Howdy, Texas!

At the beginning of June, we were able to take a little trip back to Texas to visit our families.  Even though we've only been in California a few months, we had completely forgotten what a Houston summer is all about!  Humidity, rain storms, and mosquitos aside, we had a great time seeing our family and friends.  We didn't get many pictures, but we did get to eat LOTS of Mexican food! :)

Professional travelers on the airplane!

Celebrating my birthday while we were back home with everyone.

Posing outside of Tommy Bahamas (Lindsay's restaurant request)

Fun afternoon at the Children's Museum with Lollie and Aunt Abi!

My restaurant request -- Guadalajara's!  Mmm!!

Seriously thought about the logistics of carrying an order of queso on the airplane...

While we were home, Todd and I got to enjoy a "date night" at the Market Street Hyatt.  They have an awesome outdoor bar and lounge on the second floor!

A deer family in Grandma's backyard.

Adios, Texas!  We'll be back again soon! :)

April Showers bring May Parties

May is a month of celebrations in our house -- two birthdays, Mother's Day, and Memorial Day make it seem like one big, never-ending party! :)  Here's a quick photo recap of our festivities this year...

Lindsay's first "signature" 

Daddy's birthday dinner at Mayfield Cafe

First attempt at 3-year-old photography... close enough. :)

Mother's Day goodies from my two loves!

Mommy's birthday celebration

3-year-old photography is getting better!

Father's Day fun at the park and duck pond in Menlo Park

Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk

In early May, we made the short drive over the mountains to Santa Cruz, home to the famous Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk on the Pacific Ocean.  Todd's grandma actually sold flowers on this boardwalk as a teenager, so it has been on our list of things to see since we moved here!

It was a beautiful day, and much warmer here than it was at our house, so we were a little over-dressed.  At least we didn't have to worry about too much sun since we were all in jeans and long sleeves!

Fun on the Boardwalk!

She was most excited about seeing the beach.

Of course this place has a carousel... It's in California, isn't it? :)

This is a really old carousel... and it was by far the fastest carousel we've ever been on!  Glad she had a seat belt on, because I was holding on to the horse to keep from falling over.  Every picture Todd tried to take was blurry because we kept moving by so fast!

We spent most of our afternoon playing in the sand.

The water here was COLD.  It was a warm day, so the beach was crowded, but there were only a handful of people in the water. 

The Giant Dipper... a 90 year old roller coaster that is still going strong!

Cool girl in her shades 

Focused on burying Daddy's hand

Was able to get a quick look at the camera... barely!

I'd love to come back and explore more of Santa Cruz -- it looks like a fun little laid-back beach town.  And as long as we bring the beach toys, Lindsay will be happy!