Quacktastic!

Today was our last day with the Baysden clan, so we decided to take a duck tour through San Francisco. We met up with the duck and our tour guide Captain Vans at Fisherman's wharf. The kids and Jim where very excited to receive their very own quackers! They would prove to be very entertaining throughout the tour and for many days after wards. The kids enjoyed quacking at each other, while the Daddy's had fun humming along to the music. Our tour took us from the Fisherman's wharf area to North Beach, China town and market street. We entered the water at McCovey Cove for an impressive view of the ball park and SF Bay Bridge. After quacking the morning away we headed to Pier 39 for some salt water taffy and chowder in a sour bread bowl at Boudin's.  A fun end to our week with the Baysdens.

A family of quackers

Quacking and Driving

Little Quacker

Bay Bridge

Its all about the quacking!

The Daddy Quacker

the littlest Quacker

Cable Car lines

Malcolm/Baysden photo shoot

Today was Emersyn's Baptism. We decided that while we had the kids dressed up we would try and get some pictures of everyone. 2 Mommies, 2 cameras, 5 children and little mud. It was an entertaining session, with some great shots.

Emersyn's Baptism

Since September we have been discussing how and where to have Emersyn baptized. As a military family these events are often challenging to arrange. Our first hurdle the godparents. We knew that we wanted Rob and Lora Beth to be the godparents, only one problem...they're stationed in Alaska! Our second hurdle was finding a chaplain that could perform the service. Tracen Petaluma has two chaplains both southern baptists and unable to perform a baptism on infants. Luckily we were able to get in touch with the pacific area chaplain, Chaplain Mark Smith. The third hurdle...finding a place to have the baptism. The chapel on base was in use during the times the chaplain was available, so we decided to meet in Alameda in the 9-11 prayer room. The final hurdle...having all of our family there at the same time as the godparents! This unfortunately was the impossible feat, and one of the sacrifices we make as a military family. We were so happy to have Anne and Levi be there as our family and "congregation". As I looked around the room I could only smile. We were surrounded by the coast guard, our friends, family, and 5 beautiful little people. All the elements of our life combined into one special moment. It was the perfect day.

Fun with PSE

Lora Beth and I have been working side by side on our laptops for the last two days. Our mission...conquer photoshop elements! We took an online class together in February but really haven't had time to practice. So we decided to commit our weekend to practicing and figuring out this complicated program. Finally today a breakthrough. I figured out how to process selective color. I was so excited I had to share. 

before

after

California Academy of Science

Today was another rainy day so we head to golden gate park to the Academy of Science. The kids had fun exploring the aquarium and the rain forest. Kenzie said her favorite animal was the alligator. The rain forest was filled with beautiful butterflies. They came very close and some even landed on our stroller. The kids had fun trying to chase them.

Fun with the Baysdens

Today we headed to one of our favorite spots the Bay Area Childrens Museum. The kids had a great time checking out all the exhibits and working on an art project. Our next stop was the Cheesecake Factory to meet the Daddies for some lunch. All nine of us sat at a big round table, we were quite the sight. Amazingly everyone stayed in their seats and we had a really nice lunch. A great start to our week with our BFF's, the Baysdens.

BFF's

Happy 1/2 Birthday

It has become a family tradition that we celebrate when our babies turn 6 months old  and tonight was the most fun one yet. During the day Jim took the kids to the craft store and they got supplies to decorate hats. Anne made chocolate cupcakes with pink frosting. Everyone had fun getting creative with the hats and then we all sang "happy 1/2 birthday". I think Emersyn was impressed with all the festivities, but a little disappointed she didn't get to try any of the cupcakes. 

6 month photo shoot

6 months old

Emersyn is 6 months old today and full of personality. She loves attention from anyone who will give it to her. When we walk through target or the grocery store she smiles at everyone. I could spend all day just watching her smile or making her laugh. 

 Some of her new tricks are sitting up on her own and holding items in her hands. She has also figured out how to get her feet in her mouth.  She makes some great sounds one of which sounds like "da da da". She loves to eat solids and so far her favorite seems to be bananas. While feeding her she screams for more in between bites! 

She is still sleeping with us, but only wakes up a couple of times a night to eat. She loves to nap in the ergo while I carry her but is starting to take naps in bed.

Her favorite place to be when someone is not holding her is the Einstein Activity center. She spins around in it and grabs onto all the toys.  She loves to stand assisted on your lap and bounce up and down. She is an amazing little lady and I can't wait to see what the next six months brings!

 

sitting up and holding onto a brush

More fun Art Projects

create your own plate kit