Only 12 days old - sneak peak

Tuesday we had the chance to go see this little peanut. She was an absolute delight and a beautiful addition to this gorgeous family. More to come in a few days, but here's a sneak peak.

Yard Swim

Living in San Diego, swimming is destined to be a major part of our lives. It has always been important to us to teach our children water safety at an early age. We tried the "Y" lessons and even considered some of the other swim schools. Last summer a friend of ours introduced us to Bryan Quattlander from YardSwim. Bryan comes to our friend's pool and gives them lessons in the back-yard pool with a few other children.

I wish I could find the words to explain the miracles that I have witnessed over the past two summers. As a lifeguard at a community pool in my youth, I saw the normal development of beginning swimmers. Our kids have (no pun intended) "blown that out of the water." And so have the other swimmers in our little group. Our son moved from the arms-around-the-neck-white-knuckled-death-grip when we started to learning stroke technique this week. Our almost 4-year old daughter approaches most things in life with enthusiasm and passion (read: NO FEAR!). She has never been afraid of the water, which has put her into some very precarious situations. Now she swims to the deep end and touches the bottom with that same enthusiam, just a bit more safely. Last summer, before she was even 3, Bryan had her swimming underwater, by herself...like you see on those 20/20 specials on TV.

Bryan has taught them both the lessons of water safety, proper technique, and respect of others... and the water. He has done all of this while keeping the lessons fun and entertaining for the kids. Meanwhile, the adults sit by the comfort of a friend's pool chatting about daily life (sometimes even over a beer). Our family is has found this respectful, relaxed, and calm atmosphere to be the best situation for our kids...and for us.

When you look for swim lessons for those you love, contact Bryan and the instructors from YardSwim. http://www.yardswim.com/

First grade

It's really hard for me to believe that we have a first grader. He started on Monday and was excited, but also a bit nervous. I think it feels like a big deal because he is now in a "grade". Kindergarten was a big adjustment, but this feels substantial too.

Since Monday, he seems to have settled into a smoth routine. He likes his teacher and has already made some new friends. Every day, after school, he makes sure we say "hi" to his Kindergarten teacher. It's really cute and I love how much he still cares for her.

Here he is getting in the car.

and finding his desk. Julia is so happy that he is in the front row (just were she always was in class....no surprise that I was usually in the back, btw. : ) )

Happy Birthday...

...to me.
Had a wonderful day today. Breakfast in bed, slow-easy morning, dinner (and cake!) at mom and dad's house. a perfect day.

Happy 4th of July !

Seattle

Before moving to San Diego, Julia and I lived in the Seattle/ Tacoma area. We still have some wonderful friends living in the area. I was fortunate to spend the last week with some great people who have known me for most of my "adult" life. The purpose of the trip was a "guys-golf-weekend". Thank you Tim, Jeff, and Marc for an awesome time.

The first course we played was the Home Course in Dupont. I've never had to wait for a deer to cross the fairway before I hit before...but it wouldn't be the first time. We had the same experience the next day. This is not the stairway to heaven as I first thought....they are used to see the fairway to make sure that you don't hit up on the group in front of you.

The next day we played 36 holes at the Newcastle courses. The views were absolutely amazing.
We spent way too much time searching for golf balls. The fescue grass was our nemesis for most of the rounds. If the fact that we lost countless golf balls wasn't enough, the allergic reaction that Tim and I had to them almost sent us home.
I think Jeff was a little proud of himself....but check out that view of the valley and mountains.

Lastly, we played at Chamber's Bay. This course is scheduled to be the home of the US OPEN in 2015. It's a links-style course = no trees (and a TON of sand). Some seriously hard pin placements and rolling greens will give the pros a tough time....but not as tough as it was for us. I hit it here in 1 shot on hole 12, though.
more seaching....

This area used to be a big gravel pit. The giant concrete structures were used to divide up the gravel. They add a really cool effect to the place.

Marc is as cool as the other side of the pillow.....