Roadtrip Part 2 of 4

Our next stop was Big Basin Redwoods, near Santa Cruz. These trees were amazing, they can grow to be over 350 ft tall and live more than 2000 years.

Sitting inside of the tree called Mother of the Forest.

Standing inside "Chimney Tree"

Furry hoodies and hats a must! It was a bit chilly in the forest, once we were out in a clearing and in the sun we were fine.

Roadtrip Part One

We decided it was about time we took a road trip to the famous California Coast. We drove on US1 and made several stops until we reached Monterey - our final destination for that day. The kids did well and enjoyed it! Ten minutes into the trip Alexa asked the dreaded question: "Are we there yet?".

Just south of Big Sur

Boys throwing rocks - trying to hit the water.

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

Pheiffer Beach was just north of of the waterfalls.

JT trying to pull a buried kelp plant.

The beaches were about 10 minutes on a windy road down the mountain. They seemed pretty secluded - at this time of year. It was stinkin' cold!

 Starfish

 "I don't want to wear this fuzzy hoddie!"

"A's" New Look

"A" got bangs and loves them. The first thing she said was that she now looks like her cousin "K" Chmieleski.  She's asked me not to tell Mark, she wants him to be surprised when he comes home from his trip.

Halloween

Halloween was extra fun this year. The kids are older and got really into it. I think they actually might finish their candy. "A" is still a bit scared of certain costumes and houses. We had Hulk, a Clone Trooper and a beautiful Barbie Mermaid. The carving was easier, the boys are old enough to carve their own pumpkin!

J's Birthday

We had fun celebrating J! He is such a happy kid and I love his big smile.

He had lots of fun bowling, although he came in last place.  Our neighbor friends came over for some cake and to wish him a happy birthday.

Mark actually had his own cake this year, no leftover from J.

His cake was on FIRE!

Seven years ago Jonathan was born. We are so happy and blessed to have him as part of our family. He has the biggest heart, thinks of others before himself, loves God and always has a smile on his face. He will be showered with lots of love and gifts and some bowling!  More pictures to come.

La Jolla

A couple of weekends ago we made it down to La Jolla. Watched seals swim and did some tide pooling. There were a lot of people canoeing and snorkeling.  It was so nice to get out and do something different!