Thursday, August 27, 2009

Summer flashback

A few weeks ago, a hot air balloon landed right in front of our house, literally feet away from our door. It was pretty crazy! They fly over our house regularly on the weekends, as hot air balloon rides is a popular weekend activity in the Napa Valley. But this particular weekend was a bit more exciting. Jeff comes rushing into the house to grab the camera, saying over his shoulder, "I think a hot air balloon is about to land on our house!" I'm just getting back to sleep after a restless night with Atti and am prepared to ignore him, and what I am sure is some extreme exaggerating on his part. Moments later I hear this loud wooshing kind of noise that I associate with the balloons, but MUCH louder than normal. I jump out of bed and poke my head out the back door to see this huge balloon, looking like it is about 2 feet from landing on our roof. They managed to get over our house, but never made it to the parking lot they were aiming for a few blocks away from us.

It was really fun to watch them navigate the landing and then the deflating and packing up of the balloon. I think it was the most exciting thing to happen on Trinity Way since Atti was born! Unfortunately, Sam and Elias were having a sleep over at Grannie's house and missed the whole thing. Maybe Atti will remember it and tell them all about when he learns how to talk!







Monday, August 24, 2009

Summer flashback

I didn't do such a great job keeping up with our blog this summer, so I'm planning a series of flashbacks to share a bit more of our adventures with you. I also didn't do such a great job taking a lot of photos, so it may be a short series, but better than nothing...right?

First up is a hiking trip to one of our favorite parks in Napa, Westwood Hills. The boys are great hikers, even at this park, which features some pretty steep trails. There are some lovely views from Westwood, lots of euculyptus trees, and even the occasional herd of grazing cows.

Here is a nice landscape shot, photo courtesy of Sam.


We almost always end up at the "Spider Tree", which is a giant tree, with a branching truck, that resembles, you've guessed it, a spider. It is a great place for climbing, and for mid-hike snacking.

It's never too early to learn how to climb trees!


Snacking at the spider tree, possibly Patch's favorite part of the whole venture.

Serious boys.

There is even a rope swing!

Sleepy little hiker.

Atti loves the woods- it's a great place for shrieking!




It was a great way to spend a summer morning!

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Bath time fun




I promise more text and photos soon- we're very busy these days soaking up those last precious days of summer. School starts next week!