One fascination that caught us by surprise has been: Drinking Fountains.It’s easy to forget the simple conveniences that surround us here in the “land of plenty,” and my kids seem to remind me of this fact daily.
Mom: That is a drinking fountain! Wanna try it?
Mom: You can drink out of it. Here, let me help you.
Mom: Yup, and you can wash your hands too.
Right next door - across the railroad tracks is Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, with trails and places to climb & discover.
Some trees in this park are over 1800 years old!
All five of us hiking - photo taken by uncle Jason & his new Nikon D80.
Aren't these kiddo's precious? The youngest one on the right is Jordan, though she could pass for one of the McNabb-sistas!
And what is a trip to Roaring Camp without posing as the Sheriff, or climbing a tree??
....or grumpy if they didn't get to sit up front.
What a neat spot to visit when the rides are cheap (75 cents per ride = 5 kuai!). I tend to notice the sturdy rides & safety belts, the cleanliness of the park and the politeness of standing in lines, but then I realize I am back in America again, that's why!
It’s amazing to have friends that date back to our “dating days!” - Friends that have remained close, despite the miles between us. We truly cherish friends like this – and we are so thankful for the entire weekend we spent with them. They drove 4 hours with their little kid = such devotion! This was our first chance to meet little Josiah – what a happy kid! He had so much energy and was so full of curiosity. I imagine being surrounded by so many older girls also infused him with extra vigor! He was so fun to play with, and we all enjoyed the kids’ time of bonding & interaction. Our nights were quite peaceful – as we managed to get 5 kids asleep under one roof so all us parents could talk & hang out. It’s wonderful to share time with others in similar life stages, to share challenges, joys & vision for the coming years! The weekend went too fast – but we know that friends like these are hard to come by, and that we will remain pals for generations to come. Well, at least another generation??
One brisk morning we all packed lunches and drove up the coast with fam+friends to enjoy the wide open beaches and beautiful weather. We can't seem to get enough of the ocean air and sand in our toes.
sisters & cousins
I have been especially full of joy this past 4 weeks because of the reunion with my dear friend Laura. I am continuously amazed by her heart, the ease with which we understand each other, and her life lived with such genuine love. She is a bosom friend.
Back in the day, we spent a good chunk of life becoming family with this random bunch of people - who quickly became solid friends. Many people came and went, and that is how we chose the name, "Nomads" for our crew. Its very fitting, as we have all wandered the globe far & wide: Italy, Kenya, New York, China, Japan, Texas, Kentucky, Hawaii, Uganda, and Australia. We recently planned a beach bonfire and all our kids played in the sand & surf. Its amazing to observe the variety of paths we have embarked upon, and how our kin get along so easily....even the newest additions! (12 kids in all)
It's great to reconnect with such quality friends, and pick up where we left off.
These three girls were fast friends.
Roasting 'mallows was a highlight too. Eden especially loved the s'more action.
Thanks friends for enriching our lives and being family to us. We are proud to be called Nomads, and we are eager to see where our paths may cross again.
The McNabb girls are loving spending quality time with their new cousin Jordana! She is 15 months old now, and thee cutest little girl. She has incredible blue eyes, gives precious hugs and makes some great facial expressions. She eats more food than all three of my girls combined - and she is so sweet natured. Can you tell that I am a big fan??
p.s. I know it isn't a real competition, but I like to think of myself as her favorite Auntie.
