Monday, July 31, 2006

A 'Birdseye' View of California

A brief summary of some of the highlights from our trip:
Scott and Jonah enjoyed relaxing and reading on the deck at the cabin in Longbarn. Some friends graciously offered to let us use their cabin and they spent a couple of days up there with us. After a few days at the cabin, we went to Modesto so Jonah could visit his grandparents.

The next stop on our trip was Eureka, from where we went on a day trip to the National Redwood Forest. This tree is one in the Tall Trees Grove, accessible only by a 'leisurely stroll' (so said the pamphlet) of 1.3 miles. In hindsight, we assume that the stroll would indeed be leisurely if the temperature was less than 90 degrees and the humidity less than 80% and if one weren't carrying a hot sweaty baby so close. And did it mention that it was 1.3 miles to the trailhead, where the 'real' hike began? But it was a beautiful walk nonetheless, and we got this picture.

From Eureka we headed down the coast and stayed a night at Fort Bragg. This picture was taken at Glass Beach. We all look a little more refreshed in this picture mainly because we took a break from our camping adventures halfway through the week and stayed the previous night in a hotel. Jonah needed a full night's rest, and frankly, so did his parents! All in all, Jonah did great on the trip, other than having a hard time sleeping in the tent at night in so many new places.

We made our way down the coast to the San Francisco area, where we walked Jonah across the Golden Gate Bridge. He liked feeling the wind blowing in his hair!


Our last night on vacation was spent at Morro Bay. It was Jonah's very first time there, and I was so excited to show him one of my favorite spots. My first time there was when I was 6 weeks old. I spent every summer vacation there with my family and have lots of fun memories of that place. Morro Bay became even more special to me when Scott proposed to me there. It was neat to take our own child back to that place to create even more memories...this time with Jonah.

Friday, July 14, 2006

A Grafted Branch

Today, July 14th, Hope officially became a Staley in the eyes of the law. Amy's brother, Chuck and his wife Gina adopted her at birth ten months ago. We are so glad to have her as part of our family--she fits right in! Jonah really enjoys having a cousin 'about his size' to play with!

Monday, July 10, 2006

Sitting up...Sorta!

Jonah's trying to get the hang of this sitting up stuff. He does pretty good if he's supported with his boppy and if Mom or Dad is there to catch him--not if--but when--he falls over!

What a great view of my toes!!

Mom, take pity on me and put the camera down!!

Wednesday, July 05, 2006

Independence Day


Happy 4th of July!!!
Jonah tried to declare his own independence by spiking his mohawk.
Mom didn't like that idea.

After dinner with friends, Jonah experienced his first Dodgers game! They beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 11-3! Jonah liked doing the wave. He did really well at the game.

A rare family shot.
After the game ended, there was a fireworks show. This was Jonah's reaction for pretty much the whole time... he liked looking at the bright colors in the sky but was a little overwhelmed by the big booms.
Happy Birthday, America! (And our niece Megan!)