Weekends Together
Two days in I asked Jeffery, “when is this going to start being fun?” because we were battling a kid who wouldn’t eat or sleep (two things we DON’T struggle with at home) and by the third day things got fun.
Read MoreOregon Coast, you sure are pretty. This trip wasn’t without its challenges and disappointments, but it’s exactly what we needed: time together in nature. It’s so hard to get enough time all together at home with work and house projects and bedtimes. The weather posed some challenges—and we didn’t get as much beach time as we would have liked—but I do think we made the most of it. Our kid is such a trooper, which makes it all possible.
Read MoreThe happiest little ocean-lover around.
Read MoreTwo nights at Fallen Leaf Lake campground and a day at Baldwin Beach. Immersing ourselves in water and rocks and sky and trees and mountains—and watching this girl delight in the multicolor pebbles of the lake—was a joy. The night after we got home we were woken by thunder and lightening and torrential downpour, and fires started burning all over California. We received an evacuation warning, and packed up our irreplaceables. It’s been a stressful week. I’d go back for a dip in that lake in a heartbeat.
Read MoreJeffery, Ella, my parents, and I traveled to France for two weeks to watch the Women’s World Cup finals in Lyon. It started with jetlag, and a level of exhaustion I had forgotten existed. And also a heat wave and accommodations so awful that we hightailed it out of there, foregoing a refund. Our first stop was Brison-Saint-Innocent, a small village outside Aix-les-Bains on Lac du Bourget.
Read MoreQuick day trip to the Sierra Buttes with my folks last week, where we explored Salmon Lake, picnicked at Lower Sardine and hiked to Upper Sardine. We packed a lunch of homemade sourdough, cheese, avocado, veggies, hummus, apricots, and potato chips. The girl had a blast, and it was fun showing my mom and dad a part of California they had never seen.
Read MoreIt's good to be home.
Read MoreSeven adults, one pup, and two nights in the mountains. We're already itching to go back. I posted on my instagram that I was a bit apprehensive about backpacking. I have a history of scoliosis and a back that tires easily, and in the past I wrote it off as something that wasn't for me. I don't do well when I'm tired or hungry or in pain, and I was worried it would bring out the worst in me. But our friends invited us to join them, so we bought some essentials and borrowed some gear, packed plenty of food, and stayed optimistic. Waking up that first morning to the sun rising over the lake had me sold. Having the right gear makes all the difference. I highly recommend anyone on the fence about backpacking to borrow some gear (or rent from REI) and give it a try. You have nothing to lose and the world to gain.
Last weekend we joined Marina at the Inn on Tomales Bay in Marshall for her birthday, celebrating with too many oysters Rockefeller and games of Scrabble (is there such a thing?), cappuccino It's-its, daffodils, leisurely breakfasts and dinners, long walks, and new friends. That woman sure knows how to live. I took some impromptu birthday portraits on Sunday and I'm so glad I did. Happy birthday darling, I love you!
Thanks for the photo, Katie!
We went hiking in the Tahoe National Forest last Saturday, and it was nice starting off without a destination. All it took was the suggestion of a couple passing us on the trail to motivate us to keep going. Penner was gorgeous, definitely worth the 90 minutes it took to get there. After four hours in nature with friends my head was more clear than it's been in a long time. It was beautiful out, perfect temperature and clear skies. I am so grateful for this vast and varied California landscape that I get to call home.
