncle Mike liked it too.

 When Tom wasn't swimming, he was cooking up ribs.  They turned out perfect and everyone was very impressed.

 Serafina and Mike relaxing post-meal.

 When Lynz came out of her room in this shirt Serafina was excited to show her she has a matching shirts.  They were twins.

 Ending a fun day with ice cream.  Left to right we have Tom's Uncle Joe, Serafina, Lynz, Cousin Marisa, Aunt Marie, (Leo blocked by Mike) and Mike.

The big 4-0

It's my 40th birthday!  I've had a lovely day but there has been some sadness too.  It's the first birthday I haven't shared with my dad.  I was born on his 41st birthday in 1975.  Our shared birthday felt very special and as an adult I would call him on the day to say "happy birthday" and he would respond "same to you."  He always sent flowers and I would struggle to come up with stuff to send him, but I made sure I did send something even if it was silly.  I also always got him a birthday card and added "Happy Father's Day" or vice versa.  When I was in Arkansas for his memorial, I found some of the cards I had sent that he saved.  They were full of inside jokes and love.  

Turning 40 has loomed over me most of the year but once it got closer, it didn't feel so daunting.  I've been trying to take good care of myself - exercising and eating healthy - to the point that I probably annoy my friends with my diet choices.  But today I wasn't worrying about eating healthy; I was all about enjoying my day and keeping sadness at bay.  

Last night, Google jumped the gun and was the first to wish me Happy Birthday.  It kinda creeped me out.  

This morning, the kids and I headed over to my friend Kristi's house for brunch.  

 The highlight were the homemade croissants.  I know they are labor-intensive to make and I was touched she went through the effort for me.  Plus, they were delicious!

After brunch, the kids hit the pool.  Serafina and Sonja spent the most time in the water.   

 Kristi's pool is smaller and colder than ours but full of fun floaties so significantly better.  We need to up the floaty game in our pool.

 After a post-mimosa nap, we went to swim lessons and then out to dinner.  Here I am with my kids.

 Leo took this picture of us.  I don't usually like to have my picture taken but I want to remember this simple, bittersweet birthday.

 One final indulgence.  We picked up a four pack of cupcakes from Trader Joe's after dinner.  I can be a bit of a baked good snob, but this was unbelievably good.  Rich, moist chocolate cake, fluffy peanut butter frosting filling and smooth chocolate ganache on top - perfection.

 Singing happy birthday to their momma.

All and all, a very good day filled with pretty flowers, sweet cards, kid hugs and yummy food.  My heart is heavy and I miss my dad, but I didn't let that overtake my day.  I'm sure Father's Day on Sunday will also be full of mixed feelings but hopefully I can find joy then too.

A day of indulgence

We've been enjoying summer break - staying up late, sleeping in, hanging in the pool, seeing friends.  Today was an indulgent day.  We headed to a new bakery/cafe while the cleaning lady was at our house.  The kids ordered "black bottom muffins" which were pretty much cupcakes without frosting.  They loved them, of course.  

 Then we hung out and did some math worksheets.

 After lunch, we picked up Serafina's carpool buddy and headed to Yogurtland.  During the last week of school, Briarwood's PTA held an ice cream party for students, but since it happened after the TK park day and Leo had early dismissal I wasn't interested in going.  Honestly, I was very burnt out by the last week of school.  I was carpooling Gianna home that day and I promised her I would take her to ice cream soon to make it up to her and Serafina.  And I made good on my promise.

 Leo was a happy benefactor of that deal.

 Then we headed to the park, but this park didn't have any shade so we didn't last.

 Instead we headed to Raynor and everyone played happily for a while.