This is so cool!

I will have to write about today, tomorrow. I did have to post this because it's so cool...please take the time to watch it (just click on 'this'). I got it from a list I'm on and I just have to share. The excitement and fun is so real. Enjoy!

But a moment

I have only one, but I wanted to share what has happened so far.

Yesterday we went to the park and played like we usually do. We love being there so much and so we stay forever. Yesterday we were there from 11:15 until 6:00. The boys came and sat for maybe 2 seconds before heading off again. They are so happy to be with friends!

Today was an early one. Kai woke up due to a bad dream around 7:15. I always ask if he wants to talk about these...and for the first time, he said 'yes'. He didn't feel right talking about it in the bedroom, so we came out to the couch and snuggled and talked. This I feel is a major breakthrough. He's talking about things that are inside him...and that is incredibly good. Kai has always been a talker. So it may seem like he would talk about his inner feelings. Yet, somehow he holds onto those fears and feelings for a bit before letting us know or hear about them. I'm glad he's found a comfort zone that is larger and has more in it. Hopefully this will continue...

After snuggling for long time, Kai was ready to do something else. He's organized his Yu-gi-oh cards by type, power and rarity. He's played Dragon Ball Z on the Wii. Come back to the cards and put them away in nice neat stacks. Gone back to playing Dragon Ball Z. He's paused long enough to come and give me loves several times. To ask for food several times...and eat several times.

Kade came out about 10:00 today. He's rested and ready, but wanted some snuggle time, too...so I 'forced' myself (heehee) to snuggle on the couch with him. He has since messed around with the small weights we have, watched a touch of tv and found it wasn't what he wanted to watch, organized his Pokemon cards (all 13 of them) and displayed them for me, paused long enough to eat a touch and is now working on finding all his backugan characters in order (along with all the magnetic cards).

A few days ago, he did this:















The next day, I helped him do this:

















I have rested today and done laundry. I have watched Tom and Jerry with them and laughed. I have talked about how cool it would be if Chowder was a live show rather than a cartoon show. We talked about an add they saw that the character Mungdal was in...with the car and if you turn it on...does it do you the same favor. Of course the car is a snail car in this commercial. Thanks to tv, we have so many things we get to talk about that we wouldn't have been granted the opportunity to talk about otherwise.

Monday I worked on henna again. Here is the latest design I've been practicing.















We are having a chill day. But we are just waiting until we have to start jammin'. Today we need to go to the store and get more pizza fixin's. Then we will head out to the park for more fun with friends. After that we come back and the boys will hang out with friends while I and a few friends head out to see a new film call Food Matters. We are excited about seeing it! Click here to see the trailer! I'll tell you how we liked it tomorrow.

Birthday time for Marianne!

OK, even though we don't get to see her much, Marianne is so in our hearts. Here's a special birthday wish from us to this wonderful woman. May all her dreams come true!

Ode to Ann

I've written this post so many times in my head that this all seems too surreal...almost like a deja vu. Yet, I haven't, so it's way over due. Short this may be - and I'm not sure if I can express accurately all I feel.

There is a woman I met 10 years ago who is simply amazing. I enjoy her humor, her love for all things crafty, her interest and love for kids, her passion for life and exploring...just to name a few. Ann is someone I wish I had spent time with more (and under different circumstances...but am thankful she gave up her own personal space while we lived there). I know my kids wish they had more time with her too.

I'm thinking more of Ann today, for I believe it is the last 'official' day of work for her. I can't imagine the highs and lows this year has brought. I can't imagine the emotional part of retiring - the sense of impending freedom and the loss of youngsters to hang out with on a regular basis.

I do know I am excited for the adventures Ann is sure to have in the future...and I wish her all the best. (Along with a bunch of love!)

