Geoffrey is officially in school!

Okay.  So I think I had an easier time with Maddie's first-day-of-school post on Monday than I will with this one.  And I honestly believe that is because she is now in her fourth year of being in the education system -- and one of those years was in a completely foreign country!!  Needless to say, our independent little girl is quite the "pro" at starting new things, school being at the top of the list.

But I digress.  This post is not about Maddie, but about our charming little man, Geoffrey Patrick.   Geoffrey started his schooling career today, as a student at the La Verne Parent Participation Preschool, which is a co-op close by.  We first toured the school last February, and this child has been asking us weekly (sometimes daily), if it is August yet and his turn to go to school!  So as we've been approaching today, for months, Geoffrey's excitement has grown until he was nearly bursting this morning with anticipation.

He scampered down the stairs this morning in hopes of discovering the chalkboard might say something about his big day.  It did not disappoint!

I asked Geoffrey this morning, "What do you want to be when you grow up?"  He barely hesitated, as he exclaimed, "A seaplane pilot!  As long as I can take passengers.  Can you and Daddy be my passengers?"
When describing Geoffrey on paper to his teachers who have yet to get to know him, it was not hard for me to write many endearing traits that he has -- yes, I'm biased, but I also feel like we've got a pretty special kid here, with amazing qualities.  Our 3 1/2 year old is kind, gentle, friendly, smart, considerate, empathetic, compliant, helpful, silly, curious and articulate.  And he always loves to cuddle.

As we were driving to school, he asked me one time, if it was going to be a long time before I picked him up, or a short time.  I told him it was 3 hours, and I will be picking him up at lunch time.  I looked back at him, seeing him stare out his window, and my heartstrings burst as I quickly asked, "Are you okay?"  He snapped out of his glance and immediately smiled, and said, "Yup!"  This boy is ready.

We went to the back of the school and played in the yard, as more families began to arrive.  Geoffrey already had his plan before we even left our house: he was going to drive in one of the cars, to which he was going to name "blue van" (because of our new blue van).  He made himself right at home.

Geoffrey is in Room 2 this year, with his teacher, Miss Kristen.  She has already made a few comments about how cute and articulate he is.  I just gave her a knowing smile.

The school is adorable, small, and perfect for a child's first schooling experience.  I know I'm going to be picking up one dirty, sweaty, happy little guy in just a little while.  I can't wait!

And this is how I left him.  After he gave me big hugs and kisses, he smiled and went back to playing with the construction machine he had discovered.  Oh, to be in preschool again!

Geoffrey Patrick, your daddy and I are SO very proud of the person you are becoming.  We pray that you only continue to love others with your gentle spirit, and never lose your curiosity to discover.  Welcome to preschool, buddy!!  Its going to be a fabulous year!!

Maddie Mae: 1st grader!

Where did the time go??

That is SO cliche and I almost don't like to admit it, but I think this way too!  I have a 1st grader, who I swear was just born yesterday.  But rather than nostalgically hang on to memories of the past, reflecting on what has been, I'm looking forward.  I'm looking at what is and what is to come.

This girl.  Maddie is our firecracker.  She lights up a room with her personality, always quick to tell everyone about everything going on in her life.  If there is music on, Maddie will twirl and dance, and perform for us.  If there is no music on, well, she will continue to twirl and dance, and perform!   Her reading skills have soared and it is rare for her to go more than two hours without a book in her hands.  She has been devouring the chapter books we put in front of her, and are excited to see what new series she is introduced to this year!

Maddie told me she is most excited about going to recess and eating lunch at school.  But then she thought about it, and said she is really looking forward to Math.  My child?!?  I am so happy to watch her love for learning only continue to flourish and grow.  Maddie was holding my hand as we walked along the sidewalk to school, this morning.  She is wearing her brand new outfit, complete with new pink shoes, "Frozen" backpack and lunchbox, and accessorized with her dazzling smile.  At one point, I looked at her and asked how she was doing.  She turned up and smiled real big, said, "Well, I kind of have butterflies.  But I'm a first grader, now.  So I don't have anything to be afraid of.  It's going to be so much fun!"

