Lastly, a little sight seeing in San Fran

We finished our trip by going to San Francisco where we got to visit Preston, Liz and Sean. We had an AWESOME time. Patrick had been to SF many times but it was my first. And I loved it. It is so much fun to be in a big city again and such a huge reminder that our new home town is not so big. Patrick got great coffee, I ate Ethiopian food, we got to walk the wharf, eat fresh fish and chips, see the bridge, and when I asked for a true crazy SF site, Liz helped me find it in the 'Up Your Alley' fair. It is safe to assume that we are both fairly floored (traumatized?) by that Sunday morning excursion. :) Thank you so much for a great visit!


Liz, Preston and Sean at Ghirardelli Square





Despite the age gap, the boys really seemed to enjoy interacting. Here was a super-hug from Sean met with a big grab and open mouth from Jack.




This is the outside of Liz and Preston's place on Haight Street. It is a beautiful home and the inside is just as impressive as the outside due to all of Preston's craftsmanship.




Family photo at the Golden Gate Bridge




Patrick caught this picture of Liz and Sean that I really love. Sean matches his mom in sweetness and speed!





Okay, so this is Lombard Street, one of the windiest roads in SF. It was neat but to me it did not come close to comparing to the general thrill of driving some of the steep hills. I don't like to consider myself a wimp but I kind of felt like getting out of the car and scooting down on my rear. But it was the up hills that really unnerved me and had me thinking "Can I just peel off the hill? I think it's possible. I see the other cars and they aren't falling off but I am not entirely convinced..."




Walking to get dinner.





We do indeed love our little Jackie.

First time in a pool

While at the cabin we took Jack to the pool at the lodge where he took his first swim. He looked like a natural in the water (and well/excessively protected from the sun).

Welcome to the Cabin!

Henley greeted his cousin Jack with a big hug when we arrived at Whispering Pines this year.

Next, we arrived at the cabin

From Stockton, we went up to the Jordan's family cabin outside of Bear Valley, in the Stanislaus National Forest, for the big family festivities. This year, I persuaded Patrick to let us try our nights in the lodge since it was a new adventure for Jack and for me with Jack. (That created it's own set of adventures!) Though our time was too short it was a very special year at the cabin.





This photo captures the cabin and attendees in a post breakfast social.





Jack greatly enjoyed being outdoors during most of the day and especially liked watching the Aspen trees.





Hazel is such a smart little gal and delightful to be around. During her time at the cabin, she struck the balance of outdoor fun while keeping her nails and lips in top shape. She is also a caring and proud cousin to Jack! Here Jack and Hazel enjoy hamming it up with their Nana!





Jack napping amongst the trees.





Patrick and Jack played a round of darts with Bruce, Beau's father.





Some of the family played in the little wading area near the cabin. Kelsey, Patrick's cousin, (far right) is going to be a junior in high school next year and is such a lovely gal!





Smooches!





Henley is just about the cutest thing moving. And move he does! He was so much fun to watch and interact with. Here he is trying on cousin Jill's sunglasses. Looking good!





Lake Alpine is just a short jaunt from the cabin and is a Jordan staple. Here is Jack's first time in the lake- any lake for that matter.





Becky is an amazing mom and who would guess by this picture that she is seven months pregnant? We can't wait to meet the newest addition coming in September! Can he possibly be as cute as Henley?





Though not the clearist image, I love this moment of Liz holding Jack as he sleeps while Pierre Alphonse the Moose looks on.





Like a photo of an artist in her studio, it is only right to get a picture of Aunt Jill in the kitchen where she makes food magic happen at the cabin. Amazing!





All Jordan babies recieve a christianing of sorts in the kitchen sink. Here Nana does the honors of bathing Jack!





A good time had by all! (So much so that I am putting this picture of me despite the obvious reasons I shouldn't.)





Scrub-a-dub.





Little Ava is Cousin Jill's daughter and she is just as darling as her name. So much fun to get to see her!





It is very special how many different people come up to the cabin. One of those such visits was from Liz's side of the family. Here we get a picture of the Chaney side of the family.

First, we went to Stockton

On Friday night, we packed Jack into his car seat and headed to Stockton. We attempted a night drive so that we could cover the hours of driving while Jack slept. It worked well and we arrived in Stockton at 5:30am Saturday morning. We spent the next day and half with Patrick's Grandma Jordan. It was a special time and the first time that Joyce got to meet Jack.




Dinner at the much loved Jordan homestead





Jack and his Great Grandma Joyce

Summer Begins

Summer is off to a good start. Patrick has been off for a week now and the weather has finally turned warm. Below are a few photos of the things that fill Jack's summer days.


Jack has his own private outdoor pool. (Thanks Ben and Amanda for this awesome tub/pool!)

Splish splash!

Jack enjoys his walks and here he takes his first ride in the stroller facing out. This is big-guy stuff!

The boys enjoy a little afternoon reading and playing.

Nana Time

Liz made a power trip over the mountain to get to see Jack. We were all very excited to have her visit and for her to get to see how Jack is changing. Thanks for visiting us! XO

Jack and Nana take in the morning views.

What a sweet site.

Nana worked with Jack on his rolling over. Here he is taking a break.
In our time touring downtown we visited the Powell's Candy Shop which has so many fun things to see- including Jack in this hat.

Nana and Jack catch up.