Lawrence Hall of Science

Hello Friends!

I try to take the boys out at least once or twice a month to a fun and local place that has some educational component.  A couple of weekends ago that place was The Lawrence Hall of Science in Berkeley. I've taken them there before but this visit seemed to really resonate with them. Most likely because of the current exhibit, Xtreme BUGS (Feb1-Sep 1).  They are huge, mechanical bugs  that make noises and are very life-like. The boys loved getting as close as possible to try to touch them even while they were slightly freaked out!  :-)

We went on a sunny and clear day.  The view was phenomenal!

The boys had a blast climbing on the life-sized whale and maneuvering in and out of the DNA play sculptures outside the entrance. 

My kids are fascinated by fountains. They want to climb on them, get in the water, and run circles around them. As long as they don't get before we get to our destination I let them get their wiggles out. :-)

Despite their differences in ages, the boys really enjoyed each of the interactive exhibits in their own way.  

Despite the posted signs to not put one's face on this exhibit (which I can't recall the name of!) EVERYONE seems to do it.  My kids were no exception:

This workout, er, museum visit lasted a couple of hours.  By the time we left, the fog was quickly rolling in as you can see in this photo.  

Make a visit to The Lawrence Hall of Science when you get the chance. I'll bet you won't be disappointed. After all, explaining science to little ones is half the fun or torture, depending on your science knowledge.  ;-)

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time, 

--Carolina 

Lensbaby: Test 1

Hello!

My hubby gifted me a Lensbaby Sweet 35 Optic lense this past Christmas.  I know, I know.  Seven months later and I've only used it a few times.   My results with this lense have been lackluster in large part due to the lack of cooperative subjects.  ;-)   

On a serious note, this lense is a bit pricey (aren't they all?) but well worth it for the endless photography inspiration it offers. It does help to start out with still objects (a bowl of fruit, a stack of books, food, leaves, etc) rather than moving subjects such as kids. If you are used to auto focus lenses, you're in for a surprise as this lense requires manual focus and that can take some practice as I experienced. But it's well worth the effort for the lovely results.  Depending on the subject matter and lighting, the image results can be quite dreamy and dramatic. 

Here are two images from a recent practice shoot with my son. He would be quick to tell you that they are "torture" shoots. ;-)

The focus is unintentionally on his ear. I love the intensity of his gaze. 

Again, the focus is on his ear. Still, I like his body language.

As I mentioned before, this Lensebaby takes some getting used to!  I'll continue to practice and torture, er, share some of the better results in future posts.  ;-)

Until next time!
--Carolina

Summer Back Yard Lounging

Hello!

Sometimes all you need is a homemade tent for some fun and relaxation.  We got a flat sheet, a comfy well-loved blanket and various pillows.  I hung the flat sheet over a much used outdoor garland and held down the edges with some bricks.  Then the boys  grabbed some pillows and tossed them inside along with some toys.  They then built a fire out of bricks, magnolia leaves, and tissue paper.  Easy, simple, and free. My kind of set up!  :-)  

Of course, I had to grab my camera!  

In the end they seemed far more interested in playing with my phone than playing in the tent. Typical. ;-)

Until next time!

--Carolina

Hair Adventure

Hello!

I have a confession to make.  I really don't like taking my kids to get their hair cut.  Not because of any bad experience or weird hair thing I or they have. You see, I love their silky straight hair. My hair is somewhat curly with a talent for frizz so naturally I long for long straight hair.  Their hair is smooth and when longer it has a tendency to hypnotize with graceful movement.  So of course it's only right that I allow their hair to get long so I can admire it.  :-)

I had to admit to myself that it was time to take my three year old to get his hair cut when he began asking for a mohawk. When asked what a mohawk is, he answered that it is short hair with long hair on top so the tips can dance into the sky.  Three year olds can be so imaginative and poetic.  

Here are some photos of his recent haircut.  He was such a trooper.  The phone came in handy for those moments that he had a little trouble staying still.

I'm sure there will be many, many future hair adventures that will be far more dramatic than this!  For now I'll treasure these simple moments of sweetness.  Even as I wince inside over the loss of all that lovely silky smooth hair that I wish was mine!  ;-)

Thanks for stopping by.  Until next time!

--Carolina

Yosemite... Again!

Hello!

Yes, it's true.  We were in Yosemite this past weekend. This time around we were fortunate to have gotten reservations for Tuolomne Meadows.  The best part?  We scored big time with a site that was steps away from the Tuolomne River, a meandering river that was very child friendly in that it was shallow in many spots near out camp site.  It was perfection.  Of all the camping trips we have taken as a family, this might very well be my most favorite camping experiences to date.  

We lucked out and had excellent neighbors who had two daughters only a year older than each of our boys. They quickly became friends and hung out at each others' camp site.  The boys loved helping them with dishwashing while leaving me to wash our dishes on my own!  Ha!  :-)  Typical, right?   A highlight for the boys was a shared s'mores night full of fun tales and kiddie laughter. 

The scenery is breathtaking in this part of Yosemite. Every turn in the road opened to an even more picturesque scene than the one before. We didn't hike every trail but those few that we did left us longing for more time to further enjoy Tuolomne Meadows. It's undeniable-- we've been hit with the Yosemite bug big time!

When Sunday morning arrived and we were all a bit sad that our weekend had to end. Luckily we have photographs to prove to ourselves that the fabulous weekend really did happen.      :-)

Crossing the Tuolomne River near our camp site.

 It simply isn't camping without stone soup.        :-)

Rock stacker in training.

Tenaya Lake is unbelievably beautiful and incredibly cold.  Brrr!

A trip to Nature would not be complete without adorable animal encounters.  ;-)

If you visit Tuolomne Meadows, make sure to make time for a stop at Olmsted Point.  The parking lot may be busy but it is worth a stop for an impressive view of the other side of Half Dome.

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time,
--Carolina