The Travels of Carrie and Adrian

On the Underground on the way home from London

Group picture, July 2011

Last year, Tom's birthday occurred one day after our return from the UK (not a coincidence), but this year we were in the UK for the special day, and decided his birthday celebration would take a transport related theme. We thought about several different steam railways (the Bluebell is close), a trip to the sea with maybe a boat trip, but in the end we decided none of that was necessary, so we got a normal bus and then a normal train. Mind you, it was a double decker, with Tom sitting at the front on top, and I must admit it was quite exciting seeing over all the walls and hedges, hitting the low hanging branches and close approaches to oncoming vehicles and buildings. After a brief pause for refreshment at M & S, we got the train back. I am quite convinced this was about the best thing that we could have done for the occasion, and it met with approval at all stages.

The Final Curry

The Final Curry, and Monty's, Ealing

Angel Island in the San Francisco Bay

A Father's Day lunch for the boys

In other news, Martha went to the dentist and was referred to an 'orthodontist' for treatment for a unilateral posterior crossbite. Fortunately the orthodontist said we could wait before any intervention was necessary, but also said she really should stop sucking her fingers - the pressure can move the teeth about it is alleged (I am suspicious of dentists). Her finger sucking (always the middle and ring fingers of her left hand) has become a regular activity since she was less than one and despite quite strong urging she has not stopped. However, after visiting the tooth rearrangement specialist she was convinced to give it a good go, and stopped more or less overnight! I am very impressed and no longer do we hear loud sucking noises at night!

At Shorebird Park, Berkeley

Martha on a visit to Ms. J's first grade class

Martha also "graduated" from her pre-school. Initially put off by the idea of such a formality called a graduation, we went along with it as a celebration. And it was a good one and was a chance for her and her friends to put on a bit of a show for the parents. Along with most of the rest, she didn't actually leave at that time, but will do when she starts kindergarten at the end of August.

Making a large Lego structure with the neighbors

Walking next to the Pigeon Point Lighthouse

Camping at Point Reyes

Inside the tent

At around the same time of Martha's 'graduation' Tom was moved up a level at pre-school too, though there was no fancy ceremony for it. The class he's in now really is much more like a school and he's gone from being one of the oldest to being one of the youngest. He likes being with older children (and adults) so he's sure to like that, and first reports are that he's getting on well.

Walter racing with Tom and Martha

Tom digging at the beach

Martha digging at the beach

Teri and the kids

For adventures, we decided to try proper backpacking for the first time with the kids on 30th April. We've been camping where the tent is right next to the car several times, and that gave us the courage to try the relatively easy 3mile walk-in sites at the Coast Camp at Point Reyes just north of San Francisco. And it was a success with relatively little complaining and a good night's sleep. In fact I'd go as far as to say it was enjoyable! We also went south down the coast for Memorial Day stopping at the Pigeon Point Lighthouse Youth Hostel for the night, then to see the Monterey Bay Aquarium.