Music at the Ranch

One of our favorite summer traditions is attending the Music at the Ranch outdoor concert series. Every week we met the Voita's for a yummy picnic, good music, dancing, and people watching. The Damron family joined us a few times as well and all the boys had so much fun running around together. Thanks to Val Voita for the great photos.

Cousins in Summerland

My cousins Steve and Cris and their families joined us in Summerland for some fun at the beach. The day started out a little chilly and overcast but the clouds soon gave way to sunshine. Daniel loved playing with his older cousins. Later that evening we stopped by Steve & Evy's house so everyone could spend more time together. The adults enjoyed margaritas while the kids played and Cris' wife Treena (experienced madre of three kiddos) did a commendable job trying to calm Kendall down. The only way we get through Kendall's daily fussy time is with our own "Cocktail Hour". Though I'm not sure we will be invited back anytime soon due to Kendall's massive poopy diaper blow out all over the rug. Sorry guys- we owe you some carpet cleaner!

Holden and Allison hit the waves.

Daniel, Grandpa and Libby build a sand castle.

Ruby helps Spencer dig an enormous hole.

Val's San Fran Baby Shower

After Kendall's stellar behavior during our drive to and from Sacramento I decided to tempt fate and take her on another road trip- this time to attend my sister's baby shower in San Francisco. Daniel stayed with Brian's parents for the weekend and my mom, Kendall and I headed for the bay.
My sister is the first of her friends to have a baby and Val's girlfriends did a wonderful job hosting her shower. My sweet Kendall provided free birth-control to the shower guests courtesy of her crying and fussing. You're very welcome, ladies.
Once again, I failed at documenting the weekend with photos but I had such a fun time hanging out with my sister and mom. We took a walk to West Portal, decorated the baby's room with Curious George decals and even got pedicures together. Kendall served as guinea-pig and tested out all of her cousin's new things (crib, jogging stroller, white changing pad, and Bjorn). This will definitely be the last time I see my sister before the baby is born and I am so excited for my nephew's arrival.

Val's friends did a "Cirque du Bebe" themed shower.

Kendall gives her sign of approval to Baby Boy Dach's crib.

Just chillin' with my ball

Who me? I never cry.

Road trip to Sacramento

My uncle who lives in Sacramento just retired and planned a celebratory pig roast. Most of my mom's family was going. I was pretty skeptical whether or not the kids and I should go. Kendall has been super fussy recently. She cries at the top of her lungs and we are hard pressed to find anything (nursing, pacifier, swaddling, bouncing, etc.) that works to soothe her. The thought of driving to Sacramento with her frightened me. At the same time, I really wanted to see my family and get another chance to see Val before she delivers her baby. I decided to go and we set off on a potentially very long car ride. To my surprise, Kendall was awesome in the car! We went with my parents and I sat in the back with the kids. Daniel did great during the trip too. He was fascinated to see all the different semis and construction vehicles on the road.
We stayed in a hotel in Sacramento which was a first for Daniel. Daniel loved the hotel and the glass elevator was Daniel's highlight of the trip. As usual, even though I had my camera I didn't end up taking any photos so I stole the ones below from Val.

Roast pig!

Daniel enjoyed himself at the party but it made it clear he was eager to return to the hotel.

Auntie Mary took over baby soothing duties so I could relax and have a beer or two.

Uncle Randy (taking a break from roasting the pig) with my Mom.

Sisters!

Daniel and my Dad.

Kendall loves relaxing against Val's baby bump.

Daniel and Jeff in unplanned matching outfits.

Fourth of July

We celebrated Fourth of July at my parent's neighborhood block party. Daniel had a great time riding his trike in the street. It was a beautiful, hot day and fun to hang out with the whole family.

It wouldn't be Fourth of July without a ride on the tandem bike.

Charley and Barley. Canine cousins.

Cousins

Brian's sister and her kids have been in town the last week and a half visiting from Arizona. Brian's parents' house sure was full with all four grandkids and their many toys!

 

 

Summerland in the Summer

Val and Jeff came down this weekend. It will likely be their last trip to Santa Barbara before BBD (Baby Boy Dachenhaus) is born in late August. Today we spent a relaxing day at my parent's condo in Summerland eating, drinking, and enjoying the ocean view.

Daniel is uber-excited because he pooped in the potty for the first time! He was met with cheers and yells from the entire family. Imagine if everyone received such encouragement after leaving the bathroom.

Kendall

Why is it that the second child has so many less photos taken of them? Poor Kendall!