NATURE- does a body good! (part 2)

You know you don't your kids outside enough when they just can't get over the amount of trees everywhere. The surrounding neighborhoods of Irvine (including Woodbridge lakes) don't really count as "outdoors". We have friends who do this kind of stuff on a weekly basis and I can see why they love it! We stepped out of our comfort zone, but were well rewarded for our efforts- it was AMAZING!

There aren't many places that allow dogs on the trail (on or off the leash) and we were glad that we brought Chloe along. She seems so clumsy lumbering down the stairs or slipping on the hardwood floors, but get that girl outdoors and she is in her element. It was so fun to watch her leap and bound up rocks, through creeks, say hello to everyone and just run loose! If not for us, then for Chloe we will definitely be doing this more often!

The boys enjoyed the hike as well and were great sports! I think this trail was a hit for them because; 1. there was a lot of people to talk to 2. the scenery was beautiful-thank you Lord 3. they got to run along with their dog 4. they got to climb rocks 5. they were with their mom and dad! Could you ask for more?

Side note: We took these pictures using Dan's new iPhone that he got for work. Dan took the majority of the pictures and I appreciate their motion and candidness (unlike all my posed shots). The coolest thing was that the pictures were uploaded to The Cloud and I was able to see them on the iPad and the iMac immediately- you've got to love technology (sometimes!)

My other car is a. . . . . . bike?

It has been almost 8 months since we got rid of our second car. Honestly, we haven't missed the car much and have enjoyed the benefits of having only one car. We couldn't do it so easily if we didn't have such great bicycles to share the load. Dan rides his bike 85% of the time to work. The boys and I have also been walking to school most days. We can go days without needing to drive the one car we are left with- now that is awesome! We also have a nifty bike trailer which I use to grocery shop with!

We are saving on gas, ware and tear, registration and insurance fees and we are getting healthier in the process- ALL GOOD THINGS!!

Recently Nathan started riding his bike to and from school. He is loving the freedom, responsibility and the exercise is good too!

Photo Editing by Jason Crout

Jason LOVES taking pictures with the iPad. When given the chance, (and when I don't pay attention) he can take upwards of about 100 pictures in a 30 minute period. Each one is slightly different and he has fun playing with the different effects. Here are a few of my favorite ones!

2 headed boy

one-eyed monster

laser eyes!

Alien?

Puzzle-Obession PART DUEX

Okay, so I didn't think I would be crazy enough to bring another puzzle into the house so soon, but I caved. The newest one was heart shape- just in time for Valentine's Day. Thankfully this one was only 750 pieces. The difficult part was that it was in the shape of a heart. Pieces that you thought were edges were not- they tricked me over and over. This puzzle took a little over 8 hours to finish. Dan helped me the last two hours and that really helped (and was fun too). Honestly, this isn't his favorite thing to do but spending time with me is top on his priority list!

The Box

Phase 1 (shape was getting there)

Phase 2

Phase 3 (2 hours later)

Phase 4 (finished puzzle)

Chloe hanging out while we puzzled the day away!

Sunday Staple

At the start of the new year Dan and I began a gluten-free diet and two weeks later began Herbalife. We are both really enjoying the supplements and shakes. 2012 is going to be a healthier year for our family, but especially the "old folks". Hawaii is less than 2 1/2 months away and we want to be in great shape for all of our island adventures.

In comes the Sunday Staple. Every Sunday we barbecue some organic, free-range chicken breast tenders and a couple peppers. Add in some brown rice and salad and we have a delicious dinner. The peppers, chicken and rice are then used for the rest of the week to make up Dan's delicious lunch wraps (with corn tortillas). I also makes salads with the extras!!

All in all it is a good system- we are eating well, lots of protein and makes lunch prep the rest of the week easier for me. Bon Apetit!

Why we LOVE Southern California

Today was a beautiful, warm and sunny day in Southern California- this is why people live here or visit during the winter. I am sure it was freezing in places around the country, but here in Orange County- it was mid to high 70's.

Due to the fantastic weather and the generosity of my mother- we headed down to Balboa Island for a day outdoors. She took the boys to the park, to get Valentine's Cards and to the library for a children's program. We on the other hand borrowed her neighbors double kayak and hit the water. We wanted to try out some of our gear we recently purchased for our trip to Kauai and spend time together!

I more recently went on a single kayak with a friend (in her own) and found that much easier than synching my paddling with Dan's, but all in all we had a grand time.

The boys waving us off!

Dan (over my shoulder)

The craziest part of our adventure was coming across these sea lions that have literally taken over two boats in the harbor. I would hate to be the owners of them. Apparently this is a big problem with the boat owners and there isn't much you can do once they have taken over. The sea lions are loud and they stink to high-heaven, but were cool to look at!

We weren't gone very long, but got some sun and had some fun. We plan on kayaking on our trip to Kauai so hopefully we can practice again before we head out in 72 days (whose counting?).

After kayaking, we headed to the cliff above Pirate's Cove in Corona Del Mar and read our books. It was such a beautiful and clear day- we were two of many who had the same idea to go to the beach. Catalina Island was 100% visible, but I didn't have my camera to take a photo then- you'll just have to take my word for it!

I hope you were able to enjoy the beautiful weather today too!

Happy February

I can't believe we are already in the second month of a new year. At the rate we are going, it will be 2013 before we know it! Okay, before we jump ahead a whole year- let's just celebrate that it is February 2012. I sometimes get ahead of myself and I need to remember that THIS is the day that the Lord has made- I need to REJOICE and be glad in it. I can't change what happened yesterday and I can't worry about tomorrow- all I can do is LIVE today (and let God take care of the rest)!! So, Happy February 2012!

Nathan took control of the camera and this is what we got. . . . .