All Over the Map

March was a real blur for the Karlsson family.  At the beginning of the month, Kerstin flew back to Sweden to help Sune recover from surgery.  With a little schedule shuffling, and Lola's help, we were able to get a childcare plan in place.  Mattias had to stay at home a few days, which meant a lot of diaper changes.  Anders has never enjoyed diaper changes and screams and writhes through each and every one.  Pappa fights back with a patented foot restraint system.

Magnus had a recital of sorts at his Busy Bees dance class.  Normally all the parents wait outside, but at the last class Mattias was able to watch and take pictures.

We were a little worried about signing up the Honey Badger for a dance/movement class, but surprisingly, he follows directions  exactly and with enthusiasm.  Besides, we all know that the lone dude in a dance or yoga class gets all the ladies.

The following weekend Mattias jetted back to Virginia for work, so we had a sleepover/St. Paddy's celebration with the Cody family.  This is the second time they hosted me and the rowdy brothers, and we always have such a good time.  

It's gotten warm enough to play in the pool.  My princes get the jacuzzi heated to 94 degrees even though the pool is fine unheated.  These pictures are taken before I had to jump in and rescue Magnus from drowning-- little bastard took off his swim vest, forgot he took off his swim vest, and jumped backwards into the deep part of the jacuzzi.

Mr. Serious

On another clear weekend we decided to pass on a classmate's birthday party at an indoor bouncy house, and instead escape the city for the beauty of the Marin Headlands.  The Headlands has always been special to me, it was my first exposure to nature and the outdoors way back at 6th grade science camp.  Eleven years ago, at a hastily planned weekend camping trip, Mattias proposed right here with this view.

I was so touched by the sight (we haven't been back since the proposal) that I started to cry.  For a moment the boys seemed touched, too.  Then Magnus asked "When are we going to the beach?"

The Lagoon Trail out to the water was easy but had a lot of interesting things to look at.  We even spotted river otters in the lagoon!

Going to the beach is always a simple recipe for fun and relaxation in our family.  There's something for everyone, and while it takes a little bit of planning and a whole lot of clean up, everyone is happy at the end of the day.

And while we can be all over the map, it reminds us that we are exactly where we want to be.