2.1.16: Rockin' our New DFS Shirts

Auntie Kelly has made the girls letter shirts ever since they were born.  We thought the interest in custom shirts over time might dissipate, but in fact it has now.  They were first shirts almost as soon as they are clean and often request new ones as they grow.  Little did Auntie Kelly know, these shirts would be a big success!

1.30.16: Flourishing Flowers - COMPLETE!

Stella, Fiona and Daphne completed their first Science Fair Project: Flourishing Flowers.  We are very proud of our wonderful little scientists.

1.18.16: Kochmans on a Carousel

As part of the Kochmans first visit to Santa Cruz, we had to take everyone on the Boardwalk carousel.  Cooper, Kelly, Nicholas and Rob were all smiles while riding up and down the horses.  After our family ride, we had to spend some more time at the beach (of course)

1.8.17: Last Week of Winter Break

This week we were out of school. We went to the wharf, where we saw seals, sealions and my sisters even believe they saw a sea otter! On the westside of the wharf the waves almost got on the dock! We also went to Marini's and got saltwater taffy for $00.00! We even got to park for $00.00!

There was a blackout, so we had to go turn on the super computer in the computer lab.            

School is starting tomorrow and I have to make lunches.

- Daphne

1.17.16: Cousins in a Clam Shell

We took Cooper, Nicholas, Kelly and Rob to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.  The boys weren't so sure about the room where water pours over you even though you are protected by glass.

 Cousins in a clam shell (Fiona, Stella, Nicholas, Cooper, Daphne)

 Kochmans in a clam shell (Nicholas, Kelly, Rob, Cooper)

 While driving back home from Monterey Bay, we stopped at this massive park.  It is perhaps the most fabulous park in our area.  Giant play structures for all ages - so many kids - amazing!

1.16.16: Nene gets released

Nene was more than excited to get released from the hospital after a very challenging few days.

1.15.16: Nene broke

The Kochmans and Nene all came to visit to celebrate a late Christmas.  Unfortunately, the on the first day, Nene fell down some stairs on the way to the beach and broke her upper arm.

We stil managed to have some fun even though it was pouring rain the whole weekend and Nene was in the hospital for a while, but hopefully the next visit can avoid any hospital visits.

We did adventure out for a nearby hike - during a break in the rain.

1.13.16: Carrying the Crew

When the girls were really small I used to carry two (one in each arm) and then put one in the bjorn.  This is how I got in/out of the children's museum, etc without a stroller.  I was much stronger back then.  Tonight we decided to react that experience - but it was much harder than I remember.  Thankfully Stella, Daphne, and Fiona held on tight.

1.10.16: Flourishing Flowers

Today we started our science fair project: Flourishing Flowers.  Our experiment was to put some flowers in different solutions and see which flowers lasted the longest.  The added benefit was that we had flowers all over our apartment for weeks!

1.2.16: We found seals

Out for a hike at Wilder Ranch and we ran into seals enjoying the sunshine just like we were.  Daphne, Kari, Stella, Fiona, Brant