July Progress

We've been keeping busy this month. We spent the first weekend in Cayucos for the 4th of July. My mom and Bob were back briefly from Idaho so it was nice to see them. July 3rd was my grandma's b-day so we got to celebrate with her as well. Marshall had a blast at the beach and stayed up to enjoy the fireworks show with enthusiastic "ooohs, " and, "aaaahs."

Marshall is really enjoying swim lessons. He loves going under water and chats incessantly through his lessons. I overhear his instructor sounding good naturedly exasperated with him, as he tries to negotiate what she asks him to do.

Last week, Marshall attended a pre-school camp for a few mornings. He'll go again next week too. His friend, Donovan, and other kids from his preschool class are there as well and Marshall is enjoying the activity. I am enjoying the few hours to myself.

Other fun this month: my friend Anne, and her daughter Claire, came to visit for a day from Placerville; Marshall and I saw a great magic show (Alex Ramon) with Heather and Ainsley; Chris and I had a double date with Mike and Heather; and Steph and Wynn got engaged! No wedding date set yet but the ring is lovely and we're all very happy to have Wynn officially part of the family.

Grandma, Lucky, Marshall and Grandpa on the 4th of July

Cayucos beach

The happy couple
Marshall trying to make Claire look at the camera

Marshall applying his own sunscreen

June

The month of June has just flown by! So much has happened. We've had two close friends with their children in and out of the hospital, so that has been stressful (more so for them, obviously). It is a parent's worst nightmare, something bad happening to their child. Thankfully, both kids seem to be doing well at the moment so our fingers are crossed that they'll continue to thrive. So many of our friends and family have extended their well wishes and prayers to the kids, for which everyone is so thankful.

On the fun side of things, Chris and I attended a black tie casino night themed event for his job. It was entertaining to be so fancy (not the norm for me, by far). We also attended our goddaughter, Taylor's, promotion ceremony from elementary school. Marshall started swim lessons. We started in a parent-tot class but he has since moved into lessons on his own. Chris and I went to see the musical, Mama Mia, as a thoughtful b-day gift from my sister. This past weekend we went down south to see my grandparents and my cousin, Caleb. He was visiting from Tennessee with his wife, Katie, and their adorable baby, Silas (almost 5 months old).

Katie and Marshall reading Silas Marshall's favorite new book on the solar system

(thanks Aunt Nita!)

Silas and Marshall

Katie, Grandpa, Grandma, Silas, Caleb

Marshall and me at the first swim lesson of the season

Chris and me at a fancy work event

Curious Questions

Marshall is in the "why?" stage. Most times his questions are great and I'm pleased he is so inquisitive. Other times, our conversations are repetitive and exhausting. I find myself occasionally saying wearily, "That's just how it is, Marshall. I don't know what else to tell you."

Some of his questions seem to have obvious answers: "Mom, why did you pick up my balloon when I dropped it?" Other questions are rather detailed: "Mom, why do people live on planet Earth but there are only volcanoes on Mars?"

In the days immediately following Amica's passing, Marshall didn't seem too perturbed. Lately though, he has been talking a lot about death. He asks if bugs are dead. He tells me his stuffed animals have died. Today's exchange was one of our more interesting, and I'm not too sure I handled it properly, especially since we have held off on talks of a religious nature with him:

Marshall: Mom, are you going to die?
Emily (caught off guard): Um, not for a very long time.
M: You ARE going to die?
E: Well, not for a very long time.
M: Am I going to die?
E: Not for a very, very long time.
M: Does everybody die?
E: Yes, eventually, everybody dies.
M: Where do they go when they die? Do they go far away? Out of town, like to Tahoe, forever?
E: Something like that, yes.

I then tried to explain the "circle of life" in simple terms. Things are born, they live a nice long life, then they die and are gone forever. We'll see what conversations come next! I suspect he'll probably ask some elderly person if they are going to die. Super.

Memorial Weekend

We enjoyed a friend-filled Memorial weekend. We hosted a BBQ potluck on Saturday. Unfortunately, it was cold and rainy but we stuffed ourselves on great food and everyone seemed to have a good time. We spend Sunday at the Marin headlands with Mary Ann and John. I can't believe we have lived in the Bay Area all these years and never been! We lucked out with the weather. Despite some wind, it was sunny and the scenery was breathtaking. The bad weather returned on Monday and we took a chilly walk around Alameda. On Monday night, my book club met for dinner and a movie, which was a fun treat.

Despite the calendar telling us it is June, the weather feels like winter. We have another big storm coming in. Brrr. Today is Marshall's last day of school. We are both sad. Hopefully we can keep sufficiently entertained over the summer!

Marshall with Grammy and Poppy

Our goddaughter, Taylor, turned 11 over the weekend

Vacation

Visiting my grandparents

Me, Chris, Aundria, and Gino at Justin winery
Marshall and his Papa

Mid-month we took a week long vacation down in Cayucos. My mom and Bob generously let us stay at their place while they were out of town. My good friend, Aundria, and her family were also vacationing in Cayucos at the same time. Her son, Donovan, is one of Marshall's best buds. It was so much fun to have them in town.

I got to see my dad, grandparents, and childhood friends. We spent time at the beach, went wine tasting, saw parts of the AmGen tour of California race, and ate WAY too much. Good weather, very relaxing. Sadly, I did not take nearly as many photos as I'd intended. Not enough proof of our fun trip!

Out of the Mouth of Marshall

Some of the funnier things Marshall has said lately:

• "That lady HUGE fat. I think she opened her refrigerator and ate EVERYTHING inside."


• "At my school party we're going to have lots of GUNK food. Yay!"


• "Mama, open your tired eyes!"


• "No, Mama, YOU take a time-out!"

Chris and Marshall mowing the lawn

Haley & Taylor Marshall's class at the Mother's Day party When 4-year olds dress themselves...

Easter

We had a very nice Easter weekend, participating in the community park egg hunt that Saturday and spending all of Sunday at Mary Ann and John's. A fun, relaxing weekend.

Marshall with Poppy John and Grammy Mary Ann

Hunting for bugs and butterflies with his Easter gift net
Marshall (in gray) at the park egg hunt

Finding fun treats from the Easter Bunny