Cobb, Corn on the

Memorial Day and the official welcome of summer 2009 introduced Charlie to everyone's favorite, Corn on the Cobb.

Like Brother, Like Sister:

... here is Alli at the same age, way-back-when in 2007,

finding her love for Corn on the Cobb too!

Alli's First Race!

Alli ran her first race this morning, a fundraiser for the Oakland Children's Hospital. She loves to run, because "Running is good exercise, right Mommy?" so we thought this was the perfect opportunity for her to get some practice. The day dawned foggy and misty and by racetime it was an absolute monsoon! Alli was a trooper and did the race anyway, though much of her running was distracted while she rubbed the water out of her eyes, poor thing! She has motivation now, though, she was thrilled with the Finisher's Ribbon, the free t-shirt, the free Nike Dri-Fit shirt (she hasn't taken this off since the race!), and goodie bag filled with sports bottle and other goodies. She can't wait for her next race (hopefully it'll be drier!).

Mommy pinning on Alli's first race bib!

Alli peeking at the rain from under her umbrella

Daddy doing a little pre-race coaching!

Walking back to the car with her racer's goodie bag - she doesn't mind the rain now!

Sale at Target!

Half-Price Charlies!

Sleeps well, and almost always smiles!

Gone Fishin'

Lake Chabot - Alli & Daddy's Fishing Trip

Daddy cut out of work early today to take Alli on a fishin' trip to enjoy the 70 degree early spring day. Alli had more success than Mommy has EVER had in all her years being with Daddy (she once caught a 2" fish (can you even call that a fish? more like a tadpole) on a backpacking trip ... that was NOT a satisfying dinner that night, thank goodness for the back-up MREs!) ... thus Mommy's absense from this bonding activity.

Alli fishin' on the lakeshore from the comfort of her stroller!

Alli caught her first fish!! 15 inches!!!

A short video of Alli narrating how the fish is too "flip-floppy" for her taste!:

Snow Play

We spent the past weekend enjoying 3 sunny days of playing in fresh snow. Between the sledding and the backpack rides while snowshoeing, the kids had a ball!

Charlie loooooved sledding ...

... Even more, he loved pushing his big sister around ...

From our house, we hiked to some nearby forest, and strapped on the snowshoes for some adventure! Good thing those backpacks had snack pockets to keep Charlie happy!

Daddy and Alli ...

Mommy and Charlie ...


Family portrait!

Fresh tracks on virgin snow ...

Everyone Loves a Road Trip

Alli and Charlie excited to be on the road to Tahoe!

Over the River, and Through the Woods ...

... to Grandma and Papa's house we go...

On Valentine's Day weekend, Alli and Karen went on an adventure by themselves to visit Karen's parents in Washington, and do some preparations for their upcoming 50th anniverary party.

Alli had an absolute BALL charming everyone on the airplane, the highlights being getting to order her own drink, and getting to chew gum for the first time!



Bedtime stories at Grandma's house put Papa to sleep before Alli!!



Treasured moments, going for walks in the "Hundred Acre Woods" with Papa and Grandma is a favorite tradition...