Saturday on the Coast

We had a rare Saturday where Steven didn't have to work at all (sad, but true). So, we took advantage and went on a day trip.

I just had to take a picture- Doesn't this look like a stereotypical "beach bum" car?

We went to Swanton Berry Farms, where we picked our own delicious strawberries. 

I've eaten a lot of strawberries, and these were by far the best I have ever tasted. Way better than Oregon strawberries (j/k Kedra).

But, seriously... the farm was really cool. And right on the coast, so we had amazing ocean views the entire time.

Aubrey was all smiles as usual. And even "helped" pick the berries until she started shoving dirt and leaves into her mouth.

 

We also visited Pigeon Point Lighthouse, which has been around since 1872. And has the claim to fame of being the most photographed lighthouse in the US.

Ahh... I do love the fresh coastal air. 

Days like today make me love living in California.

Fresh & Sweet

My mom just left and I am so sad. I really wish that I lived by family, and that she could be my neighbor. Sometimes it is hard not having any family or support system here.

But... before she left, we had a few fun days. Lots of shopping, and one day to explore where we...

visited the Muir Woods Monument, which was full of amazing redwood trees.

 Pictures never do natural beauty justice but trust me, they were incredible. 

We had a great time, but wowee the drive there was crazy. The entire way was up a super steep, super winding road.

My mom and I are both roller-coaster enthusiasts, never get car-sick kind of people and we were both feeling completely nauseous by the time we arrived. Aubrey was looking quite green herself. But, the fresh air helped us nicely recover.

And we found out that Aubrey has the wing-span of a Heron. Who knew? 

And, since I inherited my sweet tooth from my mom, we spent the rest of the afternoon at Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco, enjoying the beautiful sun...

and eating the best chocolate fudge sundae that $8.75 can buy. Yum! 

Writing this makes me want chocolate again :) 

8 Months

Do I really have an 8-month-old?

It feels like each month goes faster and faster. And she just keeps getting more fun. At 8 months....

• lots of rolling and scooting around. She can definitely get where she wants to go. 
• On the verge of crawling. She just needs to figure out how her hands work, and then there will be no stopping her. 

• This has been a good month for sleeping. She is now sleeping through the night (11 hours) about half the time. Naps are also WAY better, with 2 pretty consistent naps that are 1-2 hours each. Loving it. 
• However, it has been a terrible month for eating. Her eating skills are improving with lots of work on that pincer grasp and she is doing great drinking from a cup. Actually getting her to eat/drink enough.... is often quite the struggle. She is still quite tiny, and so I worry about her weight gain. 
• She loves to stand and is getting some strong legs. In fact, she loves to stand so much, I often have a really hard time getting her to sit down. 

• When Kimmy was here, I asked her to tell me one word to describe Aubrey. Her choice? Giddy. I would say that fits her quite perfect. She is so happy and social and giggly. Lots of squealing and everybody is greeted with a smile. 

And 8 months has brought lots of visitors. My mom is now here to visit and we are loving it! Aubrey thinks her grandma is so much fun.

 She also thinks that this stud is pretty fun too. 

I'm a lucky girl. 

Kimmy

Steven's sister Kimmy is here for a visit before going off to BYU in a couple of weeks. We are so excited that she is here....

Seriously. We are having a great time and Aubrey is loving spending so much time with "Aunt Kimmy."

So far we have gone on a picnic, lots of walks, road the Google bikes, out for dinner, met Steven for lunch, and just lots of hanging out.

And we still have a few fun days left. We plan on filling those with swimming, shopping, and maybe a "Make it or Break It" marathon after Aubrey goes to bed since Steven is working late. I think that Aubrey is going to make sure she can't go home.... We love Kimmy!

Mini-Shopaholic

Steven and I often have debates about reading. After so many years of schooling where almost all of my reading came in the form of textbooks, I like to "enjoyment" read. Steven likes the classics and often makes fun of my enjoyment reading.

The "Confessions of a Shopaholic" books are one series that I find quite funny. The latest installment in this series is called "Mini-Shopaholic."

After coming shopping with me and Aubrey once, Steven remarked that he is worried we might have our own little mini-shopaholic one day. Seriously, this little girl LOVES to come to the store.

After getting super giddy at all the exciting things to look at, she intently studies each fellow shopper....

and either gets super excited that so many people want to talk to her or....

is completely perplexed why she isn't immediately told how cute she is.

Since I am a frugal accountant and Mint.com unfortunately tracks every single stinking cent that I spend, most of our shopping is either groceries or "window" shopping.

But, I do definitely love that I have my little mini-shopaholic to keep me company.

Back In CA

Yes, we are alive and back in California. Actually, we have been back for almost 2 weeks, but I have neglected catching up on the blog. Somebody is keeping me a little busy....

No crawling, not even really that close. Rolling ALL over is her way of getting into trouble. I say... crawling can definitely wait a little bit.

So, one funny part about our trip home that I want to remember is how my 7-month-old was selected for "extra" security screening. She had to have a security pat down, was swipe-tested for explosives, and I got in trouble for not removing her shoes.

So ridiculous. And really... pretty funny. It was good that Aubrey thought the whole experience was hilarious, or else I might have been more mad about it. But really?? A baby? What has our world come to!

In other news, Steven is ONE week away from taking his last CPA exam. Hallelujah. So far he has aced the ones he has taken, and so I am not worried about him passing. But it will be so nice to at least have our mornings back even though he usually works late. We enjoy the time we get.

And, I have spent the past couple of days helping watch my friend's little girl while she was in the hospital having her second baby. The verdict? It was fun, but I'm definitely not quite ready for two yet. This little girl is enough for me right now :)