Bad mood Mama

Ok, so yesterday I awoke to screams and roars from the front room. Jeff had stepped out of the living area and the rucus began. I was trying to sleep in, since our sleep was scant the last couple of days. I awoke to the noise, which doesn't usually bother me, but it did this time. I tried to fight my mood, but to no avail. I then just tried to be away from all who might end up hearing my response to the world. This worked pretty well, since I was able to communicate with Jeff what I was going through. He was able to buffer me (what an awesome dude, huh?!) I tried to figure out why I was in such a dither with myself. I think it was solely due to me being shocked out of sleep at the wrong time. I saw parallells to other times. I don't nap well because I grow fangs (very, very long and nasty ones to boot) when I get up. This is how I felt Saturday...like I had been awakened from a nap. Thankfully I didn't have that same experience this morning! I'm sure the boys are thankful too. But now as I sit here typing I realize what a gift I am giving my children. Kade wakes up happy every day (but not always when awoken). Kai needs adjustment time to wake up fully, but is generally pleasant, even first thing. I'm glad they get to choose when they need their rest and get up when they are ready. I can't imagine what it would be like for them if they were required to get up (even when they didn't want to). I'm glad they get to make the choices now to get up early for certain things (and sometimes even ask us to set the alarm for them). I just think it's better to learn 'schedules' when they wish to do so. They are very motivated kids, so it will be a sinch when they choose to conform to the clock. Now it's just freedom to explore their world and their place in it.

freezer troubles...

I think it must be a disease with our appliances as Pink Prickly Pear had a similar problem? Our freezer stopped working today. Hopefully tomorrow it will be fixed. Hopefully Pink Prickly will have the same fortune...

Sweet family visit

OK, we love to crash Auntie Mary's house! The day before we are due to leave Kai asks if it is finally time to go. Not quite, I say. He decided it meant he had to call her, so he did. Now, Auntie Mary (as seen above. I'll get a better picture next time) is very cool for the kids...and me. She is always ready for us and is thoughtful in every way. She loves to play and talk and watch stuff that she saves for the kids (dvr is awesome!). Now Kai has figured out that he enjoys being at her house even more because he can request food! So in his call he asks for chili. We brought fries and hot dogs to go with the chili - for who can resist chili fries and chili hot dogs? Not Kai, apparently! (Yeah, he can't resist. However...for me, it's not even close to my fare.) Even so, Auntie Mary is always excited to see us and happy we are there. The kids respond to this in kind.

The first day we have a boy who lives upstairs from Auntie over. It is his first day of summer vacation and he enjoyed the time he got to spend with us. The boys played for a bit then off to the pool with all of us. It was steamy and we even had a few burned feet just coming out of the water and running to the towels. However, in the pool was grand. We had a blast, we especially love these...and play and play and play! Kai managed to go all the way to the bottom of the eight foot end to touch the bottom with his fingers. He got nervous because it was too close to the end of his breath but he did it! Kade managed to swim for a bit without his goggles/nose guard on and was ok with it. I was really surprised at this! May he find the confidence to swim without the nose being protected by the end of the summer. After that we headed back to the house to get ready for some food.

We ended up going out to eat then to the store to buy food for the next day. Auntie Mary's car is on the fritz, so we came just in time. Then I dashed over and got us some floating things. Who knew that rafts were so important? Well, to those who get to have rides, very important!

We of course stayed up way too late, so were sleepy in the morning...but get up we did. Cousin Sarah came over for the day! I was especially excited about her getting there since she is my crafting partner. We made a skull cap. Sarah learned how to crochet 3 new stitches and made most of the skull cap for her sweetie, Brian (who we really want to meet!) Anyway, I love to hang with Sarah cause she is fun. I can't wait till next time!!!

While we were being crafty, the boys were with Auntie down at the pool. We were going to try and leave by 3:30, but we ended up staying until 8:30! We might have to go back sometime...

Dr. and park day...