Maddie is very social and loves to make friends.  We already knew in advance of a few friends from last year who would be in her class.  She was pretty pumped to discover that she is sitting next to one of her best friends from her class last year!  It's always fun to return to school with friends, and she has assured me that she wants to also meet the new kids in her class who might not have been at her school last year.  I pray that she only continues to keep her heart open to all those around her.  What a gift!

Oh!  And just like last year, Maddie is starting this first day of school with 2 loose teeth!  Both of her top middle teeth are getting close to coming out.  They aren't hanging by a thread, but they are certainly wiggling.  We will see if she has two holes in her smile on picture day next month!

We are SO excited about the 1st grade, and we were happy to finally meet Maddie's teacher this morning: Mrs. Bracci.  I know it is going to be a fabulous year!!

Happy first day of 1st grade, Maddie Mae!!!!

Our camping trip on the California Central Coast

Can we just pause for a moment to note how incredible this is that I am actually blogging only 1 WEEK after an event has taken place??  Thank you, I know.  I'm amazing.  ;)

Last weekend, we took off for our second family camping vacation, and it was as much of a success as the first one we went on last month.  This time, we hit up the California Central Coast, more specifically Washburn Campground, which is a branch off of the San Simeon State Park.  For our first summer of camping, our primary goal was to test the waters and see how our little family would fair "roughing it" for a few nights, both in the mountains and on the coast.  We loved the diversity both trips brought and have equally fond memories from those locations.  

The first change to this trip was the fact that we got our new mini-van just 2 nights prior to departure.  What does this have to do with the trip?  Well, when packing up a vehicle no longer requires an extra 45 minutes of shifting to make each "puzzle piece" fit, the trip immediately becomes more enjoyable, as all four members of the family have ample space to enjoy the 5 hour car ride.

Taking off in our new wheels!

You might want to take a quick glance at the first picture from my last post, and compare this picture with that one --- seriously, we now have SO.MUCH.ROOM!! 

We made it up to Washburn Campground with zero problems, and only one stop - amazing (must be all the extra room in the van).  We had left town after lunchtime because of the kids' swim lessons that morning, so needless to say, we arrived at 6, with an equal need to set up camp in the daylight and get dinner cooking.  Without a second thought, we got to work and accomplished both tasks beautifully, with sunlight to spare!

We had a beautiful view, even with a full campground of other campers surrounding us.  And we were about 1 mile up from the beach, so we were able to enjoy the salt air smells, giving us great anticipation for the next day's ocean adventures! 

Sunset, food, family, and a new van.  Life is good.

The following morning, after breakfast/cleanup, we went off on our first adventure.  The kids had been given "Junior Ranger Adventure Workbooks" when we had arrived, and they were eager to complete the activities in order to earn their special Junior Ranger badges.  We decided to take the 1-mile trail that led down to the beach, along with their workbooks, to see what activities we could complete.  Well, what we had originally thought to be the supposed trail we had been told about, ended up leading us around and around, through the forest, over a marsh, and up more hills, but never directly down to the beach.  We eventually figured a way out of the predicament, and just continued to remind the kids that the extra 45 minute hike was worthwhile because we were able to see so much more of God's beautiful creation, and we were able to spot more animals that could be found in their ranger workbooks.  (Thank goodness we had those books!)

Armed with books and a beach shovel.  We're ready!

Daddy, leading the way.

This is about the moment where we started wondering where the trail really was...

 So we headed back to the road and just started walking down the hill, and straight for the ocean.  And just off the road, we found a marked trail that *definitely* appeared to be the one we wanted!

But why is the trail going this way, and the ocean is going that way??

Rather than think about the fact that the trail was heading in the direction of that hill up ahead, and not down to the ocean, I decided to play around with a few settings on my camera. 

We made it to the boardwalk!  ....only not the one we had been expecting.  Oh well, time for a family selfie anyway!

We found it!!  The trail!!  We think...

The boardwalk we were hoping for!!  Finally, moments away from being on the sand!

