life in the fast lane

***Warning, this post is long. I won't blame you if you just scroll through the pictures just to see my handsome boys.... or just skip it all together.

A few weeks back Todd had one of his glorious two week breaks. During the first week he headed out to the beautiful state of North Carolina for yet another oral surgery externship. Of course Ryder and I didn’t want to get too lonely, so we made our way inland to sunny Merced to spend time with the folks. We soaked up the sun, and for once I’m actually darker than Todd. My sister Amy came into town at the last minute, and we had a blast playing, swimming, painting our cradle, and doing lots of laundry. Isn’t going home great?!?

Eventhough my parents' yard has a large, lovely pool with waterfalls and a slide, Ryder was almost more content playing in the tiny blow-up pool. Here he is giving himself a 'shower.'

I adore my little boy! Don't you love his swim diaper? Just sportin' the hot bod. Actually, he usually does wear a swimming suit.... but it was part of our first round of laundry this day.

My great friend Rachael just happened to be in town visiting her parents the same week I was home. We're both due with babies about the same time. Yeah for babies! We had so much fun catching up. I miss you, Rach!

Ryder even convinced grandma and grandpa to get in the pool one night..... do you like my nice red shoulders and white face? Ya.... sunscreen only made it so far that day.

It’s hard to believe, but my gorgeous sister Kristin just turned 40. Her husband surprised her with a weekend trip out to San Fran for a few days of pampering, shopping and a play with some of the girls. Lucky for me, the visit fell right at the end of Todd’s trip, so I had nothing but time to play. (p.s. Amy, I need you to send me the other pictures from our adventures!)

Sunday after church we all managed to fit in my kitchen to make dinner together. Poor Todd... there were a lot of women in our house! I think Sunday was my favorite day... so relaxing with time to just chat.

The next week we found ourselves a bit south down in Monterey for a few days. I love Monterey… and even more, Carmel. Our great friends Ben, Jen and Bella came down for a day as well. Besides work that kept me up late at night, up early in the morning and away from the group now and then for meetings, the trip was absolutely fabulous!

As we drove into Monterey, we stopped for a run at the Dennis the Menace park. By far Ryder's favorites were climbing through the tunnels and the Lion drinking fountain.

I love this little face.... Ryder enjoyed 'riding' the boat following our walk through Cannery Row.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium was great. Ryder couldn't get enough of it all... from the sharks to the sting rays to chasing your every-day pigeon.

We had an incident and had to have a little time out at the aquarium. I couldn't resist taking a picture. Poor little guy.... so hard done by.

Do you like how he uses my belly as a bench? Ya.... that's not new. I wonder what he's going to think when his take anywhere, built-in seat is gone.

The fam checking out the jelly fish.

Aren't jelly fish amazing? They're my favorite.

So sweet.

Look at that major tummy. Only 11 days to go... until the due date, that is. Let's cross our fingers the boy comes earlier.

A morning walk down a nearby pier.... It was a beautiful day, and we found this 'daddy' seal.

Two love birds just taking a stroll.

I have to say I was in the car on the phone for work for an hour as Ryder swam in the ocean in his clothes. Hmmmm..... at least he had fun!

Again, I love Carmel. Ryder especially loved the oh-so-friendly squirrels.

Too cute to resist.

Until next time…