We aren't really big on doctors...who is? So, it was with some hesitancy that I called and made an appointment for Kade. Kade jumped off a large rock a while back and it's been clicking a bit while he walks. Combine this with his left leg(the same side as the ankle) cramping at night whenever he exerts himself during the day and you have some concerned parents. I made the appointment yesterday, after getting a referral from a friend of ours. Everyone seemed ok with it. As we were getting into bed, Kade started asking questions. Things I didn't expect like: Is it a man? Have I ever seen him before, like on the street or something? Is he old or really old? Then there were the questions I expected to hear like: Will he talk to me? Will he touch me? Do I have to get poked on? Will he listen to me when I talk to him? What happens if I don't feel comfortable? Kade and I ended up talking quite a bit last night until finally all the questions he wanted to ask were out and answered to his satisfaction and sleep was welcomed. This morning he woke up and was gung-ho about going. When we finally got there, he was very excited about it and wanted to just do it. Thankfully, his leg is fine. We may have to wear shoes with arch support, since it's his muscles in the front of his shin that is giving him the fits...like shin splints. The ankle was a bit off, but he fixed that while we were there. All's good, or so it seems. He did get his foot wrapped, which I can do if need be, to help keep the support there. Kade has never been good at wearing shoes, and at least we were heard, so more options were presented. I plan on massaging his leg every day till we get it all relaxed.

The Dr. wanted us to test out the taping job by going to the park and letting him run around like crazy. So, we did! I really get amazed at how wonderful they play with other kids. We (me included) enjoyed seeing some familiar faces there. They did run around and find sticks and play a lot. We ended up staying for about 3 hours...and now we are home and fed.

Tomorrow we get to see Auntie Mary...Yippee! I'll let you know how much fun we have later!

Pictochat

If you are like me, this title has little relevance and therefore I have no idea what this post is about. Fortunately, my kids have filled me in. On the Nintendo DS you can actually "talk" with each other (like instant message on the computer). The boys did this when they first got their DSs, but have not done much - until today! This is when you know your kids are learning. While in the same room (no more than 5 feet from each other) they are sending each other messages. One has to tap on the letters (which are arranged in the same format a key board is) to write the message.

Kai: Mama, how do you spell 'retard'?
a few seconds later.
Kade: Mama, how do you spell 'stupid'?
a few seconds later. Giggling begins...
Kade: Kai, I am not a retard.
a few seconds later.
Kai: Kade, you typed, "You are a stupid head."
Many giggles are heard and then a chuckle from Kade. Kai starts to laugh.
Kai: I am not a poopy head!

Every once in a while one of the boys would ask how to spell something, and I'd spell a word for them. Rarely did I have to spell it a second time. Whether this is due to them figuring out they can use what has already been typed as a guide, or they remembered, I am not sure. This went on for about 15 minutes. They were giggling and laughing at all the things they were sending each other. **Please understand this was just done in fun and no feelings were hurt** Leave it to my kids to 'learn' this way!

As an aside. Sometimes I wish we were here more. Then my time wouldn't be just keeping up with the house stuff while we are home. This week we will only be here for the majority of the day today. The rest of the time we will be out and about having a great time with our friends and family or at karate. Kade has a Dr. appointment tomorrow, and I am hopeful it goes smoothly (keep him in mind, please). I can't believe how busy we are...and the home body in me is wishing to be home a touch more. The boys, however, are loving it and wanting to go out more than we are right now. Balance is the key...although it does help to have clean clothes to wear when you go out and to have dishes to eat off of when you come home starving.

I will have plenty of time to cocoon myself during the cooler months of winter.

Last Thursday...this happened

The computer is here ready for anyone to come and visit. Kai jumps on here once a day, at least. Kade is a bit more on the action things, so the computer is not something he naturally comes to often. Thursday, I'm in the other room folding clothes and Kade calls in, "Mama, can you help me solve level 11? I'm stuck." I have no idea what game he is playing, so come in to see. He's playing Silversphere. Click on that and try to get to level 11 and see what he was up to! In case you were wondering, he ended up getting to level 15 before deciding to play this. Then this.

