Remember

Afton: Mom, remember when Oma called me Aardvark Blue Socks?

Arizona: First Leg

At the end of July, the kids and I took a trip to Arizona to visit family. Nippon was in the middle of a product release at work, so sadly he wasn't able to go with us. 

I made the kids play and get their wiggles out before the long drive.

We stopped in Yuma for lunch. 

Rowan "smiling."

Getting closer! We took a much needed break at The Thing? and decided to pay the $1 to check it out. Of course I have been several times, but Afton was very curious. 

What is it, you ask? It's one of those amazing little American roadside attractions, located off of I-10. The guy at the counter said there were 247 billboards lining the interstate between El Paso and Tucson! Once inside the large metal door, you follow large footprints toward the first of three (small) buildings. I'd have pictures if Afton hadn't run right on through it. Apparently he isn't fond of Hilter's Rolls-Royce or a display of torture devices. BUT he really liked this weathered tree root creature in the next building.

And I liked his pose.

And finally!!!! In the last building, The Thing?....

A mummified mother and child, with woven Chinese conical hat keeping her modest.

Is it real?

Afton says yes. 

Rowan wasn't too interested in mummies or dusty antiques. She liked looking at the kachinas hanging on the walls and rocking in this wheelchair looking rocking chair. 

After we exited the attraction, I let the kids pick out a souvenir. Rowan would not let go of a silly glowing soccer ball (ugh) but Afton decided on a scorpion entombed in clear resin. Sweet!

Almost there!!!

And we made it! Hooray for family!!! Now, go directly to Casa Manana.

And let's top this post off with a picture of my dad wearing his lovely Kanye sunglasses that I just so happen to find at The Thing. My dad rules.

Massive Head Wound Heather

Yeah, it's not really massive, but this little cut hurt! I apparently did a horrible job of putting my enormous shampoo bottle back on the ledge, in the shower, and it fell. On my head. And it sucked. I thought it was just going to be a bruise and maybe a little swelling, but nothing too obvious. Well, the weight of the bottle actually split my skin when it hit. I didn't realize I was bleeding until I looked in the mirror. There wasn't a lot of  blood but enough that I needed a bandaid. Sooooo....I was lucky enough to get to wear a bandage on my head to Afton's first day of school. Just setting a standard of awkwardness for the year. It's what I do.

The Girl in Pigtails

Her hair is finally long enough to put into pigtails!

It's silly how exciting this is to me.

C & E Wedding: The Reason

After taking the Golden Gate north, toward Stinson Beach and just south of Bolinas, we gathered with a group of lovely people to celebrate the union of our dear friend, and Nippon's childhood friend, Chris, to his partner Erica. They picked an incredible place to exchange vows. They rented a home that sits on several acres, with wildflower for weeds. Seriously. There were chickens, geese, and a bunny for the kids to pet and feed. Several trees had tire and rope swings for the kids to play on. The best part though, was the hidden playhouse that was linked by a small path, and a little bridge. The house itself (which I sadly didn't get any pictures of) was just a miniature version of a real house. The doors, the windows, the flooring, were all the best quality. It had a super cute kitchen with an old ice box refrigerator, play sink, and cabinets filled with vintage saucers, cups, pots, and utensils. The quaint dining area had art supplies galore, inviting everyone to release their inner artist. If you climbed up the latter to the loft, one could hide away reading Treasure Island or The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe on the fluffy pillows that were strewn about. In a hidden closet, one could find a variety of dress up clothes, musical instruments, and masks. The fun was endless. I wish I lived there. Ha! To top off the celebrations, back at the main house, they had a string trio playing lovely music, an insanely delicious and all-natural spread of food, and lots of dancing! We are so happy for Chris and Erica, and wish them the very best. Thank you for including us in your special day!

Dennis the Menace Park + Dunes

Before heading north to San Francisco, we spend time playing at Dennis the Menace Playground and visiting the Marina State Beach dunes. The had read about the park, and have to agree with most reviews, it was pretty great. It had amazingly gorgeous views, fun slides, unique climbing structures, a maze, climbing wall, a skate park, paddle boat rentals (around the lagoon that surrounded the park), fun bridge (where Afton pretended he was Indiana Jones), and a train (though, you'll see, the train was locked behind a fence, taunting us). Even though they didn't get to climb all over the train engine, the kids has so much fun!

At Marina State Beach we put our toes in the sand and got our seems wet in the ocean. It was so nice staying in Monterey. We felt relaxed and recharged, even if we were a little sleep deprived as we adjusted to sleeping in hotel rooms. 

Monterey

On our drive north to San Francisco, we stopped for a couple of days in Monterey. I think I could have just stayed. Monterey is absolutely breathtaking, and the aquarium there is is phenomenal. 

Cannery Row

Inside a wave!

Ah, the ocean.

Silvery school of swimming sardines.

Stinging Nettles. Aren't jellyfish the coolest?!

Rowan loved watching this lil guy swim around.

Afton adamant that we stay to watch the South African penguins being fed.

Lunch break!

The view from our table.

Ummmmm....I don't even know what to say.
The boy is just plain awesome.