The biggest thing leading up to the wedding was the Metsers' annual pool party. It was near perfect weather: warm enough to swim, while not so hot deck-side. So many happy people there. One of my highlights was seeing the Balyon kiddos and E having popsicles while dangling their feet in the hot tub. Melted my little heart. The food -- traditional BBQ fare of ribs and chicken -- was amazing, as it always is with the Metsers. There was a lot of playing on the trampoline too, which was about the only thing that convinced the kids to get out of the pool when the evening chill started.
One Sunday, we headed to Roaring Camp up in the Santa Cruz Mountains with the Balyons for something that we'd been telling E about for weeks: a ride on Thomas the Train! Though E often had trouble understanding how long it took to get all the way from the Island of Sodor. (Don't tell him: but it's really a small diesel engine just made up to look like Thomas). As we rode through the majestic forest, E said, "I like those trees." I pointed to the canopy high above and said, "Those really tall ones are called redwoods." After a few blinks, he responded, "No, those are green trees."
J has grown up so much in the past month. She's rolling over by herself. Just days past her 5 month birthday and we're officially saying that she is sitting up unaided (for a handful of seconds, at least). Also, she had her first taste of baby oatmeal. I distinctly remember E being shocked (and slightly disgusted) at the texture of that initial bite. Not Baby J. She immediately took to it and downed the whole bowl...with some of the oatmeal actually making it into her mouth.
Nana and Papa were in town for T&V's wedding and so we got to hang out with them a lot before and after the actual event. It was such a help to have them here so we could focus on getting everything ready. It was sad to say bye when it was time, but these days, we know we'll be seeing them soon.
Uncle Wayne, Aunt Carol, and Nathan came to California for the wedding too, as well as Carol's brother and sister-in-law from England, Brian (yep, another Brian) and Ann. They are all such nice people and we had a great time, sharing lots of family dinners with the crown jewel being a block party on Oma & Opa's street.
With all the relatives and wedding going on, I was able to take two weeks of paid family leave to watch the kiddos and give Oma / Opa a little relief to host. It was super busy and as Oma puts it, "the days go by fast." Balancing naps, meals, and diaper changes is not for the weak of heart...or the little of patience. For those of you that knew me pre-kids, you know that I love sports which require tons of gear: skiing, backpacking, scuba diving...and so it hits me in a sweet way, just getting ready to take both kids on a trip to Target alone.
Really it was such a treat to be at home with them and I am so happy to put my hard earned California tax dollars to work for me. I really was able to bond with these two little ones in a way I hadn't yet and it's a time I'll never forget.
My favorite activity of these last two weeks (non-wedding activity, at least) was taking E and goddaughter G camping for the first time. Okay, camping in the backyard, but still...we only went inside for bathroom activities (I know, I caved on that). We cooked everything outside on the grill or over the fire pit, including the mandatory s'more. The kids did great -- even sleeping in a tent all by themselves since it was too tight to have me and the dogs and all of E's stuffed animals in a single tent. A memory that will last my lifetime (and maybe theirs). Plus, it gave me confidence that we can go actual camping soon.
Anyhow, I'm sure it's time to heat up a bottle or change a diaper or clean a plate...so I'll leave you there. But rest assured, I've got the wedding blog post in the works and you'll see it soon.
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