Tree Farm

Today we cut down our Christmas Tree. We went to a "new" farm, that had the most amazing view. Instead of our usual arrive and within 5 minutes pick a tree, cut it down and be on the road home - we took our time - and looked around the property - and - we ended up with the 1st tree we'd seen.

The weather was beautiful, bright sunshine and not a cloud in the sky - not necessarily the best weather for photos though - oh well.

Ben took his camera - he took a photo of everything, the tree-saw, trees, rocks, more trees, oh, and my bum.

Jonathan loved touching the trees and chatted most of the time in his garbled way (although, yesterday he did start talking - he pushed Rika out of his way, wagged his finger at her and said "no, no, no, no, no")

Failed - again

Today I (once again) tried to get photos of the boys playing on the beach, wearing matching Christmas sweaters - I thought the photos would make the perfect Christmas card. Both boys love the beach, even Jonathan loves to play in the sand, run near the ocean - the weather was perfect, not a cloud in the sky, sunny, not to hot....and once again, I failed in my mission. The second Jonathan's feet touched the ground he started. Fussing, whining, clinging on to me - it was a nightmare.

Then Ben decided the sun was in his eyes "aaaagh, Mom, I can't see, the sun, aaaaagggh"

We managed to get them to stand (somewhat) still, holding hands, but of course even that wasn't a good photo - and within seconds Jonathan throws himself to the ground.


Then I thought I'd change tactics, have the 2 of them sat, playing in the sand. Nope, Jonathan wanted to climb up the sand, which he couldn't do, so Ben "helped" him, which in turn meant Jonathan face planted.

So, it looks like we're going to Plan B - fingers crossed, tomorrow we'll try to get photos of them in the woods behind our house.

Mommy's Little Helpers

Wow, the weather this weekend has been amazing. Both mornings we were on the beach and it wasn't warm, it was hot. Today the boys wore shorts and T-shirts.

Today, after the beach walk (and of course, a stop at the coffee shop), the boys "helped" me wash my very dirty car.



Of course, Rika helped too....

Gilroy Gardens

Today we went to Gilroy Gardens. We'd not been since Ben's birthday - everyone had a blast (yes, even Ben!!!). Ben ran from one ride to the next - we rode artichokes, garlic, old fashioned cars, "round" boats, ferris wheel, walked behind the waterfall, did the maze, the spinning ride and the carousel. We were amazed, Jonathan didn't fall asleep until about 15 mins before we arrived home

Budding Artists???

After lunch Ben decided to paint a picture (he'd seen the kids finger paints I'd bought the day before and "needed" to use them). He was very serious while creating his masterpiece...sky...grass...flowers...self portrait...attempted a bird, but wasn't happy with the outcome and so changed it to a butterfly.

Jonathan also joined in the fun. Although, looking at these photos, you'd never know an hour earlier he was a whining monster. After listening to him whine, fuss, cry for just over a day, we took him to the doctor - what loser parents we are - turns out he has a double ear infection. I have to say, motrin is the most wonderful invention, within half hour of motrin and his antibiotics he was a different little boy.

This was the first time he'd painted at home, and the first time he'd ever held a paintbrush (at school it's finger painting).



and...this is how the artist looked after 20 minutes of fun