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It has been ages since I shared an update here. When I began this blog, I was inspired by other mothers, and Albin's grandmother who impressed upon me the importance of documenting our young family. I absolutely cherish the record I've kept here in my archives- especially of our early marriage and births of our children. We call those early years 'the lean years.' I can bring myself a smile anytime I go back and read those early stories. Having these kids has brought about a change in my life focus and sense of purpose. From the moment I held them, my top priority has been to care for them, to be their mom, and be completely present in their lives. For me, that meant being a stay at home Mom. It meant figuring out how to survive on one income. We have done it, and though not without challenges, it is amazing. Absolutely rewarding, for our kids and our marriage. But I sometimes thought about having a creative outlet or getting back into my own retail space in some capacity. And we knew that something would come about organically when the time was right. One day, driving through my neighborhood, I saw an empty store front that caught my eye.. a great big 'For Rent' sign in the window. Over a few weeks I fantasize about making something out of it. To my complete surprise, Albin was really into my idea. I wanted to create a space that would still allow me to keep my kids as the main focus, and I think we've figured out a great balance. We opened Pow Wow Post a couple weeks ago, after an incredible transformation on the space. It is a children's event space and party supply shop, located in the Point Loma Village. Super excited and inspired. Come check us out!    I was lucky enough to join Albin on the tail end of a business trip on Oahu. I hadn't been there since childhood, and I was SO thrilled to be exploring with my husband. We were like two honeymooners, eating leisurely meals, taking walks, reading, exploring, hiking.. it was AMAZING. Now we are home and back at it, but savoring these memories of paradise.
       We are in the final phase of Summer. (Kind of.) Bennett will be starting preschool next month, so that will add a bit more structure to our weekdays. But in reality, Summer weather is probably going to stick around a couple more months. We have had a few cooler, foggy days sprinkled in, and I love it. A tree on our street is turning colors already and a few leaves are beginning to fall... Changes are slowly coming.
In the meantime, there are still many beach days and backyard Popsicles ahead. Though our Summer has been mellow, it's been pretty wonderful. I have had so many fun adventures with the kids, made some new friends, and enjoyed our city immensely. We've got our girl sleeping in her own big girl bed all night, which is so major. I've also been taking serious advantage of our gym membership and the wonderful childcare they provide. Me time, a private shower, a workout or swim. All while the kids are happily playing and being entertained- it's been wonderful for all of us. This morning, a fog has settled on our little hill and both kids are sporting serious runny noses. (No doubt a preview of what preschool is going to be like.) So we've got a quiet day of movies and chicken soup planned, plus essential oils on repeat. I'll be back later in the week with a post about some of our favorite fun spots here in town. Happy Tuesday!         Man alive, it's bloody hot! We are in the midst of a heatwave. Fires to the north of us, and the Santa Ana's are blowing. It's in the 80's at the beach.. meaning it's the surface of the sun in the inland areas. Usually around the end of July, the heat cranks up and sticks around unrelentingly through October. When Autumn weather finally phases in, we are always ready. The heat kind of takes it out of you, and it's easy to just get tired and do nothing. But our house has no a/c. (We don't really need it at the coast.) So the best remedy to beat the heat is to get out of the house. Usually, the beach is the best solution. That ocean breeze is downright invigorating. Sometimes, it's just a library stop or a museum visit, followed by a shady picnic in the park. That was our choice today, and we had the best (still hot) time. We enjoyed that cool A/C at San Diego's Natural History Museum and then found a shady spot in Balboa Park to have our lunch picnic. We were in view of the Balboa Park railroad, so naturally.. we capped it off with a train ride before heading home.
Bennett was my wonderful little helper, throwing things away, and keeping things in order. He listens to what I ask, and always stays in sight. We've made a point of taking outings since both kids came on the scene, and we're getting really good at it. In the early days, it seems impossible to leave the house sometimes. SO much to think about and to bring, and then hope everything goes smoothly. Hint: It often doesn't. I've lowered my expectations, and things do seem to be getting easier. One umbrella stroller and a bag of treats are all we need for an outing of fun these days. Getting out the door is the toughest part. So go ahead, adventure Mom's. Beat the heat! 
  
Here are a few shots from a session we had a couple weeks ago with one of my favorite photographers- Kaitlyn Ray. I am so thankful to have our family captured in this moment in time, right in our element- Balboa Park. I know I will cherish these images years from now when I miss squeezing my little babies.
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