No wonder I have a hard time keeping up with them!

Precious hands

Here is Kade, my creative boy. He chose to buy this magnetic set of geo shapes with his own money. Smart boy! I remember these growing up and I loved them. It appears he does too, for he sets about making the elaborate designs. I was truly blown away when he sat down and a few minutes later showed me a design that used 84 pieces to make! It was symmetrical and everything. Wow!



I love this picture too because of how precious little fingers are...even though they are much bigger than the pictures I took of those same 'dedos' in previous years.

For Suzanne, my friend

Here's the proof! Yes, I have high heels. Those of you who know me probably have never seen me in them! Rightfully so. That was a lifetime ago...and I really have no intention of ever really wearing these, either. The point of these sexy heels is that I can wear them. My foot is finally in a place where I have no pain. Yippee I say. I have these heels out where I see them every day and get to rejoice at my healing. I put them on every day to celebrate my body's ability to know what it needed and let me know how to get it what it needed. I love them because it means I was listening. Hurray!

Bath time fun

For those who have been looking, I am now having to make up for the fact I didn't blog for a couple days. I don't want to glob them all together, cause I like having them be their own entity...as I experienced them. However, you may find there is more than one post a day when I've been away playing with my family...

We went to the park today. I love the weather here, it is warm with a touch of breeze here and there. Today we were a bit more inland so the temp was perfect for this lizard, but the boys have better temperature gauges than their Mama, so were pretty hot. They played for about 5 hours out in the park with friends they enjoy. When we got home, just moments before Jeff, the boys were still in the play mode. As they do so often, they tried to initiate the imagination/rough housing play their Daddy is so good at doing with them. About 2 minute later, Jeff announces they are far too stinky to even get close to! So, into the back bathroom Kade goes (does it make sense to you that the smallest body in our house loves the biggest bathtub we have? Maybe it's because it's more like a mini swimming pool in there?). Out comes Kai and he asks for me to help him get the bathtub perfect for him. At 9 he doesn't need my help. He knows this and has done his own prep, but just wasn't ready to be alone. I readily got up and set the water at the 'perfect' tepidness and he quickly got in and started to play in the water. I started to go and he said, 'Hey, Mama, could you just hang out with me? You could go get your knitting and just sit in here and that would be fine with me." Sure! I'm all for that (any knitting time is welcomed!). So, I got the precious project and sat on the floor next to the tub. He started out being my pet dolphin...with the questions about how long they can stay under water (as he shows me he can be under for awhile). Then he's onto counting how long he can stay under. Turns out he started with 10 seconds. Then he worked on it and made it 15 seconds by the time he was done with messing around that way. Then with his long hair floating in the water he came up and said he was an "aquatic alien" that has "zombie properties" that let him "steal brains from unsuspecting people near by". I, of course, pretended (although it isn't that much of a stretch!) to be brainless...which he thought was hilarious. He then moved onto just being in the water and not really needing or wanting my attention. How cool it is that he wants to spend time with me and doesn't have any problem telling me what he wants. How cool that he can just come up with these amazing 'games' and be interested in so many things. How cool that he can then just share space, but remain silent and still get something positive out of it. I love these times. I cherish these times. He did ask for me to help him with his long hair in the end. It's the making sure the soap is all out that is the 'no fun' part. He loves his hair. It is beautiful. He is beautiful and it radiates out so all can see.

