August & September, Instagram Style

Freshly harvested shallots, drying in the sun.

When I awoke this morning, I found Merida (from Brave) lounging on my sofa!

Ta-Daaaa!

Nori's napping again? No way!

Kayaking for the first time in my life. (Annual Father/Daughter Camping Trip. This year's location: Donner Lake)

Good morning, beautiful world! (Donner Lake)

Enjoying the view. (Donner Lake)

(Donner Lake)

Elinor asked me to take one of her baby dolls camping with me. "Camping Baby" quickly made friends with the local wildlife. (Donner Lake)

Date night with the hubby. Reminds me of the old days at Socal's. (Sebastopol)

Yummmm ... Dinner at Forchetta/Bastoni (Sebastopol)

Day trip to Bodega Bay with Grandma Kim. (Photo by Evan)

Attempting a family photo in a twiggy fort we found. (Bodega Bay)

We didn't bring swimsuits because the weather was overcast and chilly, but Little Miss Elinor insisted on getting in anyway. (Bodega Bay)

Yikes, that's cold! (Bodega Bay)

You gotta get salt water taffy when you're in Bodega Bay.

Playing "baseball" on the beach with a drift wood bat and a tennis ball we found. (Bodega Bay)

Scheming.

According to Elinor, the essentials for any outing: small cloth sack, burp cloth, magnifying glass, bungee cord, slide whistle, Koosh ball, magic wand. Because you never know.

A style all her own.

A little help here please?

Evan drew portraits of each of us. He's got my nostrils down, don't you think? ;) Also, apparently I am wearing a flesh-colored bodysuit and suspenders?

I think this one is my favorite.

Evan's self-portrait. He went off of a photo we used for a Christmas card a couple years ago.

Stephen WISHES he were allowed to grow a beard like that in the fire service!

Ch-ch-ch-chia!

Soon to be sunflowers. #latebloomer #icanrelate

Someone got a haircut...

New 'dos for school.

Circles.

Sacramento Zoo

Elinor getting messy with her BFF Harlie at the Chalk It Up Festival.

Leaving Chalk It Up.

Some months back, Evan submitted one of his animal drawings to Zoobooks, a magazine to which he subscribes. This envelope was sent to him in return. I love that they addressed it to 'Evan Silack, Artist'. This is going in the baby box, fo' sho'.

Evan's first published artwork! :-D

good morning, sunshine.

Post Preschool Tea Party: Serious Business.

Spending the morning at Art Beast with my #1 girl.

She's crafty! (Art Beast)

Making NOISE!! (Art Beast)

Bathing a babe. (Art Beast)

Who knew birdseed was so much fun? (Art Beast)

Art Beast

Bloody Mary's on a Thursday morning? Sure why not! First day of having two kids in school is cause for celebration! (Cafe Bernardo)

Preschool makes someone very sleepy.

Fun night out with good friends in honor of Josh's birthday.

Evan, Grampa Sam, and I helped clean up the American River Parkway with Sac State Serves.

So. Much. Trash.

Officially a Preschooler.

An angry pirate in his underwear ... A treasure chest being chased downhill by a vicious dog ... A snake slithering through the eye sockets of a human skull ... And a mouse house, complete with furniture. Wow, Evan, there's a LOT going on here!

Photo by Stephen

Don't mind if I do! (Tequila Museo Mayahuel)

Oatmeal Breakfast Face wishes each of you a very merry morning.

A sweet treat to celebrate no crying at preschool! (Not sure why Instagram squished the photo like that.)

Totally Bought Tater Tots. (Alternate title: Potato OCD)

An absolutely adorable card that Evan drew for his friend Mazzy.

Happy 6th Birthday, Evan!!! (Sacramento Children's Museum)

The Bobsie Twins (Sacramento Children's Museum)

Nori the Awkward Napper strikes again!

On a bike ride with my favorite little gal. (I realize we are riding on the wrong side of the road. We had just crossed the street because our house is just ahead on the left.)

Clearly up to no good.

Full moon backyard dance party: totally happening right now.

sittin sibs

Cupcake face at Jordan's birthday party.

Climbs like a spider.