Spring Break with Rauchs in San Diego

We had the excuse to celebrate Mom Rauch's 60th birthday this weekend. So they decided to go big and have everybody (except Emily et. al.) gather in San Diego for a fun weekend.
We spent a lazy day by the pool at the Bahia Resort in San Diego. My children are fish! They had fun diving with their cousin Billie.

... and even Keilah got more comfortable in water.

While most of us were at the pool, Chris, Tim & their dad, Greg, went to the USS Midway museum and enjoyed the expanded tours.

That night we went to the amusement park down the street. Several of us rode the rollercoaster while the less crazy folk rode the carousel.

Easter morning we enjoyed an easter egg hunt on the beach with all the cousins.

The six hour ride home was even entertaining with all our Easter bunnies.

Spring Break with Gardens

My sister and her children came to visit for Spring Break, and we had FUN! First we enjoyed Avila Beach on a beautiful, sunny day.

The next day we went for a walk in the Elfin Forest.

We also chilled out and enjoyed time indoors, including rousing games of "Just Dance 3" on the Wii.

Lastly, we enjoyed spending most of a day at Hearst Castle before Holly headed north and we prepared for our next adventure.

This is just one of the pools on the estate.

We captured the cousins in the garden.

Batter Up!

Baseball season has begun, and this year Silas is on the Colorado Rockies. It was a beautiful sunny day. His team won the award for team spirit at the Opening Day Ceremonies, and everyone had fun playing the game.
They rotate the kids through outfield positions so they can learn them all. His league is coach-pitched, but a kid stands in the pitcher spot. He also played catcher and first baseman.

He got to second base with this hit.

London trip

Chris got to go to London for a trade show. He worked hard, but on the last day he took a double-decker bus tour.
He got to see the palace and lots of cool mansions.

And of course, the silly guards. (I say silly because I'm far too practical to take those outfits very seriously)

Then he finally came home!

Canoe Trip

We took our canoe out across Morro Bay today. We paddled all the way to the sandspit and played around on the dunes for a while. It was downwind on the way back, so Silas took my paddle on the return trip. What a fun way to spend a sunny Saturday morning.

BUGS!

Zeke's class has been learning about bugs all week. He's really grown to like them!

"Friendship Walk"

UPDATE! Silas got a medal for doing the most laps in his class. Go Silas!

Silas's school held a "Friendship Walk" fundraiser. Silas jogged 4-1/2 miles!! That's his friend Ryan right behind him.