Half Moon Bay State Beach

Monday morning I woke up to the sound of rain on my tent...and not the sounds of my children. What!! That's right! Emily and Samantha slept a full 12 hours in the tent. Corey and I were both shocked, as we had figured that the sleeping arrangements would be the hardest part of the trip. Apparently, our kids were built for "roughing"it.
As I was saying...I woke to the sound of rain, gently falling on the tent. I got dressed and grabbed the camera to take some shots of the campground. We had such a great time at this campground, rain and all, that I think we might try to stay again on our return trip.

This fellow and his posse, gave Corey a hard time at breakfast. When it comes to eggs and doughnuts, these guys have no shame.

I told you it was beautiful! I bet right now, you are wanting to visit! (And thinking that our "crazy" camping trip wasnt so crazy after all!)

I will give a dollar to anyone who can tell me what "National Lampoons" movie this reminds me of.

Due to the rain, we loaded the girls up in the van and drove to San Jose to visit the Winchester Mystery House. This place is incredible and unique and such a great stop if you are ever in the area. There is a great deal of background story to this house, but I will quickly run through the main points.

Sara Winchester was married to William Winchester, the heir to the Winchester (as in rifle) fortune. She bought the property shortly after the passing of her only child and husband. The story goes that she was haunted by the souls of those killed by Winchester guns. She believed her punishment was this house. She also believed that she had to keep building...forever, or she would suffer great tragedy. (She held herself personally responsible for the 1906 San Francisco earthquake that practically leveled the city. Apparently the ghosts thought the house looked too finished...or so she thought.)

She had builders continuously working on the house (24/7) for 38 years, and to this day, it is not complete.

The house is beautiful. For having no architecture or engineering training, I think Sara did an amazing job. She designed the entire house by herself except for one room.

Although, things like this did tend to happen. The home is loaded with these quirks. Stairways that lead directly to ceilings and walls, windows for windows, doors that lead to brick walls..or to your death (open a door and plummet down an elevator shaft, or fall completely out of the house all together!) Sara had a love of spider webs and the number 13, and these symbols can be seen all over the house. Spiderweb designs in the windows, 13 coat hooks, or 13 windows in rooms. Even 13 ceiling panels in her ballroom. She had 37 fireplaces of which only 7 were actually functional due to her design.

The house has over 10,000 windows, more then the empire state building!

It was a really cool stop for us. I wish I had some good inside photos for you, but with two small kids, it was amazing that we even made it through the 65 minute tour. If you are ever in the area, I highly recommend seeing this place. There are so many great stories there, and is such a wonderful part of American history.

This is the back part of the house in the garden. The grounds here were beautiful as well.

Emily and Sam having fun in a fountain.

I would love to come back here again, but without the kids. They have a "Behind the Scenes" tour that takes you to different parts of the house...and it requires a hard hat. Fun times!

After the Winchester house we were all pretty beat. We headed back to the campground and lounged by the fire. We had to get rested. The next day would bring another new adventure...The Redwoods!!!!

Im getting Blogged down!

Ok, so Im sorry that I haven't been able to post until now. Promises of Wi-Fi were Wi-not. Lets get you guys up to speed.
We spent the weekend at Disneyland for Corey's work. Mandatory fun is what they like to call it. We of course had a blast. Now, I have no photographic proof that we went to Disneyland, I do however have park tickets, a few unused "Fast-passes" and a couple of souvenirs. We got to catch up with lots of friends and welcome everybody back from deployment.
We set out early Sunday morning for our big road adventure. We stumbled out of the hotel at about 4 am and didn't stop until sunrise. That of course, means breakfast. We stopped at a truck stop somewhere off Interstate 5 and enjoyed some greasy IHOP!! Heaven!

Nothing beats sunrise on the highway. Cool and misty roads.

Emily. Awake just enough to put some mileage on a few crayons.

Corey and Sam. Both with bedhead.

We finished up breakfast and hopped back on the road. We took a little detour and hopped on route 46 that connects the 5 to the 1o1. It was a beautiful road, dotted with lots of farms and green valleys. It seemed like every bend in the road would lend itself to a prettier scene. I commented on this to Corey. His response.." It kinda makes you want Ranch dressing, doesn't it." Just one more reason for me to love that guy.

We hit the 101 in Paso Robles, a beautiful town in a beautiful part of the state. Just off the 101, we stopped at The mission San Miguel Arcangel. It was a good opportunity for the girls to run around and to take in a bit of California history. The mission was built in 1797. It was a bit run down, but still amazing nonetheless.