Henna fun

At LIFE is Good, many were interested in henna. I love the idea of henna, but have honestly only put it on 2 or 3 times in my life. Brenna did the first design at one of the L&L conferences, and I was hooked. I came home and ordered the stuff right away. It sat on the shelf for about a year...until the beginning of this year I took it out and decided to give it a try. I did manage to put on a couple of designs, but it looked like some green goo had been smeared on. To get back to the whole idea I had started to write about...when the interest was raised I said I'd be glad to bring my stuff to make it, but that I wasn't that good. Well...we got there and I did end up putting henna on. The first design the henna was way too runny, so it just slid down and poor Renee got a funkified looking henna design. She was a really good sport about it, but I felt awful. Then I went up and added more powder and came back. It was easier to apply, but you can't make the artist more than she already is. More poor souls asked for designs. I remember getting home and thinking to myself: if I love this stuff why don't I practice and apply it? Well, I got the book out again and started practicing on paper the designs I wanted to try and thought were cool. I don't have many, but am working on getting more in my repertoire to be good enough to do more on friends and those who wish it at this next get together. Also one of my friends is pregnant and I really would love to do a cool design on her beautiful baby belly (I saw pics of the ultrasound today and he is a beauty...truly amazing). Anyway, for my birthday the boys got me the earth henna kit and I applied this on Friday. It's really fun and exciting! For those who are looking forward to getting the henna...I'll be ready.

SoCal conference anyone?

So...a few of us who love unschooling conferences have gotten this idea that we would love to have one here! What a great destination, I say! It was great getting together and trying to figure out how we want to frame it and all. We shall see if it all pans out in the end. I'll let you know when I do!

I've journeyed 39 times around the sun.

It's true now. Although I don't feel as young as the smaller foot, I do feel as young as when I held my first child's foot almost a decade ago. Time flows seamlessly - never pausing. It's a joy of mine for me to pause in life to see where I am in relation to those around me. And as I do so now I see so many I care for in so many ways. I see others who I would have loved living closer to so I could have known them better and longer. All in all I feel blessed.

Kai got up early with Jeff as Kade and I slept on. After Jeff left for work, Kai waited an eternity (30 minutes) before he couldn't stand knowing my card and gift were waiting to be opened. So, here he came in to awaken Kade (who rolled over and grunted) to help him sing. Finding brother wasn't as involved as he wished he would be, he climbed over and touched me ever so gently and began to sing to me. His eyes so bright and the love so real, it makes my heart swell just thinking of it. Of course, having stayed up until the wee hours the night before, I was looking at this scene through cloudy, tired eyes that wanted to do exactly what Kade had done! "Mama, you have to open your card and present", Kai says to me. "Can I wait just 15 minutes to wake up a touch?", I ask. With a Kai smile he says he'll be back then. Sure enough, 15 minutes later, he comes in with the card and gift in hand. By this time, Kade has decided it might be ok to snuggle and be a part of what is happening and we get to have a few minutes of together time before the card miraculously appears yet again. As I open it, their eyes are bright with excitement. They don't notice I'm watching them while I open the envelope. Their eyes are fixed on my hands opening the card. Excitement, joy and anticipation of what they know I will find. These are more gifts for a Mama. A perfect beginning of a wonderful day.

After gift we get to just hang out. This alone is a gift because I'm a home body! We went to the pool and swam for an hour before heading off to Karate. Dinner follows and you can read a touch about that here in the 'what I think it means for unschooling' section. We came home and the boys decorated an ice cream sandwich with our birthday candle* and I get sung to once again. I realize as I'm wishing and getting help with the blowing out of the flame, that my wish is already here and has come true. My life is filled with the things I value and need. Laughter and fun thrive here. Music is everywhere and we all enjoy in it. And I get to snuggle with my boys (all 3 of them) every evening and give as much love as I have. What an adventure...exciting things are just around the minute...

39 journeys. I look forward to many more.


*The birthday candle is a candle that was placed on the food tray the midwives fixed for us just after Kade was born. We all look forward to lighting it every birthday.

