monterrey weekend

we went away for veteran's day and spent a night in what now is one of our favorite vacation spots - monterey. we saw the monarchs clustering in trees for the winter, the aquarium, went to the beach where the kids went tidepooling, saw some wild seals and otters in the bay and, as usual, the kids were thrilled to stay in a hotel. We cozied up to the fire and played games on our rainy evening stay.

the witch and the cat

they came up with their own ideas this year and with a little help from my glue gun and some store-bought accessories, i had the easiest costumes to make!

pumpkin time

we went to petaluma to pick pumpkins and the day before halloween, brady came with emeline and a friend to carve with us. as usual, mahala was the only kid to stay with it!

napping buddies

a peter-frank in a pear tree

douglas gets the top of the pear tree from our 2nd story window and the kids in our own "american gothic"

the homesteaders

we're getting back to basics - dehydrating! a gift from my sweetie that the whole family is excited about!

muir woods/beach fieldtrip

noble's pre-K class went on their first fieldtrip yesterday to muir woods and muir beach. they got to roam under the redwoods, eat lunch near the beach and then we went to the beach to play and hike. most of the kids went on an impressive hike up to a spot that overlooks muir beach. it was a pretty impressive climb for 4 and 5 year olds. it was such a great trip although foggy and chilly as always along the pacific!