Spring Break fun

First it was a couple hours at a new park that will be about a mile away from where we may be living soon. I only have this picture for now, but he's a cutie, so it's a goody.

On Friday the boys got to see the house for the first time I only took pictures of the front of the house and the backyard because the owner was around and I didn't want to invade her privacy or take pictures of the house while all her stuff was out and being prepared for packing. I wish that I had got some pictures, but I wanted the pictures to be of an empty house, so when I start changing it; painting, putting our furniture in, knocking out walls, it will all be really noticeable to everyone and a fun way to see how the house has changed. So for now I will post the front of the house, and that's it.

That evening after dinner we went to McDonald Ranch, where Lucas volunteers after work when he can. He fixes any broke down vehicles they need fixin'. We went for the first time and got to see all the animals they have, which the boys absolutely loved. We saw chickens, cats, dogs, goats, ducks, and horses. There a few more animals, but we'll see those next time. The boys loved playing on the play structure they had there, for the kids that come in the Summer for day camp. I will probably start helping out there too when we move to Santa Rosa and get settled, and maybe trade my work for free goats milk to make goats milk soap. We'll see. Here are a few shots of the animals from the ranch.

Saturday we went to Train Town in Sonoma, which I've never been to, and then continued from there to Cornerstone, which has lots of neat stuff; gardens, eating places, retail shops, garden art, regular art, vineyards- you name it! It was a little too rich for my blood in terms of food, art, retail and such, but the parking and gardens were free, so we just went around and had a nice walk.

Train Town came first though, and here are some pictures from that fun stop.

Here are some pictures of art in the gardens at Cornerstone

Cherishing the little moments...

I'm realizing everyday how much I love this place I call home right now. I think the moments of quietude in early Spring with the boys outside and the late day sun pouring over the tops of the trees really speaks to my soul. The chickens are pecking their last pieces of fresh grass before they meander their way back into the coop and the boys are bouncing on the trampoline, playing in the sand or stomping through the puddles that have just been born from our great big sky. Life seems so simple, pure and lovely.

I think that I am really going to enjoy the last three months that we spend here- probably more than the last 4 years that I have lived here. They seem even more sacred and special because we won't get these moments back, or atleast not as often. Of course we'll visit, and slow down with the creeping pace of Mendocino, but it won't feel the same. I can't help but think how happy I am that the boys have enjoyed this slow time in their life, that Aiden got to begin and finish the first year of schooling in a small school with people around him that are family and good friends.

I also can't help but think, "will we get this same feeling back at our new home?". I know we will contantly hear the passing of cars and probably our neigbors yelling at their kids, where we used to hear the birds sing and the ocean crash in the distance; engines roaring and parents yelling doesn't quite compare somehow. I think we will have those moments though. It will feel nice to have the house to myself without family around. By no means am I trying to escape family, but I do want my own separate life and to choose if my mom or sister can come visit (whereas I can't at this moment, in this house).

We will absolutely miss all the great friends that we have made over the last couple years here. The people that we have come to know and love are great, caring people that inspire me to be better in all ways; as a partner, a mother and a friend. Honestly, we need more people on this planet that are like these people that I have been blessed to know and befriend. Thanks to all you great people.

I also wanted to apologize to the few people that read this blog for my apparent absence. First, I am a perfectionist and feel the need to post pictures and video in each and every post. I think that it adds to the story that I am telling. I am realizing though, that it isn't possible being the only parent and trying to accomplish my daily goals. From now on, when something interesting happens, I'll just write about it and if I have time I will get the pictures together and post them too.

I do have a lot of video and pictures to share though, so I want to get those up soon. I know that faraway family members appreciate seeing the boys in pictures and video, and this Spring has really brought a growth spurt to Aiden. All of his pants are either getting too short or tight at the waste. I can't believe that Liam is the youngest and he is over three now. They are so independent and do more things on their own, which, as a parent, I kind of thought that day would never come. I am loving the extra moments I get to myself and am so glad that the boys are older during this time that I am taking care of them by myself. While it is a short time (three more months) it is taxing and tiring.

So there will be more pictures and video soon, and more commentary from me, more often.