Horse Tail Falls Hike

Yesterday, we made our way toward Tahoe and spent the morning trekking along a trail up towards Horse Tail Falls. It's been on our dream list for years and we finally decided last week to just go for it. Thank goodness we did. We had a perfect morning. The weather was absolutely lovely, the boys really enjoyed themselves, and we both felt terrific playing outdoors in the fresh, mountain air.

A gracious hiker took this picture of us as we started at the trail head

It's a nice picture for the memory books, but come on what was I thinking when I bought that hat??

our first of many snack breaks

it's all about the journey for us, not the destination

i love this photo and this spot

i spent many minutes of our hike thinking about how wonderful it would be to take an annual family photo here

Kris trying to capture Owen and I at the spot (a few feet over) without the sun-glare

our little hikers

we made it to the first big swimming hole before turning around

Strong Daddy!

I'm sure it's not hard to believe that Owen was asleep before we left the parking lot & that Tucker stayed asleep through the car seat transfer!

Family help- Part 2 (aka A Shout Out to Kristin!)

My sister Kristin is wonderful. She signed up for a month of "nanny" service and the day after she arrived she had to immediately help us as we came down with the nasty stomach bug. Sure enough she also had to personally endure the bug and also witness her husband and son (not to mention our step-brother Gianni) go through it. She could have gone home early and enjoyed a much easier, less demanding summer; instead, she warmed our home, entertained three kids on a daily basis, fed my baby his daily new food and patiently helped him with his sippy cup, made us many yummy meals, and helped keep us organized. One night she even gave me, ME, a neck massage when I complained of a headache. How could I be so lucky?!

Within a few days she understood Tucker's needs thoroughly. She was able to rock him to sleep quickly and anywhere.

She took the boys all over the place -the library, the zoo, the grocery store, on train rides, and to a bounce house gym- just to name a few.

She doted on our friends' kids during swim lessons and a birthday party.

She shared in our joyous adventure in San Francisco

and accompanied us on a camping trip (her first)

On a "free" evening without my boys, she took Charles for his first climbing experience, which "rocked" (thanks Renee!)

To help keep Tucker away from small toy parts, she happily tolerated many Lego and Bionicle building sessions on her bed.

With Tucker and Charles in tow, Kristin ventured to Santa Clara with me so that I could attend a critical business meeting without interrupting and impacting my ability to nurse Tucker. She worked all day and all evening every day to ensure we were well taken care of and well loved. She managed through the kid's bad moods, Owen's melt-downs, and the inevitable fighting that will occur with young siblings/cousins. She watched as I made multiple "to-do" lists and meal plans and helped with the grocery shopping and of course she was the brain behind the cute shirts for the boys that we purchased for the so-cal birthday celebration. She read to the boys, helped put them to bed, helped with our laundry, helped with bath time, and helped with the dishes- day after day. This list isn't comprehensive, but it is amazing; I'm still trying to figure out how she also made her way through the first three Twilight books.

Kristin - we love you - we thank you- and my oh my- we miss you!