A Day of Rest

So nice to have a day of rest after the last couple of work days. We have a lovely time at Fresno Sunnyside SDA Church and a restful afternoon enjoying the air conditioning. We did finally venture out for a walk along the canal. Somehow we forgot to bring a carrier for Lincoln, so Robb rigged a sheet, which served the purpose.




In the evening, we enjoyed some fresh fruit pies with whipped cream. I'm pretty sure it doesn't get much better than fresh fruit pie with whipped cream.

The Coop, Day 2

So, yesterday was as hot as we feared it might be. But the guys successfully completed the footings and were ready to go again first thing this morning. Zeke loved going out to check the progress and generally get in the way. The rest of us just popped out for a few minutes, here and there. Did I mention that it was HOT!?

Lincoln grins at his good fortune to be in Hailey's arms.

These guys blow me away. By evening (despite the HOT) they had raised the walls, put in the floor (complete with tongue and groove flooring) and roofed the coop. Amazing work. There are going to be some happy chickens living in there soon.

The Coop, Day 1

The work begins. It is a pretty terrific goal to build a chicken coop in only a few days, and given that it is supposed to be blistering hot out today and tomorrow, who knows what will happen. But the guys were out bright and early, digging the foundation.

A little tomato thievery in Nana and Papa's garden.

Zeke keeps it cool with a water hose. He especially enjoyed giving the dogs "drinks".

Google Car!

We were standing out on the veranda when we saw the Google car drive up and turn around. I don't know how long it takes for them to upload the data, but maybe someday we'll be on Google Street View. He he.

Sunny California

Taking a moment to stop and smell the flowers.

We just can't get enough of this beautiful weather. Coming from a pretty chilly Walla Walla this time of year, it is a rare treat to run around outside in jeans and a t-shirt. Zeke tried to explore every inch of the property, but alas, only got part way through the front yard.

Bee Keeping

The good stuff.

Busy little workers.

This evening, Bill conceded to let everyone try out the bee suits. They fired up the smokers and tested their bravery. Awesome. Zeke and I observed from afar.

Ghirardelli Goodness

He's always willing to try the lemons.

An entire city block dedicated to the production of chocolate? Yes please. We stopped at a little restaurant for lunch, then on to the main event: chocolate malt shakes and hot fudge sundaes.

Pier 39

Posing with the Golden Gate Bridge.

Alcatraz Island is really rather pretty.

Practicing my paparazzi skills.

Ezekiel isn't sure what to think of the sea lions.

Pier 39 was great. Lots of cute little shops, street performers and views of the bay.

The Afterparty

Grandma Marie, Ezekiel and the wonder of bread sticks.

Super cute couple.

Trying to get some more snacks.

At Saint Mary's they have quite a system for graduation parties. The central lawn is packed with tents and picnics and parties. There is so much food, in fact, that we even noticed grazers—people randomly sampling the goodies at each party.

Graduation Day

A very proud papa.

It was such a perfectly beautiful day for an outdoor graduation! The campus was pristine, Amanda looked gorgeous and we all got to bask in the sun for a few hours. Success!

California Weekend

View from the airport.

View from the airplane.

View from the hotel.

We're in California for a quick weekend. We're going to attend Amanda's graduation from Saint Mary's College, visit with family (nanas and papas) and maybe see some sights.

The Ocean!

Hanging with cousin Alina.

Checking out the tide pools with daddy.

Audrey says hello.

Happy feet at the ocean.

Three little mamas.

Robb was so excited to introduce Ezekiel to the ocean. After catching early church, we packed a picnic lunch and formed a caravan with Malcolm, Hannah and Alina as well as Erik, Katy and Audrey. It was awesome!