Nonna bought me a noodle

  

With Tio going to ride the train at Tilden Park

  

What not to wear to a park

  

After first time on a roller coaster

  

Captain Ava in Santa Cruz

  

The big wave at the aquarium

  

The Seaside Honeymoon Dump:*(

  

Then hanging with Auntie Kate

  

Then to Capitola Beach

  

Fun with my buddy and his snake

  

Now we're in Berkeley

It was 103 leaving Fremont today on BART and the a.c. was out on our car....

In Capitola.....oh the misery:*)

We're in Capitola this week, looking out the window at the surfers and otters. Off to Bezerkeley Thursday, then to "Och"....I'll post pics next Tuesday or Wednesday, as, I'm on vacation and left the laptop(aka "work") at home.

Went to Nordstrom's today....

 
And look what my mom bought me:*) 

Twisted Ankle (note ace bandage:*)

 
"DON'T TAKE MY PICTURE MOM!" 

Showing off her climbing skills

  

Belly Dancing While on Swing

  

Guess Who Can Write Her Name?

  

Ava's getting freckles

 

We've been so diligent with sunscreen and hats, but I guess we've failed. Her first freckle has shown up beneath her right eye:*( 

Girls LOOVVVEEE Cake

  

On our way....

John got his orders today, so it's official: Stuttgart, Germany, here we come! If you're planning a visit, you'd better do it soon, as we're leaving the 1st of August.

Ava's T-Ball "Team"

I use the word "team" loosely....it's more like a "bunch of kids running around not having a clue what to do". 

If anyone is reading this.....

Could you please leave a comment once to let me know that you've visited? I'm starting to think that nobody is looking....

The Masked Marauder

What kids can do with some imagination and a nylon swim hat:*) 

What a beautiful sight

John just pointed this out to Ava and me.....what a beautiful way to end a very blustery day. 

The joys of parenthood

When your child gets old enough to vacuum:*) 

End of vacation

What a wonderful way to end a visit....dinner on the water! 

Good thing I didn't sit on the handrail

Coming back on the ferry, and luckily following the rules! 

The Aunts come to visit

Catherine(seated with Ava) and Kathaleen came to visit us from New York. Here we are having lunch at The Pink Door in Seattle.
*note the Holmes family resemblance:*) 

Next stop: Germany

Well, we think we're off to Germany next. But, as we all know, it's never absolute until we are on the airplane....

Ava goes to Holden's Birthday Party

It was held at the Kid's Discovery Museum on Bainbridge Island. A whole lot of kids having a really good time and a whole lot moms having a good time just hanging out!