Off the Grid

Growing up, did you have a place that was pure magic?  A place to explore and let loose, where everything seemed to be in its right place?  For me, I remember exploring a jungle-y area just outside our subdivision in the Philippines.  There was a small stream running through it, where Alvin and I would catch (and fry) tiny little fishes.  For my boys, the Karlsson cabin on the South Fork of the American River is that place.  They had such a marvelous time over Labor Day that we immediately scheduled a return visit in mid-October.

We left late last Friday night, and were amazed by how many young people flocked to our city and neighborhood, at the same time we were making our escape.  The boys were impressed by the city lights and were excited about crossing the "New Bay Bridge" for the very first time.

We got in pretty late and put the boys straight into their comfy new cabin bunk bed.  By morning, they were busy exploring and noting the differences since their last visit.  The water was colder!  The leaves were changing colors!   Linus has been really immersed in his drawing and writing since school started.  Here he had a spiral bound notebook to record his observations, because he believes that he is a real scientist.

Mattias and Magnus had an unofficial SpikeGadgets LLC board meeting.  Back in Virginia they talked to each other at least 2 hours a day, here in California it all gets compressed into weekend conversations over  breakfast/lunch/dinner.  

My parents drove up for the day and brought toys and super delicious chicken fajitas.  Most of the time was spent by the river or lounging on the sunny deck.

                                       

By the evening it started to get a little chilly, so we started a campfire.  Nothing entertains a group of boys/men like a pile of burning stuff.

Early the next morning Kerstin and I took the big boys to Apple Hill, to (you guessed it) pick some apples.  Anyone who really knows me is aware of my fruit picking obsession.  It was a gorgeous morning, but unfortunately many of the apple varieties were fully picked or over ripe. We managed to get a small box for eating and baby food making.

After apple picking we found a pumpkin patch where the pumpkins are in a field connected to a vine.  Not lined up like a bunch of inmates awaiting roll call.  

After some more eating and napping, and putzing around we finally got around to make s'mores.  Last trip I brought jumbo marshmallows, so Kerstin & Magnus decided to one up me with giant marshmallows.  They were so big that the centers were almost impossible to melt, prolapsing outside the s'more when squished between two graham crackers.

You can see the marshmallow prolapse here, and it's not pretty.

I know there are people out there who don't like camping or outdoorsy stuff, but I will never really understand where they're coming from.  Yes, you get a little dirty and there are bugs.  However there is something to be said for unplugging, and disconnecting with everyone except those who are most important to you.  Besides (and Magnus will agree), s'mores taste better with a little dirt in them.

Magnus is Three

I've heard a lot of talk about middle child syndrome, "When a middle child - typically of a family of three kids who are close in age - feels left out or neglected. " (Urban Dictionary) But I can't seem to figure out how Magnus fits into that definition.  Yes, he's the second of three kids who are close in age, but he always seems to find a way to maximize  attention.  Sometimes it's naughtiness, sometimes it's dirtiness. More often though, it's his charm and spunk that wins everyone over.  Last week Magnus turned three and we threw a small party for him at Coyote Point Park.

It was a monster themed party held in the morning, so we brought along a brunch spread.  Now that I have my hands really full, birthday parties are a real team effort.  My parents were nice enough to bring bagels and a vat of coffee for us zombies. Kerstin and Kajsa made these cute monster sandwiches for the kids.

Magnus chose a red velvet cake with green frosting, and he specifically asked for it to look like it was bleeding when we cut it.  I piped the frosting with a grass tip and cut jumbo marshmallows (see previous post) for the eyes and teeth.

All that food coloring was a recipe for disaster, but the kids seemed to love it. 

After a few games we all head over to a small beach where you can watch airplanes land at SFO.  Since it's the bay there are no waves, and it's safe for the kids to play in.

Three years have passed since  Magnus' arrival, but I can still acutely remember that bittersweet day.  We were so scared of the unknown, and raising a child that was born different.  I remember wanting to protect him from the cruelty of childhood, and worrying about the challenges that faced him.  Now that we really know him though, it's easy to put all that worry aside.  This kid's got true grit, and there isn't much that will stand in the way of him and what he wants.  He's loud and free to be himself.  And if anyone doesn't like it? Lil Magnus (a.k.a. Honey badger) don't care!