In the Mountains for Andy's Birthday

Our vacation in the Hope Valley

The day after Mother's Day, we packed up and drove to the mountains! We planned a vacation in the Sierra for Andy's birthday, and also to fit in some time together before I go back to work. We've been to Sorensen's Resort many times before in the winter (skiing at Kirkwood), but never in the spring or summer. It's in the Hope Valley, where Hwy 88 and 89 meet, about 20 miles south of South Lake Tahoe over Luther Pass. We thought it would be a perfect getaway with Alpin, like camping, but in our own small cabin. The weather is still a bit too cool to take Alpin camping yet. 

We stayed in small Water Fir cabin, and it was perfectly cozy. We enjoyed being at the resort and admiring all the Aspen trees sprouting tiny leaves, and watching the marmots and birds and other wildlife. The food is also delicious at the Sorensen's Cafe, we indulged and ate breakfast and dinner there. Andy and I also played a few games of Scrabble, he won both times.

Each afternoon we snuck in a visit to the meadow in Hope Valley, for a small hike and lounging by the creek so Andy could do a little fly fishing. The first day was beautiful, but the next two days were cloudy and thunder storms came through in the afternoon. Andy did catch a fish the second day, though!

A big part of going to Sorensen's is hitting up Grover Hot Springs outside Markleeville on the eastern side of the Sierra. It's my favorite developed hot spring. We hit it right after the thunderstorm, and right before the group of a dozen kids came. It was so relaxing and so nice to be back. Alpin did us the great favor and slept the whole time in his carseat. We just covered it with a towel to stay warm and dry. In fact, he slept through a large part of the whole trip, but that's what babies do!

On our way home, we detoured slightly and went to South Lake Tahoe. Alpin's first visit to Tahoe, and of course he was asleep. The lake was beautiful and the clouds were crazy looking.

It felt so good to be back in the Sierra, and we can't wait to return!

Alpin's first mountain hike

watching zoo fish

Birthday Boy and Baby Boy

Napping as usual

Hiking with Baby across Hope Valley

Alpin's first time at Lake Tahoe....napping

Strolling the Lake at Pope Beach

Grover Hot Springs with Alpin (napping)

hanging out in Water Fir Cabin at Sorensens

relaxin in the cabin

 

Happy Mother's Day!

Our first Mother's Day together was wonderful, we had a weekend full of time with both families. On Saturday we spent the day with the DeVaults in Sacramento, celebrating with many mom's - Grandma Becky, Great Grandma Barbara, Auntie Cindy and Cousin Elke. We had a delicious brunch at Grammy's house, then went and wandered around Old Town, despite the temperatures in the high 90's. Sunday we had brunch at Spengers in Berkeley with the Miksza's (and CC's Mom Jane). The rest of the day was spent with Alpin doing very mommie things like grocery shopping and packing and backing cookies. All in all it was a good time, I'm so thankful to be a mother and have such wonderful mothers in my life!

Alpin happy with Great Grammy

Great Grammy and Grandma admiring Alpin

Amber Andy Alpin Elke and Robbie

with Auntie Cindy!

1st Mother's Day together

Mother's Day brunch at Spengers

3 Months Old?

3 months old already? Seriously, where did that time go?  I suppose the delivery room does seem like a long time ago. Our son is already a quarter of a year old, weighing in at 10lbs 2oz. In the last month Alpin worked on developing his hand-eye coordination - he can reach at his hanging toys and grasp his hands and bring them to his mouth, and he is interested in his surroundings more than ever. (His favorite toy is his hands.) Alpin has always been a very alert little guy, and now he is even more engaging and responsive. He smiles all the time and makes wonderful talking noises. His facial expressions are so hilarious to watch, he will go through a dozen expressions in so many seconds. He spends some time on his tummy (which he doesn't love) and can push himself up with his arms. When he is tired of tummy time he can roll back onto his back. He now enjoys baths, most likely due to the rise in temperatures. He also is still sleeping through the night and often during the day. We love taking him everywhere - out to dinner or to grab a drink with friends, to birthday parties, baseball games, the beach, grocery shopping and walks around the neighborhood. He loves being out and about. He became an REI member, courtesy of the co-op. We also read him Dr Suess books, which he enjoys (almost as much as we do.)

 

Kermit makes the best babysitter

 

 

practicing funny faces

K is for Kayak

Walks with Mom in the Moby

Tummy Time on play mat

Newest REI Member

Sunny Stinson Beach

Today Alpin and I ventured out to Stinson Beach to meet up with friends. How could we resist with a forecast of sunny in the 90s? We loaded up the BOB stroller and rolled out to meet Chris Von, Fred, Kelly, Jim and Logan (2 years). They all had a nice base camp set up. Luckily Fred and Von were there to save us and help get the BOB across the sand. A nice mom gave us the tip that it's easier to pull than push on the sand (I definitely got my workout for the day). It's probably the warmest weather Alpin's been in, and he did well. Slept a little, ate a lot. Next time we'll need to go when Andy is off work.