Bass Lake 2013

I had the car packed and ready. We swooped in, picked Rosie up from her last day of kindergarten, shed a few tears (all of us... Mrs. Garritson included), picked up lunch at Pedro's Tacos and kept driving. Just one stop in Bakersfield to let all of the girls (and Wrigley) tink and we were in Bass Lake. Ron had been up there at camp working and we were eager to join him.  We had an amazing long weekend doing our favorite things.

"I am losing precious days. I am degenerating into a machine for making money. I am learning nothing in this trivial world of men. I must break away and get out into the mountains to learn the news."

                                                          - John Muir

Goodbye, Kindergarten

I've been dreading this blog post- you know, the one where I recap kindergarten. I don't want to recap because that means that it's over. No more picking Rosie up at 11:38 with afternoons free for adventuring. No more lunches together listening to Rosie free associate about the day.  

No more Mrs. Garritson. No more Friday Daddy P.E. 

It feels like a loss... and as I continue to loosen my grip on my girl, I grieve a bit.

But what a year it's been. 

Rosie's little muscles grew stronger this year.

Muscles of making friends, reading, writing, sitting and listening, counting and adding, memorizing poems,learning about animals and the way things work, and singing songs. 

Some of her highlights included Christmas caroling at Mrs. Garritson's house, playing the part of the postman in the Friendly Neighborhood Helpers play and the goose in the Jack and the Beanstalk play, the 100th day of school, listening to Mrs. Garritson read aloud, the jogathon, the field trip to the Ocean Institute, 25 cent pencils, art, Thursday library day and playing with friends at recess. 

We ventured into the waters of the drop off playdate and even rode bikes to school.

How does it all go by so quickly? 

Will I continue to both celebrate and grieve every new chapter?  

 I keep telling myself that September 9th is  llllooooonnnnngggggg way away and by then I'll be ready. 

For now, we are enjoying every moment of the summer.

Sonoma Getaway

This spring, Ron and I went away for the weekend to Sonoma. Neither of us had ever been there. We had the best weekend exploring, relaxing and being together. What a gift before Ron's busy summer season started. One afternoon we laid in a hammock next to a creek and read books and it was pure bliss. In the little town of Glen Ellen, if you're planning on walking into town for supper, the front desk gives you a flashlight so that you can find your way back to the hotel. It was wonderful and charming and the temperature and smells reminded me of Oakhurst. 

We visited a biodynamic winery, walked around Jack London National Park, ate wonderful food and enjoyed time together. We had an amazing weekend.   

Let's Go, Angels, Let's Go!!

Take me out to the ball game!

In the Mountains, By the Sea

When it feels like

 the weight of the world is on your shoulders,

it's best to get away to the mountains- 

even if it's just for 1 night.

In the mountains,

you can watch Wreck it Ralph on the big screen. 

When you get there,

you can concentrate on making
the most scrumptious S'mores.

It's easy to find good friends up the in the mountains.

And, there's this great guy who runs the place.... he'll make sure your bed is comfortable and fix  oatmeal and coffee over a campfire when you wake up.

It's rest for the soul.

Stay With Me, People!

Sorry friends! I've lost my momentum. This happen every year at this time. I struggle to keep up in almost every area of life... and then summer comes and I get to take a deep breath. I have to admit that I am a little overwhelmed by the amount that I have failed to blog about. I'll give you the highlights... and there are some SERIOUS highlights. Go refill your iced tea and get ready for the Eckert Family Picture Marathon. It's almost as entertaining as an episode of Horders..... almost.

XOXO