The church was beautiful. The entire interior was built with wood and stucco. This whole front wall behind the alter was wood. Another interesting point: Im used to seeing Jesus on the crucifix behind the alter. This church had a giant St. Micheal instead.

A hallway leading from the interior courtyard out to the exterior of the mission.

The girls looking at an oven. This mission raised money by selling wool items and olive oil.

After the mission, we powered on through to our first campsite at Half moon bay. Half moon bay is just north of San Jose and south of San Fransisco. Corey and I have stayed here before and love the place. Its right on the beach and has lots of great vistas...and hot showers! I have more pics to post of this site, but Im only going to give you guys one day at a time. That way you get an idea of how we have been filling our days.

Our first campfire of the trip!

Corey made me a tasty treat after the girls went to bed. Ah the good life!

Emily was really excited to finally be camping! She has gotten very creative with her campfire stories.

We are having an amazing time!!! Check back in tomorrow and I will fill you in on another day! I hope you can handle the suspense!!

A glimpse at what its like to let go.

Little Girl Can't Let go as Sergeant Daddy Leaves For Iraq - ParentDish

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Birthdays, Adventures and What-Not

Three cheers for busy weekends!!! I don't think we have stopped moving since Corey has been home.

Friday was Samantha's 2nd birthday! I cant believe we are here already! At her 2 year check up, she weighed in at 26 pounds and was a whopping 2 feet 10 inches tall. Sam is officially out of the 20-25% and now in the 50% for her size. Oh, and she is super smart...just saying.

The birthday girl getting a big birthday squeeze!

Celebrating in style!

Deciding whether or not blowing out a flame is a good idea.

The official "Sam-Bone" cake. SUPER cute!

We decided to get out of the house bright and early Saturday morning and went for a hike in La Jolla, at the Torrey Pines Reserve. It is so beautiful there. The fog hung around all morning so we were able to stay out for a solid two hours. It was a lot of fun.... well, for Corey and I it was a lot of fun. Emily started complaining that her legs hurt before we even reached the trail-head, and Sam was trying to undress herself the entire time!

Ah....Nature. A beautiful and Dewey spider web. Complete with friendly spider.

Corey trying to convince Emily that we were going to have fun. (Notice the backpack. Which was supposed to be carrying Sam. She would have nothing to do with it.)

Sam happy after successfully stripping off her shirt. We started referring to her as Samuel at this point. What a handsome little man!

Emily resting her tragically tired legs, and drawing in the sand. This turned out to be a lucky stop for us. We ran into some volunteer trail guides and they showed us all kinds of cool things along the trail.

Taking a load off after the hike, where they both admitted that they had a really good time!

Mission accomplished!

Sunday, we went on another hike/walk on scary cliffs. This time, we went to Cabrillo National Monument to check out the tide-pools and go on a hike. We arrived a little late for the tide pools, so we started on the trails to watch the tide come up. We love coming out here. It helps to remind me why I love living in San Diego.

A view of the cliffs. The trails pretty much run right along the edge.

Another view of the beautiful cliffs. Isn't it amazing how cool erosion can look?

Emily, humoring me and posing on a rock.

Corey, trying to prevent Samantha from plummeting to her death. She insisted on doing the entire trail by herself.

Holy Crap! That's me! In a photo!

Sam trying to be stealth...inching closer to the edge.

Sporting Daddy's shades.

I must say that the girls were completely warmed up to the idea of hiking on Sunday. Emily enjoys learning about new things and new places. She was only slightly irritated at the fact that we had ill timing and she wasn't able to check out the sea anemones and starfish at the tide-pools. Maybe next time!

Homecomings and a whole lot of catching up to do!

May I have your attention please!!! The man is back in town! The sun now shines more brightly, the birds sing a little more sweetly, and the girls no longer want my attention! ;)

I cant say that I blame them...

Because when Daddy is home, life is bright and sweet....and right.

I need your liver....

and if you cant give me that, then I will gladly accept some of your hard earned cash. Why, you may ask? Well, let me tell you a story...

I have a friend. A dear friend named Sarah. Sarah is a mother to two beautiful children, a wife to an amazing man, a daughter, a sister, and a friend to everyone she meets. She is beautiful, she is smart, and she is also quite hilarious.

Sarah was recently diagnosed with PSC (Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis), a very rare and progressive liver disease. She is taking this diagnosis head on, and is doing everything she can to raise money and awareness. A team is currently forming, in her name, to walk in the annual Liver Life Walk to support the American Liver Foundation. I have joined the team and am trying to reach a goal of raising $250 for the American Liver Foundation by September 26th! I need your help!!


