Thursday, October 27, 2011

First days near our new home!

We are all moved in and loving the area. It was quite a project moving but we've been able to get out to enjoy the Fall. Loving the Farmers' Market, Pumpkin Patches, and other seasonal activities.
 Wonderful pumpkin patch near Louisville, CO

 Nate picked the largest pumpkin he could find to take home
 He found some "popcorn" in the corn maze
 farm animals
 hay maze
 painting pumpkins at Whole Foods
 Nice day on my birthday...80 degrees!
 popping "pumpkins" with treats inside with a local moms' group
Nate the mummy

First days in Colorado

Nate and I made it to Colorado (we stayed at Gene and Barb's) and enjoyed some quiet time and lots of snow for so early in the season. Gene, Barb, and Dave arrived a few days later with the moving trucks.
 Licking the snow off my car
 hmm, not enough to properly sled
 pretend "blueberry pie"
 6am pumpkin carving
 Nate didn't want anything to do with scooping out the seeds (too slimy) but he loved using the tools
 We carved out a happy face pattern
 Beach toys are great for snow too!
 Cooking for Gene, Barb, and Dave's arrival
The snow is melting...so sad!!!!

Nate and I travel to Colorado from Big Sur, CA


We spent a day in Pismo Beach after Big Sur. Nate and Barb are enjoying the beach.
 Entering Colorado
 A scenic drive through Utah
 We found snow at nearly every stop on day 2 in Utah
 Nate and I enjoyed the nice rest areas and scenic overlooks
 snow in the distance
What a month we've had! These pictures are from when Nate and I slowly ventured our way out to our new home, near Boulder, Colorado! Dave went back to San Diego with his parents (they came out to the central coast for a wine trip) to finish up with the move. We followed storms the entire way, first lots of rain driving through California and then snow driving through Utah. Nate greatly enjoys traveling. Just like me, he loves exploring, looking at maps, and figuring out directions. I was happy to share the experience with him, as I think he learned a lot during the 3 day trip.

Friday, October 7, 2011

Big Sur, CA

Dave and I had planned to have our 5 year anniversary this coming year in Big Sur, CA since that's where we had our honeymoon. Since a lot of things have changed since that decision (baby on the way and our move to Colorado), we decided to take the trip while we still could. It's amazing how much we've managed to fit into our schedule the last few weeks! I am only posting the highlights, but in between all of these trips, it's been crazy dealing with our flooded home and the move to Colorado. Nate has been a champ and has proven to be incredibly adaptable!
The above picture is taken south of Big Sur near Hearst Castle. Dozens of seals lay relaxing on the sand or playing in the surf.

Ripplewood Resort was a wonderful place to stay along a mellow (a.k.a.kid friendly) river and close to a few good resaurants. The second night, it rained which was actually wonderful and cozy in our little cabin (coming from San Diego, where we don't get much rain, this was a treat).

Time for a haircut. He only lets me do it for a couple of minutes at a time before he gets ticklish, so I have to be very quick.

A chilly day calls for some hot chocolate

Hiking at Julia Pfeiffer Burns state park. He loves his new hiking shoes.

The morning was sunny but the tree cover presented a dark and serene forest.





It's so amazing every time I see this view at Julia Pfeiffer State Park.

Back at the river, doing tricks.

Below, he tucked himself into his bed perfectly centered. He told me the next day that he wanted to be on the soft part.
playing at the river

Morning mist hugging the cliffs.



Even the rest stops are gorgeous. Big Sur is such a jewel. I can't wait to go back again!
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Grandma and Grandpa visit

Towards the end of September, my parents visited us one last time before the big move to Colorado. Since we were still out of our house due to the flood, we decided to stay near Mission Bay in San Diego while they were in town. This was the lovely view from our hotel room looking onto the bay.

After brunch at the Catamaran Resort, we stopped to watch the parrots.


One last time at Legoland with the grandparents and great grandma in tow! Nate and I are already missing this place and it's only been a week and a half since we went. It's an amazing place for little kids.

A casual stroll through Mini Land. Entire cities made from Legos.



The new Star Wars exhibits opened last Spring. This entire sign is made out of small Legos!

Nate loved making his own vehicle to race. He was given wheels, and the rest was up to us...

He put his car on the track and then the kids pressed the button to race.

Here's the end of the ramp.

It was a wonderful SoCal vacation for my parents, as well as us, while they were here.
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