Trekking Barris

Sunday, April 19, 2015

Maddy's visit

Morgan's best friend Maddy visited this weekend from Spain (they've known each other since daycare in Italy - as babies!).  It was fabulous!  Maddy's Mom took the girls to Disneyland one day.  The next we played at the beach in Del Mar.  Sunday they were unable to change their flights to leave later and minimize the 6 hour lay-over in LA, so we drove to LA to meet up with them and got to see Caroline, John and Kaitlin for a few minutes before heading home.  What a great weekend!  The girls had a blast and so did we all.  Cheers to life long friends!



Bella's first time boogie boarding

the little mermaids!
 
 
celebrating Maddy's 7th birthday a few days early!

playing with Maddy's new legos

playing the waves in Venice Beach hours before Maddy's flies home

seeing Uncle John and cousin Caroline; notice Morgan got soaked at the beach!  Bella's pants were quite wet too!
 

Monday, April 13, 2015

De Benneville Camp

We had a great 3-day retreat in the San Bernardino mountains with our church community.  It was the end of Morgan's spring break so this year we were able to head up early on Friday and maximize the time in the mountains.  It's easy cabin with al meals included and activities.  Saturday AM while the kids played at the playground in child watch, Jeff accompanied me as I biked back up the mountain on hwy 38, a 15 mile ride w/ over 3000 ft elevation and few spots at 15%.  There wasn't much of a shoulder so Jeff held the cars back by driving slowly.  It was a nice confidence booster as it wasn't as tough a ride as I thought it would be only took 70 minutes. 

The rest of the day was spent watching the girls enjoy their freedoms as they checked in as they went between the playground, lodge and cabins on the trails at the large campus.  The girls had a blast and played non-stop. 

Saturday night there was a dance party in the main lodge followed by a viewing of the 'Princess Bride' at the library.  We stayed up until 11 PM watching and walked back to our cabin under a full sky of stars. 

Sunday was more playing for the girls and chatting for the adult, a church service and the ride home.  What a wonderful, relaxing weekend.  Love JeLiMoBe








Sunday, April 05, 2015

Easter

Easter started early this morning and yes the Easter bunny was here. We had a few discussions on if he comes in the chimney or if the bunny friends that live in our backyard either hid him a key or left the door unlocked somehow.  The girls were happy with their Easter Baskets and finding a lot of eggs throughout the house.  My parents also sent the cute 'EASTER' letters and a basket.  They did the annual hunt at Church looking for the 7 UU Principles in the eggs - working in teams - and once all found they traded the papers in for a bag of candy and goodies.  We celebrated Easter with the flower communion at church.  We brought sunflowers and took home roses, a carnation and daisies.  We had brunch at our favorite usual Sunday spot - Encinitas Café.  Here are a few photos.  Love to you all!  JeLiMoBe








Bella was asked to light the chalice and did a beautiful job - full audience too!


Thursday, April 02, 2015

Liz's 40th

I had a great 40th birthday!  I woke up to the house lit up in Christmas lights with lights lining the balcony and hanging decorations from the walls, doors, fans.  30+ home-made cards from the girls and the kitchen dressed in lights with "Happy Birthday Mom" written on the counter.  It was a great day full of lots of eating.  My friends took me out for Thai food at lunch Thursday and another group took me to an Indian food buffet on Friday.  Jeff had my favorite - carrot cake at home.  It was a great day!  While technically I don't really mind aging, the only real benefit I can see currently about being 40 is that Morgan and Bella will be less confused by age as I've been talking a lot about being 39 and turning 40, that they insist on telling all strangers, "Hey my Mom is 49!"  Remind me never to tell them my weight!  :-)  I guess, the other huge benefit of a big birthday is getting in touch with old friends!  I was happy to see one of my college roommates Cheryl in DC earlier this month and connect with lots of friends on FB. 

My order number, on my 40th birthday, not planned!

Birthday necklace from college roommate Dr. Nicole
 
the girls 1st cousin, and my Niece

Riding kit for from Jennifer for our week-long Colorado biking tour this summer - to celebrate being fit in our 40's!