"My name is Sarah Gillette and I was recently diagnosed with PSC, a rare liver disease that is progressive and currently has no cure. Eventually I will need a liver transplant. As you can imagine, this news rocked my simple life. I have two small children and a wonderful husband, I want to be there to see them all get wrinkles. The reason I am doing this walk it to raise awareness and money. The world of medicine can change dramatically in 10 years...about the time I may need a liver. Your donations can make a difference in the goal to find a cure. Thanks a whole bunch to my friends, family, and complete strangers for making donations. I have never felt so much support and love in such a sad time. Thank you."

If you would like to make a donation please click on the link below and pledge whatever amount you can! Every penny counts in finding a cure!!!!

http://go.liverfoundation.org/site/TR/LiverLifeWalk2009/LiverLifeWalkSpring09?px=1339581&pg=personal&fr_id=1440

To learn more about the American Liver Foundation, log onto http://www.liverfoundation.org/

Such is life...

I come to you with head bowed, and tail between legs. I cant believe it has almost been two months since I have written. Am now smacking self on wrist.
What can I say. Sometimes life has us moving at a pace that we aren't completely aware of.
Things have been busy in the Novonty house. I cant exactly remember everything that has been going on lately, but I will do my very best to fill you in on the highlights...
Morgan came to town for about a week and a half. We stayed busy with trips to the zoo and Sea World, the Wild animal park...and an extremely eventful trip to the beach. A trip where I proceeded to step on a sting ray (not fun) and had to be unceremoniously hauled off in a life guard truck and have my foot submerged in a bucket of scalding hot water for an hour. The upside? Morgan got to spend an hour with the lifeguard at the tower, and learned all about the "sting ray shuffle" and rip currents. Educational, is it not? I do my best to make her visits amusing. I think I succeeded this go-round.
Corey's Mom Leslie came into town right on Morgan's coat tails. The girls loved having the company and loved spending time with Grandma Leslie. We didn't really do much, but it was nice to sit back and relax around the house and spend time with the kids. We don't get to see Leslie nearly as much as we'd like, and it was so nice to have family around.
Corey has been gone almost 4 months now. He is doing well and working hard...and we are ready to have him home.
The girls have grown and changed so much in the last four months, that I'm not sure Corey will even recognize them when he gets back.
Emily is growing up to be such an amazing kid. She is so smart and curious about the world around her. She has had me baffled on more then one occasion recently with her questions. Like, "What is gravity?" "How many legs does a bee have?" "How does a tomato change color?" " How can a spider eat a fly?" She has become a fan of the National Geographic channel and her favorite bedtime book is an animal encyclopedia that I have read cover to cover 3x since Corey has been gone.
Emily is also turning into quite the little mommy. She has recently acquired the skill of toasting her own waffles, and usually insists on making breakfast for herself and Samantha. I come downstairs in the morning, and find them at their breakfast table, slurping down yogurt and munching on waffles with a nice thick layer of jelly on them.
She is getting better at helping Samantha with things and taking initiative to clean up when she sees a mess. The most recent example: I was brushing my teeth today, and while I was brushing, Emily informed me that my toothbrush had fallen in the toilet....YESTERDAY!! When I handed her the toothbrush and asked her to throw it away, her response was "Its OK Mommy, I wiped it on the towel. Its clean." Now, I couldn't get upset with Emily, as I'm 100% sure that Samantha was the guilty party in throwing my toothbrush in the toilet, and poor Emily, took it upon herself, to dry off my toothbrush and then put it in its proper place. It kind of makes you want to hug her, doesn't it?! I have brushed my teeth 3x since the incident and still cannot get the "Ick" feeling out of my mouth. I know its mental, but really, how do you get over something like that! :)
On to Samantha....OH SAMANTHA!! Where do I even start. That kid is a mess!! Literally! I never realized how different siblings could be. Where Emily is sweet and gentle, Samantha is silly and rough. She laughs about pretty much everything, and will put just about anything in her mouth. Including, but not limited to, dirt, fertilizer, chalk, crayons, and paper. No, she doesn't have a nutrient deficiency, she's just really curious!
She loves to sing songs and is already proficient in her numbers 1-15 and knows her ABC's. She is loud and messy and I think she's perfect.
I wish I had some new pics of the girls to post, but my camera broke. Boo hoo. So, as soon as that matter is corrected, I will get new photos up.
That's about all I have for now. If I think of anything else, I will be sure to jot it down.
I'm officially back on the ball with the blog, so expect some new posts soon, sans pictures of course!
Till next time...