Birthday Party!

36 hours after our epic journey home from California, we celebrated Elliott's third birthday and Lucy's first birthday with a joint party (their birthdays are two years and one day apart). Knowing we wouldn't have a lot of prep time, I skipped crazy Pinterest ideas and voted for delivery (bounce house, pizza) and accepted kind offers of generous friends and family.

Rachel's welcoming sidewalk (driveway) art.

Did you know that my sister make the MOST delicious and beautiful cupcakes and cookies? Lucy had a flower and butterfly theme.

Elliott had very specific requests. Chocolate cupcakes with white frosting and red, orange, and black sprinkles . . . and a fire truck. Sheesh, kid. Aunt Hol came through with cupcakes AND firetruck cookies! Thanks, Sister!

Lucy scoped out the bounce house.

It was nice enough to gather outside. We had the party at my parents' house (aka "my party house").

Meg with Benny and Charlotte. We celebrated Benny's first birthday the day prior.

Rachel and Elisa.

Watching the bounce house slide was great fun.

We borrowed a tiny bounce house for the wee ones. Benny was a fan.

Lilly examining the art.

We watched in wonder as all the kids gathered around the table to eat lunch. It's amazing what a little food can do! And daycare training!

Happy Birthday time for Elliott . . .

And Lucy.

She was really excited about her balloons.

Think someone is excited?

Quite a change from his frosting fobia a few years ago.

Lucy mostly mashed her cupcake.

Elliott dove right in.

Birthday parties are a bit odd. Kids play. Then, you fill them up with sugar and send them home. We should flip that around somehow.

Penny and Benny. Hey, that rhymes!

The Donlans popped in just at the end.

And we got to do a quick photoshoot of Hollyn (14 months), Lucy (12 months), and Emma (11 month).

Emma was the only one who wanted to sit still, per usual.

I love this picture of the birthday girl!

Playing with her friends.

It's my party and I'll cry if I want to.

Benny going through Charlotte's tunnel.

And he's out!

Leigh and Hollyn, sporting the party favor shades.

Layla.

The bounce house was so fun that Elliott went running out pantless after everyone had gone home.

Relaxing with Poppy that afternoon.

Thanks to all who made the birthday party so fun! Joint parties for life!

Santa Cruz and the Trip Home

We loved our visit to Santa Cruz. Jenny took the week off and Andrew took part of the week off. We did lots of fun things. Standup paddleboarding - Elliott even came out with me for a bit! We ate delicious food. Jenny and Andrew are great cooks. And, Jenny's sister owns a Greek restaurant so we ate there one night. We played at a nearby park after yummy brunch on our last full day in town.

Lucy loves to swing.

Pure joy!

She even went down the slide by herself.

\

Then she navigated the stairs and the slide like a big girl.

Eric and Andrew, manning the grill on our last night.

With Jenny, too!

Surfboard buffet. This is so Santa Cruz.

Lila.

Elliott and Lila made dirt "cakes." (on the table behind Elliott)

Our travel day home was loooooong. We had three flights, taking us to all four corners of the country. San Jose, LA, Atlanta, Buffalo. Elliott had lunch in LA. It was hard to explain KISS attire to a three year old.

Back at home, Elliott enjoyed a cupcake at Benny's birthday party. How do you like that frosting?

Next up, Elliott and Lucy's birthday party.

Monterey Bay Aquarium - 2014 Edition

We LOVE visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium when we're in Santa Cruz. This is one of the best, if not the best, aquariums in the world. We went there in May 2012 and saw so much that I did two posts.

Aunt Jenny White and Elliott with the jellyfish.

I could watch these creatures move all day.

Fishing for something.

Deep concentration.

We had an amazing encounter with an octopus. When we arrived at this tank, he was curled in a ball in the corner. He emerged and really interacted with the kids. Here he is checking out Lila.

Then he moved on to Lucy and we all watched in wonder. A decent-sized crowd gathered to watch their interactions.

She followed his tentacles.

And reached out to touch them.

Then he stretched out.

And probably wanted to eat her. Thank goodness for that glass!

The winner shot.

In action.

I got brave and used my camera on manual for the first time!

His descent.

And back in the corner he goes.

Exploring the touch tank. Everyone should go to the aquarium with a bunch of marine scientists and ship technicians. We are a bunch of tour guides!

Lucy in the giant clam.

I just can't get enough of her!

Oops! It got me!

With all three kiddos.

With my kiddos.

Ned and Elliott in the same clam in May 2012.

Our favorite penguin egg!

Jenny and me in 2007(?). It was funniest the first time.

2012.

2014.

Jesse and me in 2007.

Elliott and me, 2012.

Elliott and me, 2014. 

My attempt at getting a picture with both kids. Not so successful!

With my girl.

We stopped in Moss Landing on our way back to Santa Cruz to see Andrew's ship. He is the captain of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute's (MBARI) R/V Western Flyer. It's big!

They have an ROV very similar to the one Jesse works on. It was very cool for Elliott to see an environment like Daddy's work. He even got to sit in the pilot's seat!