We made it!  Nothing like the beaches in SoCal.  This was quite deserted and very rocky.  We appreciated the diversity from what we are accustomed to.  The kids had to adjust a bit, but they learned to appreciate it as well.

Family selfie #2...don't worry.  There are more. ;)

We brought one kite with us on this trip, the checkerboard delta kite that holds a very special place in the family.  The kids were thrilled to be able to have a chance to fly a big kite!

Look at this little man!  He is pretty excited to get to fly the big kite all by himself!

Geoffrey did great!  But the wind was holding a pretty good clip, so Brant resumed his position as "stabilizer."

She loved it, too!

We enjoyed climbing over all the big rocks on the shoreline; always with shovel in hand.

Flying a kite with my girl, and her "knee-pop" pose. ;)

No surprise here; she preferred being in charge of the string and flying it by herself.

Okay, I guess I did, too.

The new kind of "playing at the beach," which entails digging in rocks and burying your shovels.  Again, it was so great to introduce them to different ways to enjoy nature and the ocean/beaches.

We made it back up to camp for lunch and a small rest/quiet time.  This kid.  Pretty sure he was up to something.

We headed back down to the highway, where we drove about 5 miles in pursuit of the Elephant Seal Beach.  It is currently "molting" season for these animals, and according to the park ranger we spoke with, this time of year, there are not very many seals on the beach.  Well, I counted 89.  I thought that was a lot.  It was great fun to show the kids these beastly animals in their natural habitat, and not at a zoo.  They loved it!

Can't say they are the most attractive animal God created.

Maddie was relieved to hear we weren't going to be playing on this beach.  Geoffrey didn't quite understand why we couldn't just do it anyway.

We hopped back in the car and drove about 10 minutes up into the southern end of Big Sur, where we hit Ragged Point Inn & Resort.  We were given this recommendation for the views and a place to find a sweet treat, along with plenty of paths to explore.  There was also a wedding that had just concluded, and so the game, "wedding" commenced as soon as we spotted the alter on the lawn.

Just before we began the drive up.  The scenery is just so beautiful out there. 

From the steps of the wedding alter.  I'd say that is a pretty spectacular (and pricey) backdrop for a wedding to take place!

Love him more than anything. 

Hooray for ice-cream treats!

And here is the progression of our "wedding" game... (and although there are no pictures, Geoffrey quickly proceeded to play the same game with me!)  It was all so sweet!

Walking up to the alter, and not as the bride with her father, but rather the bride with her groom!

They exchanged a glance and a side hug...

And then The Kiss! (with a side of a protective little brother!)

A little more exploring.

Breathtaking views over the cliffs. 

I loved the little pathways around the grounds, with all the colors and the ocean breeze.  It was a wonderful destination!

We made one more stop before getting back to the campground for dinner.  We played at the Hearst Beach State Park, which the kids were very happy about.  This wasn't a rocky beach, and perfect for making sand castles.  Throughout the day, we had been told about the recent humpback whale sightings along the coastline.  We had seen quite a few whale sprays across the horizon, amazed at the thought of the massive animals gliding through the water, just beyond us.  Well, as we were sitting at the Hearst Beach, we saw multiple whales spraying water and barely swimming above the water's surface.  I have always had a big fascination with whales, and have longed to see them in action, but I've never pursued a tour because I also get motion sick pretty easily.  I was so excited to finally be seeing the sprays and the edges of their backs peeking out of the water.

Then it happened.  And I have no picture to prove it; just my honor and that of my husband's, backing up my claim.  A humpback whale breached a good 5 feet out of the water, with it's mouth wide open, and then went back into the ocean.  !!!!!!  I cannot emphasize enough how BIG of a deal this is to me!!  I was floored and going nuts that we had just witnessed that!  (And it also made the desire to jump into the water decrease quite a bit!) ;)

Minutes before the whale sighting!

Photo-bombed our own selfie.

Naturally, I held him back, and forced him to take another one.  Oh, and the whale breached in the water, just off behind Brant's shoulder.

Finally playing in legit sand!

Finishing up their Junior Ranger workbooks before the sun sets!

