Around the Sun

April 20, 2016

I made it all the way around the sun again. 33 years old now (I'm starting to forget if I'm ever asked). Eve was 10 months yesterday and she has taken 5-6 steps in a row multiple times now, but not fully walking just yet. She has blown me away this month! Climbing on and off furniture without a problem now. I think big sister was an inspiration to her. She is starting to sound out some words, and finally she is SLEEPING through the night. My life without total sleep dep is much nicer. Sierra is our big girl now; so smart, sensitive and aware. Also potty trained! No longer wearing a diaper at all! We're so proud of how she is developing. Gus is happily working at a job he loves and is soulfully committed to now, at the native plant nursery in town. This makes me so happy! The real saying should be, "If Papa ain't happy then ain't nobody happy!"

So many things are changing and continue to change in our lives. We went up to Seattle with Anne, Jerry, and Lyn to say our goodbyes to Great Grandma in a memorial and burial of her ashes at the family plot. Anne rented a house for all of us to stay in together, which was amazing for everyone. It gave a lot of stability to Sierra and Eve since they are so close to all of them. It also served as a gathering point after the memorial service. We were located close to Uncle Demetri's house and were able to visit him and Nic again the following day before we left. It was so great to see all of the people's lives that Maribeth had touched. It doesn't really seem like she is gone because of the strong impression she made and personality she had. I imagine her younger self was something to behold. I wish I was able to hear more of the service, but I was wrangling one or the other of the kids. It was great they were there with us, as a family. They got to meet a lot of Gus' extended family, as did I.

I was able to get out for a jog on Friday morning after Eve started a nap, and then Gus, Sierra, Eve, and I took a similar walk down to Fremont later in the day.

These two cracked me up. We went to the Fremont brewing company and toasted to Gus' Uncle Jim. Some of his ashes were buried on Friday at the family plot as well.

 Sierra and Eve played with a little two year old there. It was so cute watching them play together.

 Sierra loved the magnificent flowers everywhere. Cherry blossoms, tulips, lilac, and so much more all in full bloom.

 The girls wore their matching shirts on one day, seemingly unfazed.

 Sierra "pulled" her usual move when she saw Grammy at the airport in Fresno. "Come on, Grammy, let's go check this out!"

 Baby Eve still likes playing peek-a-boo with clothes, blankets and towels.

 We walked down to the river with the girls and saw so many beautiful wildflowers I have never seen before. As one type begins to die another kind blossoms in it's place.

 The local cuisine is fairly limited... but hey, work with what you got.

 It looks like Eve is bouldering here... not yet but we are sure that she will be a great climber. Gus has been putting in some good work on the carport whenever he can. It is also going to serve as our climbing wall for the family :)

 Sierra and I send silly selfies to Dad while he's at work, to make him laugh.

 Mr. Jimmy the horse is always fun to stop and give carrots to. He's so friendly. Sierra thinks he's our horse and Eve is entranced by him.

 I swear this picture was not staged. Sierra loves all sorts of books, and now she goes to the library and often wants to pick out books that she can read "on her own."

 More horse visits!

 Our small raised bed now has chicken wire around it for rabbit/deer/chicken protection and we actually have some veggies in it.

 Sierra loves to help: give that girl a job to do and she'll "get 'er done," at least to a 2 year old standard.

 The day after my birthday, our family friends went with the girls and I on a hike and brought us out to lunch! It was really very nice!

 I got my haircut for my birthday!

 Ate chocolate that Anne had given me.

 Drank some champagne.

 And brought the girls to Basilwood Farm here in Prather with Anne.

 Sierra started her potty training the day before my birthday; talk about an awesome present!!!

 Eve remains mischievous. So many ideas going on in that girl's head. She will surely have a lot to say as well once she starts talking!

 We went to Eve's one and only baby friend, Colton's, 1st birthday party! It was intimate and fun. It's a shame they will be moving soon.

 Hiking around our neighborhood common area is always fun too. As well as pulling the girls with the mountain bike trailer or pushing them with the stroller on the road. Sometimes the slower pace of walking is really needed to see it all though.

 Tadpoles are numerous in the ponds this year.

 Eve initially got off of the chairs in this sliding fashion.

 She was so proud of herself when she first started getting up there; I'll never forget her surprised and excited face.

 Silly selfies AGAIN!

 Our friends Emily, Esther and Edwin came over to check out the tadpoles too.

 Eve cracks me up, and apparently vice versa.

 Oh the food choices abound. She eats so well!

 Everyone needs a little Oso Bear cuddle time.

Sometimes it's hard to believe all of this has happened in a month. So much so quickly. I always try to stop and recognize how lucky I am to have all of what surrounds me in love, health, family and friendship. Another good reason to keep up with this blog, no matter how busy life is. No to mention, all of the family that we never get to see and who don't get to see our girls in person.