Family Catalina Voyage Numero Dos--The Cabin Version

We made another family trip to Catalina the first week of August. This time we decided to stay in the cabins at the Fourth of July Yacht Club in order to give us a little more freedom to move around. Staying on Grandma and Grandpa's boat is great for mommy and daddy, but its really tough when you have a toddler and an infant. Staying at the cabins worked out really well, and allowed me to get out and about while Avalon napped and I listened to her on the monitor. Waylon loved playing around the cove and of course boating with daddy.

Avalon spent a lot of time chilling in her pack n play on the FJYC porch.
An attempt at a family photo. Does Waylon always have to look like he's just been tortured for these things? (sigh) we'll try again next time...

Avalon plays on the bed in the cabin. I just had to show off our very fancy accomodations.

Waylon and Aaron play in the water at the cove.

Our toddler can be quite bossy--especially when we are in "his" Catalina.

No doubt Waylon is telling Aaron exactly which rock he is allowed to pick up.

A Visit With the Frasers

Waylon and Avalon were thrilled to have a visit from their favorite newlyweds, Josh and Brandi, who joined us for a Sunday pancake fest. Its always a blast for Aaron and I, and they are also both great with the kids. They have learned that its much safer to visit us in San Clemente rather than risk having Waylon visit and "clean" their house and "kayak" in their backyard. Thanks so much for making the trek from Santa Barbara!

These three are so photogenic. This should totally be their Christmas card. People will think they've been very busy since their wedding in January.

Waylon was too shy for this photo, but you get the idea.

The Great Nanny

Avalon's nanny, Megan, had to go to college orientation on August 1 and 2 so Aunt Tina (aka "The Great") came to take care of Avalon. I hoped she'd get her baby fix so it would take some pressure off my cousin Doug and his girlfriend, Christine. However, I think she got the "baby bug" and now the pressure is on. Sorry, Doug! Speaking of bugs, our "thanks for nannying" dinner turned into horrible food poisoning for Tina. We felt awful, but she was wonderful about it, and promises she will visit again soon (sans the alfredo sauce).

Doug's Six (and a half) Month Photos of Avalon

On July 15, 2008, Doug came to take the third series of portraits of Avalon for her "first year" collection. I love, love, love these pictures!!!! The newborn photos were great, but photos are so much better once babies can actually open their eyes, smile, and sit up. Of course, the walls of our home will continue to be bare because I can never decide which pictures to frame. Having so many beautiful pictures to choose from is a nice problem to have.

In addition to the photo sessions, I was thrilled to meet Doug's girlfriend, Christine. She is awesome, and was very supportive of my neurosis (such as pointing out drool and spit up) during the photo shoot. I am an idiot and didn't get a picture of Doug and Christine, but I definitely will next time! Thanks to Doug, Christine, and the Great for spending a whole day with our crazy family. It was so much fun! p.s. check out Doug's new website--its fabulous!

Avalon poses with Doug, the awesome photographer.

Doug's Photos of Our Water Baby, Waylon

While Doug was here on 7/15/08 taking pictures of Avalon for her "first year" series, he was nice enough to take some photos of our wild man, Waylon. I always adore Doug's work, but these pictures really capture the soul of our fun, wild, silly, little man that I love so much.

Family Visitors

I was very excited to get a visit from Auntie Ann, Sheldon, Somer and Max at the end of July. They visited San Clemente after a very cool river rafting trip through the Grand Canyon. I was thrilled that they could see Waylon again and meet Avalon. As always, the trip was too quick, but it was wonderful while they were here. (including lots of Mexican food). With two very small kids its hard for us to go anywhere, and we REALLY appreciate it when visitors come to us. Also, the best way to get to know Waylon and really see his personality is to visit him at home. Max is absolutely the best kid ever, and I hope that Waylon and Avalon take some notes from him on how to be an all-around great teenager. He just graduated from high school while living in Russia for his senior year and playing semi-pro ice hockey. He starts at NYU in the fall, and is accepting contributions towards his tuition (I'm not joking). Cant wait to see the whole Stephensonn-Kay family again very soon!

Waylon LOVED Max and especially loved knocking down his block creations.
Typical construction site--one guy does all the work while his supervisor drinks on the job.

Auntie Ann bonds with her great niece.

Getting Closer!

I am constantly trying to get a good picture of both kids together, which means trying to convince Waylon to not only sit still for more than one second, but to do it near his sister with a smile on his face. I know, impossible! Waylon taunted me with this adorable photo. They are obviously pretty far apart, but once I convinced him to get closer to baby sister they both stopped smiling. Oh, the burdens I bear.

Catalina as a Family

We had our first trip as a family of four, and Avalon's first trip ever, to Catalina on July 19-20. Grandma & Grandpa Davis were nice enough to let us stay on their boat while they were on the mainland. We decided it would be easiest to just go for one night so we left very early on Saturday morning and came back late on Sunday. Saturday was fun, but due to Avalon's napping schedule I spent a lot of time on the boat. However, 2.5 year old toddlers dont do so well cooped up on a boat so Aaron and Waylon spent most of the day playing on shore or cruising around in the dinghy boat, which Waylon can actually start--unassisted!!! Seriously, I just about died when he hopped in the boat and turned it on with one try. He definitely has his dad's passion for all things that float. Of course, it wouldn't be a trip to the island unless Waylon got sick. He was lethargic on Sunday, which freaked us out since he is usually bouncing off the walls.

Avalon enjoys her first visit to Catalina...
but she is still not happy about eating solid foods--even in paradise.

During Waylon's nap time, Avalon got some one-on-one silly time with daddy.

Waylon looks cool at the helm of "Waylon's boat." FYI, dont even think about driving the boat when he is around!

Avalon seems to enjoy riding on boats, but lets hope she doesn't ever try to drive the boat when Waylon is around.

Avalon's first swimsuit photo shoot.

Lounging around like a true sun goddess.

Our poor little guy was totally under the weather on Sunday, sleeping in until 11am!!! and then napping on and off. We never figured out the problem, but he was fine the next day (of course).

While Waylon was sick, Aaron took Avalon out to enjoy some harbor cruising.

Family photo on the Catalina Express boat coming home. As you can see, Waylon wanted nothing to do with anyone or anything at this point.