Exploring California: Snapshot #1044: Filoli Gardens

March 20, 2014.  Woodside, California.  The Filoli Estate was breathtaking all in bloom.  But next time remind me to leave my two-year-old at home.  I don't think I could have said, "Gentle," "Don't Touch, Just Smell," "We're not allowed on the grass," or "Don't step off the sidewalk" one more time.

Snapshot #1043: Massaging Kale

March 19, 2014.  San Jose, California.  My Relief Society Committee hosted an exceptional dinner last night serving nearly 70 women.  We made the most delicious kale salad.  It was so good that Hazel and I are making it again for dinner tonight.  Hazel is learning how to massage the kale with a touch of olive oil; this softens the kale and brings out it's natural flavor.  Add lemon juice, honey, chopped apples, sesame seeds, salt & pepper, and voila!

Snapshot #1042: Our Gym Tot

March 18, 2014.  Sunnyvale, California.  I thought going to gymnastics just once a week wouldn't be enough to make a real impact.  Boy, was I wrong.  Our little gym tot does two-foot hops all over the house now and everywhere she goes.

Snapshot #1041: Adoption Home Study

March 17, 2014.  San Jose, California.  We spent three hours at the doctor's office today getting physical exams for our adoption home study.  We're hoping and praying for Baby #2.  For more information click here.

Snapshot #1040: Shirttail Giggles

March 12, 2014.  San Jose, California.  She thought it was the FUNNIEST thing to walk around behind Daddy holding the shirttails of his tan Boy Scout Uniform.  Her laughter is music to my soul.

Snapshot #1039: Where's Waldo...I Mean, Hazel

March 11, 2014.  San Jose, California.  I swear there's a little girl asleep in there somewhere.

Snapshot #1038: Park with Daddy

March 8, 2014.  San Jose, California.  Hazel begged to go to the park with her Daddy...what a treat.

Snapshot #1037: Grandparents

March 7, 2014.  San Jose, California.  I stepped outside and Hazel was gibber-gabbering away talking to her grandparents on her play phone.

Snapshot #1036: Art & Science for Two-Year Olds

March 6, 2014.  San Jose, California.  Another trip back to the Children's Discovery Museum.  Face painting may have been the highlight this time; she giggled and giggled while painting her own.  The salad-spinner art was pretty cool also.  Too bad I forgot to go back and pick up her artwork once it was dry :( 

Snapshot #1035: Gym Tots

March 4, 2014.  Sunnyvale, California.  Our little Hazel started a gymnastics class today and LOVED it!  She picks things up so fast.

Snapshot #1034: Happy Birthday Mom!

March 2, 2014.  San Jose, California.  I am so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so happy you came to visit us.  Come again soon!  

Snapshot #1033: Bay Cruise

March 1, 2014.  San Francisco, California.  We took a car, then a train, then a bus, then a ferry, then a trolley, and finally a train again--and wore the little girl out. 

ps That's not a green screen behind my parents...

Snapshot #1032: Visitors from Idaho

February 28, 2014.  Monterey Peninsula, California.  We have been busy as bees getting ready for my family to come visit.  This morning Hazel and I picked up my parents and my brother from the airport and then drove straight to Monterey for the day.  Our stops along the way included Pezzini Artichoke Farm & Store, Monterey Bay Aquarium, 17-Mile Drive and Carmel-by-the-Sea.  (That's a picture of Hazel doing the "Hot Dog Dance."  If you don't know what that is, click here.)   

Snapshot #1031: Pattern Blocks

February 19, 2014.  San Jose, California.  Melissa & Doug's Pattern Blocks are a HUGE hit with my 2-1/2-year-old.  She was more than reluctant to put them away before nap time.  As she played with the blocks she sang, "Hazel's making a star, Hazel's making a star" and "Hazel's making a snail" over and over again.

Snapshot #1030: Victorian Nightstands

February 18, 2014.  San Jose, California.  Ahhh...finally a place to lay our books.  I found this nearly identical pair of walnut oval marble-top tables from two separate antique dealers outside Sebastapol, California.  Both tables were made around 1890, but one came from an estate in Santa Rosa while the other came from the east coast.

Snapshot #1029: The Golden Gate

February 17, 2014.  Highway One, California.  Today it was back to the bay.  We took the scenic route south along Highway One.  I'm already contemplating my next trip back up.

Snapshot #1028: Bohemian Highway

February 15, 2014.  Sebastopol, California.  The Bohemian Highway--I kinda really love it.  My favorite stops along the way were Wild Flour Bread, Earth Child Creations for Magical Play, and Llano House Antiques. 

Snapshot #1027: Russian River

February 14, 2014.  Monte Rio, California.  Morning fog over the Russian River.  I feel like I'm in a puzzle!  We are going antiquing today.  (squeal for delight)

Snapshot #1026: Riverwood Cottage

February 13, 2014.  Monte Rio, California.  Our home for the next five days. 

Snapshot #1025: Google Shopping Express

February 12, 2014.  San Jose, California.  Love, love, love, love, LOVE google shopping express with free delivery.

Snapshot #1024: Baylands Park

February 11, 2014.  Sunnyvale, California.  Hazel thought it was SO much fun to take turns completing physical obstacles at the park.  Her little giggle is music to my soul.

Snapshot #1023: Lemon Tea

February 10, 2014.  San Jose, California.  A sore throat and a rainy morning.

Snapshot #1022: The Rose Garden

February 8, 2014.  San Jose, California.  I have now read all the Kearsely novels available at my local library.  I'm going to have to look for the authors to whom she's compared.  Do you have a favorite historical fiction novel?