August and September 2009

Kerry, Avery, Cliona and I went on our first of many Mommy-daughter adventures. We visited Yosemite National Park in northern California. Not daunted by the 6 hour drive we packed up one sunny Sunday morning and the adventure began. It was so easy making the trip with the two girls - they chatted away happily and had plenty of activities to keep them occupied. Then we sang a little, played I Spy a little and before you knew it we were looking down at Yosemite valley from Tunnel view. A short drive brought us to Camp Curry - our home for the next 3 days. The first evening the girls attended a Wee Wild Ones program all about birds. Then, once the sun went down, we got out our torches and went looking for bears. We found a bear trap but no bears.
The next day was filled with lots of great kid-friendly activities. A short hike to Yosemite lower falls, a visit to the visitors center and Miwok (native americans)village, a swim in a river and in a pool and we finished off the evening with a ranger-led campfire program all about bats! Must have made a lasting impression on Cliona as she is bat-girl crazy now and is planning on dressing up as bat-girl for Halloween. The last day we did a little more hiking and visited a nature center before it was time to head home. It was a really fun trip, the scenary was spectacular. It'll be nice to re-visit when the girls are a little older and we can take longer hikes.

Right after we got back from Yosemite, Stephen, Cliona and I went camping with some friends at Leo Carrillo state beach. It was nice to get such a change of scenary and we all enjoying playing on the beach and hanging out by the campfire. Cliona even met one of her school friends at the campground by chance.
Karen came to visit in September so we all went down to San Diego to see her. More fun by the beach and in the waves - the boogie board was well used!
Cliona started in her new prechool class in September - she is now a dolphin and is really enjoying her new teachers. She's doing dance through the school now and the school has started music and yoga classes. She's only had one of each but so far she seems to like both. She came home showing me all the yoga moves she was taught - I like the idea of breaking up the day as she's now in school 5 days a week.
Of course the big news is that Stephen and I are expecting a new baby in March. We are really excited to have a baby in the house again and Cliona is delighted too. She's requested a sister but we'll have to wait until Halloween to find out the gender.
All our photos are HERE