Our Newest Adventures

I don't even know where to begin with our newest adventures! I will try to start from the begining. For those of you who don't know, we are officially adults now because we own a van. I never thought I would enjoy having a van so much!! I love having the extra space and we have two built in car seats! Jacob is in one of them and when Zoe is atleast a year old, she will be in the other one. It is so awesome!





Last weekend, we sold our Mazda. It was a good little car but it was on its last legs. Brandon decided he wanted to get a road bike and ride to school every day. We found a really good deal, so Brandon and I both got bikes. Jacob's favorite thing about the bikes is wearing the helmet and gloves. He saw a helmet while we were in target and I let him wear it while we were shopping. When I tried to take it off of him before we left he got really made at me. Now, my helmet is one of his favorite toys at home.

Well, Brandon started riding his bike to school and is doing really well. For those of you who don't know, that is about a 7 mile bike one way. This past Monday, I went out for a ride after Brandon got home from school. I was looking down at the gears and not paying attention to the road. I hit a bump, and up onto the curb I went. I fell with my hands out in front of me and ended up fracturing a bone in my elbow. The good thing is that I don't have to wear a cast and I should only be in a sling for a week and a half. The bad thing is that it is pretty difficult being at home alone with 2 kids, one of which is nursing. You never realize how much you need your arm until you can't use it. Brandon had to do my hair for a few days...that was interesting to say the least. My arm is much better now but I still have limited mobility. I am hoping that I can get back on my bike in a couple of weeks.

This weekend we went to Coastguard pier which is pretty close to Cannery Row. It was amazing how many sea lions we saw! There were some that were close enough to touch if you really wanted to (I wouldn't recommend it though). They were barking quite a bit and if you barked at them they would bark back. Jacob's new favorite words are bowa(boat), pwai(plane), and baaaaaaaw(ball). While we were on the pier there were several boats and planes that went by and he would continuously point and call them by name...I was so proud! It has taken Jacob a long time to talk but now I think he is getting the hang of it!


Ok. This is a picture of the street in front of our house. I needed to show proof. It rained here on Friday night through Saturday morning. That is the first time it has rained here in over 6 months!! When I say rain, I mean more like sprinkle but it was a constant sprinkle. People here don't know what real rain is. Anyway, it was nice to hear the rain. I never thought I would miss thunderstorms so much. We have yet to hear thunder since we have lived here.

Moss Landing

A few weeks ago, at one of our favorite beach spots, a surfer was attacked by a shark. He survived, but was bitten once in the leg and once in the torso. While that beach was closed, we found another one called Moss Landing. There is a little marina where Jacob loves watching boats come in and out. There are a lot of Sea Lions and otters swimming all over the place! Some of the scenary isn't as pretty but it will work for now.

Jacob's new favorite game is playing hide and seek. Me or Brandon hides, and Jacob seeks. Jacob hasn't really gotten the concept of hidding yet. He will stand behind a door but stick his head out so he can watch your every move. Every time he finds us, he squeals so loud and runs away. The best is when he runs past you 3 or 4 times and doesn't even know you are there, then jump out at him the next time he comes by. His face is a priceless look of terror and delight all mixed together.

Zoe watches Jacob's every move. She laughs at him when he tries to play peek-a-boo with her. Zoe rolled over today for the first time. She rolled from he stomach to her back but couldn't roll the other way. I think one of Zoe's favorite times to play is when she is on the changing table and I am trying to get her dressed. She kicks so much and squeals with delight at me trying to get her legs in her clothes.

Jacob loves playing outside in the afternoons. Most of the time he eats lunch on his little picnic table out side and runs around. It is a great way to get him tired enough to take a nap. He loves playing on his Harley Tri-cycle or pushing around this big dump truck.

It is official! Brandon and I will be in Texas on Dec. 22 - Jan 1. We are so excited to see everybody!

Zoe thinks it is hilarious when I put here feet up to her face when we play Patty-cake.

