Kayaking to the Dolphins

 

Truman & I were so lucky to have Mark as our own personal tour guide. He borrowed some kayaks from a friend the night before and we headed out at 4:30am to go search for dolphins. We located them with a group and were actually able to swim with them. At first Truman & I were only able to see about 4 of them but then as we were heading back we ran into a pod of dolphins where there were probably 40-50 of them. They were beautiful .. it was an amazing experience. 

Mark took some pictures while we were here with his underwater camera

Atticus

 Truman & I had so much fun, it was definitely one of those once in a lifetime opportunities. People pay hundreds of dollars to swim with the dolphins and Mark set this all up for us free, thank you Mark!

My new hair stylist...

Admiring my hair? Thought so. This exclusive style was the work of Ruby, complete with purple butterfly clip.  

 One night she just came up behind me and started playing with my hair. Next thing I know, I have pig tails, braids, pink ribbons, and butterfly clips. 

Truman & I relaxing with the kids, they were so fun. 

Surfing

Something fun I got to do on this trip was learn to surf. Mark was an amazing instructor and took us out to Castles Beach to teach me how to surf. All I have to say is, surfing is so hard! haha. My arms felt like Jello by the end. Mark did different exercises with me to show me how to get up on the board. I paddled out some of the way but then Mark was nice enough to tow me out the rest of the way. He made the paddling out and surfing look effortless. My first wave I actually got up and stayed up and it was an amazing feeling. Mark knows just how to line you up and pushed me into the perfect wave. After that...I wasn't so lucky, haha. I got up a few times on my knees or squatting, but never stood up as long as I did the first time. Truman & Mark were able to get up on some awesome waves and it was fun to watch them, having a greater appreciation for it. 

Video Mark made of Truman just being funny and out boogie boarding.

Sacred Falls

A lovely place for a hike

Jurassic Park?

Mark & Pat took us on a beautiful hike to Sacred Falls just a small drive away from where they live. 

Amy, Truman, Pat, Mark

It was about a 2 hour hike round trip with plenty of gorgeous scenery along the way. 

These fuchsia flower petals were all over the trail

Sacred Falls

Truman had to jump in and swim of course 

 Truman looks so tiny next to the water fall

 Patria & me

 Pat & Mark

Crazy octopus looking tree .. I didn't want to get too close, haha.

 Rebels

Penny's 1-Year Old Birthday

I offered to make my niece Penny's B-day cake for her very first Birthday. Tracy decided on an owl theme and found a very cute cake she wanted me to replicate. Here I am making the letters for the cake.

Truman was a big help to me with Penny's cake! He actually cut the layers for me, put the filling in the middle, made the frosting, and frosted the cake! With him doing all this, I was able to focus on the decorations! Thank you for your awesome help Truman!

Front side of Penny's party invitation that Tracy created, so cute!

Penny's very first Birthday cake

Penny's cupcake

Lil' P

The birthday girl & me

Tracy made such creative decorations & had such a fun theme.

Cake set up at the party

Truman & Penny

Birthday Girl

Milo could not keep his eyes off these cupcakes! haha. Poor kid, he just didn't understand waiting till after the candle was blown out. He kept trying to sneak a cupcake and one time managed to get one, run off with it, and get a bite before anyone noticed haha. There were some fingerprints in a few as well, haha.

Milo was so relieved when he got his cupcake!

Penny getting to "blow out" her candle

Kisses for Penny

 

We are really really going to miss Joe, Tracy, Milo, & Penny when they move to Fresno this Thursday :(. It has truly been such a joy getting to live 10 minutes away from family and getting to see little Milo & Penny grow. We will miss Sunday dinners, Tracy's cooking, Tracy's desserts, Joe always trying to game, Scrabble, baby-sitting the kids while they went on date, & just feeling like having another place to call home in the bay area. We will miss you guys so much...