First Tooth

Look closely and you will see that Madelyn's first tooth has arrived! (her bottom right) Based on the excess amount of drooling and chewing, there are more on the way!

Sleepy

All this reading sure can tire a girl out!

Big Bear Lake

The Martin family escaped to Big Bear Lake this past weekend, a gorgeous area about 3 hours from our house. We rented a cozy cabin which, although tiny, was a perfect mountain home for the two days we were there. The drive up was an adventure in itself- driving up the mountain in complete darkness with a thick layer of fog and incredibly windy roads- I think I held my breath the entire time! We woke up Saturday morning to chilly temperatures and beautiful sights. Our first stop was Big Bear Discovery Center where Zoe got to touch lots of animal skins, make a dreamcatcher, and dig for an arrowhead. From there we put the girls in the stroller for a 7 mile walk along the lake where the views were unbelievable (these pictures do not do it justice!) After a quick stop for lunch, it was on to the Alpine Slides and Go-Karts. Zoe loved her first experience on the ski lift and showed no fear coming down the slides! After some shopping and dinner, we were all exhausted and in bed by 8pm. Sunday morning we took a 1.5 mile walk on the Woodland trail, where we got to explore nature, get lots of exercise, and see more breathtaking views. It was hard to pack up and leave this beautiful town, but we will definitely be back again soon!

My beautiful girl posing in front of the lake.

Family shot- what a backdrop!

Taking a break during our hike- 1.5 miles is pretty far for a 4 year old!


Zoe and Daddy posing along the trail.

Weeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!

Madelyn looking adorable in her new hat.

Another great photo opportunity.

Daddy's Little Girl

Ahhh! I'm gettting attacked by a mountain lion!

Big Toy!

Madelyn is having fun exploring her "new" big girl toy.

Rainy Day

We had a cloudy, rainy day today, a rarity in southern California. It was nice to open the patio hear and hear the rain, and Zoe was totally into the lightning and thunder. Here is a picture of one of our rainy day activities- making dinosaurs out of felt shapes. Zoe is proudly displaying her stegosaurus.

Pumpkin Festival

This weekend we went to a pumpkin festival in a town nearby called Calabassas. There were games, a giant slide, the swing ride, and lots of yummy food. It was a beautiful fall day to walk around and both girls really enjoyed it!

Zoe's first experience on the swings. I remember loving this ride as a kid, now I get sick just watching her on it.

After 3 attempts, this was the best picture I could get of Darryl and the girls.

Posing with an inflatable pumpkin

Belly Sleeper

Even though I risked waking her up, I couldn't resist taking this picture.

Happy 5 months, my sweet baby.

Zoe's Field Trip

Today I accompanied Zoe on her first school field trip to Underwood Farms in the lovely town of Moorpark, California. It worked out perfectly that Darryl was off for Columbus Day and could stay home with Madelyn, giving Zoe and I some time with just us. Although the temperatures soared into the 90s, we had a great time!

Snuggle Bug

Love this little girl

Package!!

Nothing's more exciting to Zoe than getting a package in the mail from Grandma Rothfus! Thanks for all the great books!

Baby Blues

Showing off those beautiful baby blues!