Mavericks

Noah and I have been wanting to go to Mavericks beach this winter to see some big waves and to try and catch some world class big wave surfers doing what they do best. Noah heard that they had some 25 foot + waves today so we drove over to Half Moon Bay to check it out. Mavericks is a world-famous surfing location and winter destination for some of the world's best big wave surfers. Winter storms can routinely crest at over 25 feet and top out at over 50 feet. The break is caused by an unusually-shaped underwater rock formation. Only a select few are willing to risk the hazardous conditions at Maverick's. An invitation-only contest is held there every winter, depending on wave conditions. We were hoping to catch it this year, but today's conditions were considered to dangerous for the contest.We did enjoy watching the huge waves, playing in the sand, and the sun set over the water. On the way back to the truck we saw a rock memorial for the popular and famed Hawaiian big-wave rider Mark Foo, who died while surfing Maverick's with the other Hawaiian visitors and local riders. It was a reminder for us on how dangerous the ocean can be even if it looks inviting.

Ashlyn turns 9

Today my oldest turned 9. We can't believe it has been a year already. WOW, time flies. She woke up bright and early and got ready for school. We had her open her presents from us. She got clothes so she changed her outfit for school. I made her chocolate chip pancakes which were served on a celebrate plate. Last night I made star cupcakes for her whole class and took them to her school for a special lunch treat. They all loved them. I was even there as the yard duties announced her birthday over the bull-horn and everyone yelled at the top of their lungs "HAPPY BIRTHDAY"!Our friends daughter Belen and Ashlyn share the exact same Birth Day together, just different ages. They are good friends of ours so we had a joint dinner. Ashlyn wanted to go to Shirishoni a Japanese Restaurant where they cook in front of you. So that's where we went. After dinner they sang Happy Birthday and brought the girls some Japaneses ice cream. When dinner was all done we all came back to our home for some singing, cake, and to open presents. Ashlyn had a great Birthday with many phone calls from family. In about a week we will have a bowling party for her. She is really excited about that.

Taking a Nature Walk

The kids have been wanting to ride their bikes and go for a nature walk. So we took the afternoon to go out and enjoy the spring like weather. Ashlyn and Autumn rode their bikes and Aubrey rode in the stroller. As we walked I took some nature shots. The girls stopped to rest before we headed home. They liked the nature walk so much they want to do it again tomorrow.

Stinson Beach

Aubrey and I took a little day trip with Noah to Stinson beach today. He had a job to do over there and it took a good part of the morning to get there and do the job. While we waited for him Aubrey and I walked around the neighborhood and took in the sights and sounds. We saw goats, flowers, and some beautiful flowering trees. After Noah's job we went to a little market and bought some lunch for us to take to the beach. As we ate lunch we watched the surfers, a seagull try to attack our food, and Aubrey enjoying herself in the sand and on the beach. After a relaxing lunch is was time to head back home and pick up the girls from school and Noah had to go back to work. I'm glad we got to have a mini getaway and enjoy our short time together.

Aubrey's 1st Trip to the Dentist

Aubrey had her first trip to the dentist today. They took a few x-rays of her teeth, cleaned, counted and found 2 cavity monsters. She did such a great job. The dentist said she did really well for her age. She got to pick out a new toothbrush, floss, and a yellow balloon. She had a great time and said she wants to go again. That's good news, because she will be going back in 2 weeks to fix her cavities.

An Afternoon At Black Diamond Mines

This Saturday we didn't have anything planned. And this was the first day with no rain for about a week. The girls enjoyed playing outside this morning.Later on we decided to head to Black Diamond Mines and explore the area a little. I also used my new camera to take pictures and was able to get a some beautiful pictures.
We had a really nice time. Glad to have some sun finally.

Date Night

Noah and I finally got a chance to go on a date tonight. We decided to go to dinner and a movie. We decided to finally watch Avatar. We have been wanting to see it but haven't been able to get over to the theater to see it. Noah and I watched it in 3D and agree it was one of the best films that we have seen in a long time. The graphics were amazing and we really enjoyed the film. When we got home everyone was asleep including the babysitter. The best part was when we went upstairs to go to bed and found little Aubrey asleep on the floor right next to our locked bedroom door. Apparently she was trying to crawl in bed with us, only we weren't home and the door was locked.