The Graduation : our weekend part 3

This has been a tough post for me to write. I think in writing it, it means that this all actually happened. I'm trying to be ready for 'our little girl' to be a graduate. I know she is awesome and all. I know she has been growing up. I know she is ready. But am I? Time has not asked. I am so incredibly proud of Annie and all she is. I have been blessed to be allowed into her life. I am thankful of that every day...and am reminded of how lucky I am every time I talk on the phone with her or see her in person. This weekend was no different. The Santa Cruz Waldorf School has really outdone themselves. Annie has really learned much. We also have come to care for her close friends, Soren and Jessie, who graduated this last weekend as well.


The ceremony began with this quartet. They were wonderful to listen to. Not every ceremony can begin with such class!



This is Jessie giving her salutatorian address. She is simply amazing.



The boys were great throughout the ceremony. They seemed to enjoy the time. Jeff volunteered to be mobile with them, if they wished, so that I could take these awesome pictures.


Part of the ceremony was the class gift. Annie and Soren presented it together. Then they presented some of the teachers with individual gifts, too.


This is Jessie as they announced her.


Jessie after getting her diploma.


Here's Annie!


Hugs from Ms. Theiss as she received her diploma.


Annie on her way back to her seat.


Here is Soren.


And it's Soren's turn for her diploma.


This part of the ceremony was interesting... All the graduates were really ready by this time and then had to wait till the count of 3 before moving their tassles over to the other side of the hat. The anticipation was palatable.


And the caps are off!


There goes Annie. Now the formal stuff is over and we get to celebrate with them.


Here is Annie with a bunch of her friends. She's on the far right.


Here is Annie with her mom, Jan. I know I wasn't the only one who cried!


We can't say enough about how gracious Annie's extended family is. Here is Annie with Uncle Martin and Uncle Tom (in the far left corner behind Martin).


This is one of Tom, Carol (front right) and Jan (Annie's Mom). I wish it was a clear take on all of them. If Martin had only been in it, it would have been all of the siblings in one picture. I have always enjoyed my time with these great people. They have always been authentic and very welcoming. I look forward to having more times to be together! Thank you all.


Here are Annie and Jeff. I didn't want to put the rest of the pictures of their interaction here...to keep from possible embarrassment on Annie's part...but will tell about it a bit! Annie had run up behind Jeff to try and scare him. He had been playing with Kade and so wasn't really paying much attention. She managed to touch him - at which point he whirled around, leaned down a bit and picked her up and spun her around. She got a bit more than she bargained for! It ended up with both of them laughing and giggling with each other. I have loved watching their relationship. They have been incredibly good for each other.


Here we are. This is a great memory for me.

We were thrilled to find that a childhood friend of Annie's flew in from TX to see this all happen. Annie took off and got to be with all her friends. It's very cool she was able to reconnect with so many. The graduation came at a perfect time. Her friends who are already in college were able to be there too. I am hoping she is still on the emotional high!

What a beautiful day it was. It's a time I wont be forgetting myself... Our girl all grown up.

The Road Trip - our weekend part 2

I have to say that driving 8 hours in a car can be a challenge. It can, however, be a blessing too. I realized Jeff and I got the chance to talk with each other - really talk! It wasn't the five sentence transactional talk that can sometimes dominate our relationship due to the wee ones needing something. I also believe they sense when we are happy and loving each other through our conversation and just feel the need to be a part of that. What I discovered is we, the adults (a term loosely used), were able to talk more about ideas and things than we have in quite some time. I love to talk to Jeff this way...as you who have done so will know, it's fun to see what comes out of his mouth! It's also good to see what he invites you to find out about yourself. He's wonderful to dream with. This is one of the things that has been so important to me. He's shared his dreams with me and I've shared mine with him. Even more so, I love the ones we've taken and lived out together. We were able to expand on this for 8 hours!