Lauren's Visit

This past week my friend Lauren came to visit. We took the kids out sight seeing everyday and had a great time. We went to the aquarium on the last afternoon she was here with Brandon. The aquarium is very interactive for kids, so it was fun to watch Jacob running around looking at and playing with everything. Lauren and I went to the Farmer's Market on Tuesday night in downtown Monterey. It was my first time to go even though there is a Famer's Market every Tuesday night. I think I will be getting all of my produce from there from now on. It was incredible! I bought several things but I think my favorite was the 2 lbs of roma tomatoes that I brought home and dehydrated to make sundried tomatoes. They were sooooo good! I bought a dehydrator from a friend of mine at the post wide yard sale a few weeks ago and having a great time trying all the different fruits and veggies. I think my favorite are apple chips and bananas. Lauren and I also bought a bunch of strawberries and tried to make jam. It tastes really good but didn't really jell right. Well we had a fun filled week but I am ready to get back to a schedule next week. Lauren wore me out.

Jacob and his totally awesome mohawk. He was "bad to the bone" for two whole days!

Jacob and Daddy playing.

My baby girl! Zoe is growing so fast and developing a little personality of her own.

Summer Days are SO awesome

This is for all those living in Texas. The weather here is beautiful. It stays in the 70s, bright and shiny, with a lite breeze. I love it!!

Things are going well. Brandon's Mom and Jack came out to see us this past weekend and we were able to do some sight seeing with them. They also got us a freezer as a house warming gift. I am amazed at how nice it is to have the extra room! I don't have to grociery shopping as much because I can stock up and freeze it.

For the 4th of July we got together with some friends and grilled. We kept our kids up until 9 to watch the fireworks over the Bay, but unfortunately from where we were, we couldn't see them. It made me really miss the annual 4th of July party at Ernie and Andrea's.

Zoe was Blessed at Church this past weekend. She was adorable! I'm glad we were able to do it when Johnelle and Jack were here.

For those who don't know, we will be in Texas for Christmas. We are planning to be there from Dec 21st thru Jan 1st. I hope we will get to see you all!!

Jacob decided to help make Daddy's favorite Poppy Seed Cake for Father's Day. He is just like his Father!!













This is Zoe's first skirt!


















We went to the beach last Saturday and Jacob just had to play in the water. By the way, the water is really cold! Brandon and Jacob played for about fifteen minutes. I decided it was time to stop when I could see Jacob physically shaking because he was so cold. He was mad that I made him stop playing in the water.








Jacob and Zoe cuddling before nap time. Jacob was posing for the camera.

















Jacob seems to think that Zoe's bloomers look better on his head.

Family Time

Ok, I am trying to get all hi tech and create a page to let everyone know what is going on here in California. I don't know how disciplined I will be at keeping it updated but I will do my best.

As you all know, Zoe McCain was born on May 25th at 11:32 PM. She was born 32 minutes after we arrived at the hospital and unfortunately for me, without any pain medication. She is absolutely perfect and Jacob has learned to love her. I say "learned" because about two weeks ago I think he realized she wasn't going to be leaving. I think his favorite part about having a little sister is all the cool new toys he gets to play with...the swing, the vibrating chair, and watching Mommy's face when he wants to "love" on her. Jacob has also figured out that when Zoe cries Mommy is going to hold her. So, as soon as Zoe starts to whimper, Jacob runs to me and crawls in my lap. I think he is trying to "mark his territory".

Brandon is doing very well in class. It is amazing how fast he is picking up the language. I've never seen him apply himself to something like this. He is starting to speak Chinese to Jacob and Zoe. It would be wonderful if he could teach them the language, although it makes me nervous to think that one day my kids may be able to talk about me and me not have a clue what they are saying. I will just have to learn as much as I can with them.

California is awesome! Although, contrary to what some people believe, it isn't always sunny here. Today was very foggy and chilly all day but yesterday was beautiful and about 75 degrees. The produce is incredible! We have made a lot of freinds and are having a great time!