Happy Campers

We went camping for the weekend at Salt Point, a little north of Fort Ross. We went with Caroline, Mike and Amanda Visser, and the Way family. It was such a fun group of people, and the kids played together so well. Mike and Amanda did all the cooking (they actually shopped for all the food too!) so that the rest of us could take care of the kids and not have to worry about it. Caroline was, as usual, a HUGE help to us. She and Mike unloaded the truck, set up the tent, and got the air mattresses inflated while I took care of Braden. I seriously have no clue how to set up or take down that tent! Carina was busy playing with Bradley and Ella, and pretty much stayed that way the entire weekend. Braden did remarkably well, once we figured out that he was fussy because he was cold! Poor baby! It was cold up there, but beautiful. On Friday Mike, Caroline and John took the kids on what they thought would be a short hike down to the coast, but they went the wrong way and ended up going on quite the adventure! They made it down to the beach, but it was such a long walk Mike ended up running 2 miles back to the campsite so he could get his truck to drive back and pick everyone up! We were able to go down to Gerstle Cove and explore the tide pools. The kids got to see jellyfish, crabs, and sea stars. Overall it was a great time and we can't wait to do it again next summer!

Our massive tent, complete with front lawn (we had a ceiling fan too)

The kids on their hiking adventure!

Bradley & Carina having fun with binoculars

Daddy & the Bean

John showing the kids a sea star, and Caroline trying to get her Toms in the picture...again

A patient Dr. Mike helping with the glow stick connectors

Prepping the kids for tailgate parties & keggers ;)

Me & B-He wasn't thrilled with having a glow stick on his head

Beautiful coastline

Carina's First Moments as a Big Sister

I will never forget the moment Carina walked into the hospital room and met Braden for the first time. Even though I was exhausted, I couldn't wait for Mike to go home and get her. It was really important to us that Carina be the first one to meet the newest Ogglet, as well as the one who would get to announce whether she had a brother or a sister. When she walked in, I was struck by how BIG she looked. Where did my baby go? How can a 3 and 1/2 year old look so grown up? She climbed up on the bed, gave me a big hug, and we told her she had a little brother. She seemed to be instantly enthralled with him, and wanted to hold him and give him kisses. It was one of the most precious moments I have ever seen, and I felt that our family was complete. There we were, all 4 of us, and I couldn't ask for anything more.

I have to admit I had a brief moment of panic when Carina was sitting up on the bed. I was worried about her falling off, while I was simultaneously worried about holding on to Braden and making sure Carina was being gentle with him. Welcome to life with two kids-twice as much to worry about! We'll get the hang of it I'm sure.

After Carina got to meet Braden, she walked out to the waiting room to tell Dave and Gloria. They had been waiting patiently to find out who their newest grandchild was since 2:00 a.m. when they rushed to our house so we could go to the hospital. Carina told them, and then they came in to meet him. Carina also called Papa and Gigi to tell them the news. I think she felt really proud to be the one to share the news! We just know that she is going to be an amazing older sister. You are one lucky little guy Braden!