Other things happened, too. After the graduation ceremony we went to the movies. We decided the boys had been great enough to do what others expected of them and they asked for something they really wanted. We saw Kung Fu Panda and loved it. The theatre was cozy and yet we weren't crammed in there. It's fun to see a movie with the boys because they can respond so differently than other kids. Kai is definitely louder than most...and so sometimes this means the other adults giggle at his excitement or observations...and sometimes other kids will get what he's just helped them understand. In this case his laughter helped others laugh. Kade's voice is pretty deep and it really surprises even us when we hear it sometimes. I love that he comments more at the crashes and mistakes that are dramatized than he does the jokes. So you hear an, 'oh, man!' said in a deep giggle after Po takes a header down the stairs! The film itself was enjoyable for all of us. We appreciate Pixar in this way. Kai says we need to buy it as soon as it comes out on DVD.

The next day we had to head out and see our part of the world again. The trip back was not as smooth as going...but we can't expect too much out of the boys. WE even had a tougher time of it all. 2/3 of the way home, Kade asks if we can't play a game or something to help pass the time. Jeff talks about one game we played here. It's hard when you are trying to keep up with these boys! I also enjoyed our version of the alphabet game. You remember finding the a,b,cs on signs and things. Well, we had a great time with that game too. Kade just kept on skipping to whatever letter he wanted or was excited about! We moved onto: I'm thinking of a movie game. This one was even more challenging since you have to know what movies they have seen and like. More hints were given and we were able to really get into the game. Those boys keep my mind spinning.

We made it home and are comfortably getting readjusted to being here...

Park day again!

We are off, but will be back to fill you in on our adventures later!

Redwood Croft - our weekend part 1

We headed up north for Annie's graduation last Friday. When looking for a place to stay I thought of Anne and Paul's daughter, Sitah. I remembered Anne talking about her Bed and Breakfast and how proud she was of it. So, I asked for the number...and we were definitely pleased!


Redwood Croft is amazing. You can find out more here and here, too. I can't say enough about it. The kids found the trampoline and we ended up staying there for quite a bit. At first they were bouncing together.


Then Kade figured out that he could be bounced if he just sat. This was also good since he is so much lighter than those he lives with...


which means the bouncing of others makes his bounce non-existant! Timing was everything for him to stay on his feet. Now he figured out how to have fun and not get as tired as those on there with him!











There was so much to see here the kids didn't want to leave. We had only a touch of time on Friday to explore. So as soon as we were up and awake, the boys headed out. The hammocks were the next stop. I don't know if I can explain the view from them. You look up and the trees just keep going and going. The tops of the trees are swaying gently in the breeze and it feels as if you are being rocked by the arms of mother earth.

















We had breakfast on the back porch out in the fresh air. There was another couple there from Costa Mesa (small world) and we enjoyed the time we got to share with them as well. We had time to spend, so after a trip to town to pick up some clothing I had forgotten to pack for my sweet man, the boys asked to go back to the B&B and hang out there. Kai said, "You mean the host and hostess live here all the time? This is paradise. I want to live here, too."












Out of the mouths of babes, as they say. I love his truth and yes, I wish we could be there more. It is paradise. But it's that way not only for the pure beauty of the property, but because of all the attention this place has received.

Sitah and Dale have made it wonderful and inviting. There are things to explore and nooks to relax in. It also encourages you to do 'young' things again like swing on this incredible swing (see it on the right?) and search for the surprises strewn around the property. I love the bird bath, the tree man, the spiral rock, the inviting stepped garden. I could see there was still life there and the enjoyment of the hosts in their place was quite evident.

We stayed in the Cottage (the little building pictured above) and it has this really cool sleeping loft. The boys truly enjoyed playing up there. I was surprised, too, that Kai spent alot of time playing 'chef' in the little kitchen. He'd pull out pans and spoons, prop up the cutting board and 'make' things (soups were the favorite) and serve them in the dishes that were there. He'd make something, bring it to me to 'eat', then take it back and 'wash' it just to serve me something new he made. We must have played this way for around 30 minutes before Jeff and Kade came back from another trampoline round. This stay was a magical time for us. It will remain in our hearts for a long time. Thank you, Sitah and Dale!