grateful: day on the bay

We went whale watching in a little skiff today. Some days stepping out of the usual routine is just what we need. Today was one of those days. The sun was out, the ocean was calm, the sardines were running. The boys and I rented a skiff on Capitola Wharf so we could explore the bay. There are many humpback whales out there right now, and dolphins and birds and sea lions and seals! We were all a little nervous. (I didn't tell the boys I was nervous, that would not have been a good idea.) One of Coleman's classmates told him they almost got rammed by a whale while they were in a skiff. Naturally Coleman imagined that might also happen to us. In all honesty there was one point in the day that it seemed like it might happen. We lived to tell the tale, though!

We were out there only an hour because we had a lot to do to get ready for Halloween. What an action packed hour it was! I am so looking forward to doing this again, hopefully soon. If you get a chance to go out on the bay don't pass it up! It was only $30/hr to rent the skiff - we were out for an hour. Next time I hope we have a chance to stay longer and go further.

look to the left of Max, there's a dolphin.

{this moment}

A Friday ritual. A single photo, a single moment to savor and share. 

inspired by soulemama.com

2014 Auction Project Ideas

Yes, it's that time of year again. Time to start the auction project plan. The kids are studying Native Americans again this year. I'm thinking Dream Catcher. Big, bold, beautiful and collaborative. I think we can get a lot of good karma into this one. The dream catchers above I found on Pintrest, the two colorful ones are from etsy and the center piece is from Torchlight Jewelry. Our chickens are moulting, so we've got plenty of feathers!

And, let's just say the auction wouldn't be complete without a clay piece. Precious hands coming together to make a difference in the world. Be the change. You can find out more info about this bowl at Studio Art Dallas. I plan on making a similar one with Max's class using their qualities and colors. I'm hoping to get a little poetry into this one.

Water Polo!

Max would just kill me if he knew I am posting this. But, my friends, I can't help it. He's a looker even in that funny cap! Max started water polo tonight. An hour plus of pretty physical activity, a lot of treading water, push ups, laps. He's going back for more!

read: together

The summer is waning and we've run out of places to go, people to see and motivation to do much more than laze about the house. We spent a few hours yesterday and today reading this book, Leepike Ridge by N. D. Wilson. We like his stuff. This was a quick read-aloud (relatively speaking) and we easily connected with the main characters.

The story is an adventure-action combo. Young Tom lives with his mother in a house built atop a giant rock, it's also chained to this rock. The pair are both still mourning to death of Tom's father Ted. One morning Tom, after arguing with his mother floats down the river by their house and gets violently sucked under the the rocks by the rapid river. The story of his father's death is slowly revealed through his adventures beneath the earth in secret chambers built by pre-Colombian settlers. He finds a body, a live man, a dog and eventually his way back home. Lots of twists and strong characters. I recommend this book to 8 years and up. I know I really enjoyed it!

my magic plate

I have a magic plate. It's hand made and I bought it at a thrift store for a mere $2.25. You may be asking what makes this plate so magic? The magic part? The boys and their friends eat whatever I put on it, with very few exceptions. I fill it with fruits and vegetables. Then I put it out while I'm cooking dinner or just after school when everyone is hungry but they may not realize it yet. I sometimes have to fill it twice.

I bet you already have a plate in your cabinet that has the potential for magic. The most important thing is to fill it with good stuff and present it to your kids/friends/guests without fuss. Tell me how you get your little people to eat good stuff!

Hello Again & Fairwell Summer

Well, here we are at the end of our summer break – already. How did that happen? The last time I wrote here summer was in full swing. It's been a wonderful summer, one lazy, enjoyable, lovely summer. We celebrated two family birthdays, swam, dove, hiked, climbed, played/watched football, did horseback riding, biked, entertained family, had a few bonfires, and generally had a mellow summer. School starts Wednesday, August 28th...Getting ready.

Forest of Nisene Marks in Aptos

Max, Aaron and Coleman

Rope swing in The Forest of Nisene Marks - some very productive teenagers built a cool village there.

Oh so pretty Kitty.

Coleman, Sean, Aaron, Max and Nana heading up the hill to set up for Max's 9th birthday party.

Chris and Max swimming.

Max found a good size garter snake in the yard.

Max and Kitty cuddled up on the sofa.

First practice of the season, Nana looks on.

First scrimmages of the season.

Nana, Kitty and I went for a walk. Up hill.

Then we came down hill.

{this moment}

A Friday ritual. A single photo, a single moment to savor and share. 

inspired by soulemama.com

{this moment}

A Friday ritual. A single photo, a single moment to savor and share. 

inspired by soulemama.com

 

 

grateful: mum's in town!