Jessica’s shrooms

Jessica is a real admirer of the FUNGUS AMONGUS. So last week when we took a tiny overnight trip to the real beautiful Banning State Park a day after it rained, she insisted on stopping periodically to snap these lovely photos of spectacular mushrooms. “Mama! Mama!” we’d hear every once in a while as we’d approach a kid standing proudly over a mushroom find. And they are pretty amazing. Also sharing some photos from our one-night stay in a hotel, something that all six of us love. Hotels are just so fun with their made beds and TV and pools and crappy but tasty breakfasts. Good fun.

Netta’s bravery of late

Netta, who is often shy and reserved, is also often brave and amazing. For instance, we went sailing with my brother Josh a couple days ago and she insisted on swimming back to the surfboard as the boat slowly pulled it. Other kids did this but never alone. But Netta! We smiled and admired her as she struggled to get on the board and watched as he expression morphed between fear and elation. We couldn’t get her off the thing.

And then today we just returned from a superfun one-night trip to a hotel and Banning State Park. At the hotel pool the girls, who both have undergone a swimming-confidence-growth-spurt, swam and swam. And Netta even did this, over and over and over. By herself. With no life vest. It’s big deal in her little world and was superfun for her parents to watch!
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