Happy 8th Birthday Ethan!

Ethan turned 8 on Thursday.

We had the chance to go on a tour of the port of Long Beach that day.  All the California cousins were there, which made Ethan's day very special. 

He was very happy about getting checked out of school. And enjoyed learning about the cargo shipments and how it all works.

Ethan requested a baked Alaska for his birthday dessert.  I don't think he had ever had one before, but heard about one last year and knew thats what he wanted.

And, as is his way-he did all the decorating himself.  He decided on an Artic theme.  He found and printed off pictures and made his own sign for the cake.

Other birthday requests were German Pancakes for breakfast and Beaurox, Soup and Salad for dinner.

San Jose/Santa Cruz

Last weekend James and I were able to have a quick get-a-way trip to Northern California.

We didn't have much time so hit the ground running...or biking as soon as we landed.  Stopping at Googleplex for tour.  We enjoyed the bikes all over campus to grab and explore on our own.

We also made a stop at Apple headquarters before making our way toward the beach.

We loved our hike in the redwoods.  James was successful in his goal to find a banana slug.  We actually spotted 5 or 6 along the trail.

It was perfect hiking weather and the trail was gorgeous....

...at least what was left of the trail.  The rain the previous week had washed out quite a bit of the trail and some of the bridges.  Which made for some adventurous hiking.

we loved it.

we made it to Santa Cruz by late afternoon and stopped at natural bridges state beach.  It was too cloudy to enjoy the sunset, but still fun to be there.

The next day we were able to walk a long the boardwalk, beach and pier in Santa Cruz.

 There was a clam chowder cook off and festival happening.  It was so fun to watch the preparation.

Booths had to make at least 10 gallons, but most were making much more than that for the crowds to be able to taste.

We found an uncrowded beach to enjoy a sample.  It was so good.

While we were away the kids loved having some time with their Aunt, Uncle and cousins.