We walked along the perimeter of the campground on Saturday evening, and found a great place to watch the sunset over the ocean.  The kids have never watched a full sunset before, and it was fun explaining to them what was happening, and listening to their commentary about all the little details.

Perfection.  Thank you, God!

Basking in the last glow of the sunlight.

A perfect view.

Sunday was our last day, which meant packing up our camp gear first thing in the morning, but we didn't plan to hit the road and get home.  We had an afternoon at Hearst Castle to enjoy first, which was only about 10 minutes away!  On our way out of the campground, Maddie and Geoffrey presented their workbooks and earned their Junior Ranger badges, which they were quite proud of.

Displaying their badges with pride.

Maddie wanted to be sure I shared the close-up of her badge. ;)

We arrived at Hearst Castle, and had some time to spare before heading up the hill for our tour.  We watched the short film all about the creation and history of the estate, and grabbed a picnic lunch from the van, before boarding our tour bus.  The drive is about 15 minutes long, up the beautiful hillsides, with sweeping views of the ocean, and peek-a-boo sightings of the castle, as the road winds in and out of curves.

You can see the castle way up in the center of this picture.

We chose to take the "Upstairs Suites Tour," which was recommended based on the small tour group size, our timeline, and the speediness of the walking tour for our young kids, as opposed to going through the grand rooms, standing and listening to someone talk for awhile before moving on.  We made the right choice. Thankfully, the tour only took us through a handful of the rooms, seeing as there are 165 rooms in the castle! I guess between the rooms, the terraces, the walkways, the pools and the 127 acres of gardens, one just might be able to showcase their legendary art collection.

Now, a quick note about all of the pictures to come...I do not have specific reasons for taking most of the pictures, other than I found something to be striking.  My apologies that I do not have captions that can explain everything in detail.  Hopefully, you can get a taste as to what the inside/outside of the castle is like!

I can't get over the tapestry hung on the walls -- I understand it was the style, and it's pretty in this room, but I'm really glad that style has passed.

This piece caught my eye because of it's bright colors - I love all things bright!

The ceilings in these rooms were each uniquely different, and so very intricate.  Many had been purchased in Europe from estate sales, and transported back to the castle.  

Such lovely architecture, all over the property.  This was a terrace outside one of the many guest rooms. 

Maddie and I loved all the pink in this room.  

The kids don't believe me that this is a phone.  So, naturally, I had to take a picture.

The library.

Maddie and Brant both requested a personal library like this!

Geoffrey was just happy to be along for the tour.

I wonder if part of Hearst's European architecture inspiration came from the Netherlands...  The thing is, we were walking along on the opposite side of this railing.  In our house in the Netherlands?  We were on that inside spiral --- without the handrail!!

Hearst's personal study.

I know it's just a bed, but this was Hearst's room, so I felt obligated to get a picture of it.

I can see why he designed his bedroom window to be facing this way.

The fanciful Gothic Study, where Hearst previewed his newpapers every night before printing. 

Art artifacts like these were covering every inch of this castle.  It really is quite impressive, until it becomes slightly sickening. 

Such a cool loft bedroom.  Amazing how so many rooms in one home can be incredibly different from one another.

After the tour, we were able to meander around the outside grounds for however long, before catching the bus back down the hill.

Pretty spectacular place, you can't argue that!

That small jut of land/cove you see off to the left is the Hearst Beach State Park (where we spotted the whales the day before). 

Intricate all the way down to the tile on the ground.

Proud of these two for enduring a walking tour through a lot of adult history.

One of three guest cottages on the property, which were primarily put to use as the castle was being built.

Beautiful gardens.

We were able to see the white marble floor of the Neptune Pool, that is both undergoing restoration as well as conserving water during the severe drought.  This picture only caught some of the pool - it is quite large, and overlooks the ocean views.  It would be so fun to swim in this pool!

The Roman Pool.  It was as gorgeous as you might think it to be.

We boarded the bus and headed back down the hill, where we piled into our van and started our journey home.  What a wonderful vacation we had, and we all felt like we only scratched the surface of the area.  We can't wait to return and explore so much more.  Looks like we are officially a camping family, too! :)