Gold Mining in Coloma

Grammie and Papi came for a quick visit, it was really such a fun time to spend with them.  We wanted to take them somewhere that we hadn't ever been, but somewhere relatively close by.  We had always been wanting to see some of the gold rush stuff but we hadn't yet.  There are so many things that we have put on hold until the kids got a little older. It has been really hard to do things with so many little kids.  But it's exciting to think that we are getting there.  From here on out we are going to do a lot more things and have a lot more adventures as a family.  

 We were waiting outside while Grammie and the big girls were in the gift shop.  The little kids obviously didn't do too well for very long in there so they were having a fun time messing around with Papi outside.

 It was really neat to see some of the history of the place.  I always love learning something new. One thing that was really interesting that I didn't know before was how prominent the Mormons were in the gold mining. 

typical picture of Clara bell.  she isn't interested in looking at me for a picture.  Little stinker.  She is just too busy checking out everything and being a big shot!

Clara-18 months

My sweet baby is 18 months old!  I cant believe how fast the time is going and how big she is getting!  She doesn't really seem like a baby anymore but a toddler now. she no longer wants to be a baby but a big kid like all the other kids.  She still isn't talking too much, but has said a few words here and there. She really loves dogs and all kinds of animals.  She is starting to show an interest in baby dolls like Annie. She loves to dance and play with the kids.  The one thing that she is into more than anything else is phones.  She sees my phones and thinks that she must have it no matter what!  It's crazy because she seems like she is going through withdrawl and she throws the biggest fit if I try and take it away from her.  She also can operate that thing really well!  Its so funny to think she is only 18 months when I watch her operating it because she can do it so well!  She is pretty chill and I really love that about her!  She just kind of hangs out with the kids and loves to be with them. She also really loves my parents and I love that she will go to them and loves to sit with them. 

 This was her first time sitting at the big kids table and she thought she was the biggest hot shot! Unfortunately after being the BEST eater, she has started to get more picky.  It always happens with the kids, they eventually come out of it, but it is so frustrating to see them stop eating the foods that they loved!

 I look back at her in her seat and I can't believe how big she is getting!

 Annie has been going through a biting phase and had bit Clara's little cheek. It was the saddest thing and Clara had the saddest cry. but when I took a picture of it, she still had to give me her cheesy smile.

 One of her favorite things is to jump on the tramp with the kids. Its so cute to see her out there with the big kids.

We were able to go to Lizzys school and have lunch with her.  It was really fun and Clara especially loved it.  They have sucha special relationship. Lizzy's name was one of the first words that she said.  I just love this little girl!  I am so very grateful everyday that we decided to have one more baby, because we needed this sweetheart in our family!!

San Francisco

I would have to say that I have been to San Francisco a few times and it isn't my favorite place. I don't know if it is just the dirtiness or the traffic or tons of people or what but I have struggled to enjoy it, which I feel bad about saying because so many people I know just love it, so I feel like I must be missing something!

  Last time I think we tried to fit too many things in and just didn't get to really do much. Plus we went to the wharf which I don't think I will ever do again because it is just TOO MANY PEOPLE! I just cant handle crowds like that! Especially not when I am trying to watch 6 kids in that kind of crowd.  We were planning on going again for a little day trip so I took my friend Amy's advice and went to Golden Gate Park this time.  What a fun day we ended up having! 

We went on a little walk around Stow Lake which was so beautiful.  We originally were going to try and do paddle boats but we have too many people to fit in one boat and two was just over my price range. (Why do I have to be so cheap?)  We had lunch at the little boathouse there and then afterward we went to the Golden Gate carousel and the kids park right there. We were going to try and go to Ghirardelli Square but when we drove by it and saw the crowds and the giant lack of parking we decided to bag it.

 WE had to do a driveby of the painted ladies too. We didn't end up stopping though because the park across the street was under construction so there wasn't much to do beside just take a quick look.

 A lady was nice enough to take a picture of all of us. She kept saying how impressed she was with us and all these kids.  They sure a re great kids!

 As you can see by the way we are dressed, its a really cold day but we still had a great time!

 We had to take a picture of this crazy bird. It little like a cross between a biuch of different birds.

 Clara had a great time running around with all the big kids. Lizzy always is so good to help watch her.

 What is it about riding the carousel that never gets old?  Its always something that the kids love to do.

Clara loved being big enough to ride on it as well.

The two littlest really crashed on the way home. It was nice though because they did pretty good all in all for a long day trip. I'm hoping that there are many more of these fun day trips in our future!