Michele Holcomb

summer:: weekend in reno

If you ask my kids would they rather go to Disneyland or to Reno - guess what they would say? I'm quite positive that if they were to visit "Disney's House of Mouse" that the answer would change - but for now....Reno it is.

Dre and I bowl in a summer & winter league and once or twice a year we take a trip up the mountain for the tournament. This trip is one that all of the league bowlers really look forward too. You know...casino's, drinks, a chance to unwind and just hang out with one another. But us...we don't roll that way. We're probably the only couple that brings our kids because we just are crazy. No really though? They love to be with us all.the.time.

The girls really don't know the power that this place has (good & not so good)...they just love the drive, the thought of sleeping in a Hotel and of course - the pool. The pool is where they spend most of their time.

 

This week we had the pleasure of making this an extended Family Trip. My brothers, nephew, and my parents all joined us for this yearly adventure. I'm so glad that they did. We played, we talked, they cheered us on as we bowled and we ate...a lot! So much fun!

As for Dre & I...we finally got to experience Reno as adults (at least for an hour).  We had a few drinks, played the penny slot machine and once my $5.00 was gone, I called it good! Yeah...I'm a high roller:)

Another awesome summer adventure in the books!

summer:: in film

We have less than twenty-five days of summer vacation left to soak up all of the fun before the routine of school begins. Doesn't it seem to go by faster each year? 

We've been spending our afternoons at the pool and there's nothing better than having it all to yourselves with a little sprinkle of people here and there. I am so enjoying this time with my girls that I just want to remember all of these little moments.

I want to remember how we've tried numerous times to teach Anna to float on her back but she literally just sinks to the bottom.

I want to remember how strong of swimmer that Nyna is becoming and her confidence when she's in the deep end. 

I want to remember how I've grown to enjoy this season more and more each year.

I've been feeling really sentimental these past few days. My girls will be turning 9 and 16 soon. It's just so hard for me to grasp. I want to hold onto these sweet summer memories of spending time doing our thing, enjoying one another's company, swimming, playing, and making up water games. 

Photos taken with 1960 Canon FT QL Camera

on your way to being a star

There's nothing like feeling the pressure of being interviewed for the news. You were stumped and started to cry. The camera man was so sweet and even shared that "sometimes the news anchors cry too." You calmed down enough and were ready for a second take. And again...that sweet camera man handed you the microphone, turned on his camera, and you were on it! You can thank your dad for the 2nd chance.

We are so proud of you for being one of the two kids in your class (and 1700 in the whole district) who received the Perfect Attendance Award for last school year. That acheivement earned you a certificate from Senator Darryl Steinberg and Assemblymember Roger Dickenson. But I don't think that was as exciting as the celebration at the CA State Fair. Food, Family, and best of all...the thrilling rides.

What an awesome way to spend one of our Summer Days.

summer pleasures

• loving the flowers blooming in my front yard - my own little oasis.
• washing the car on a hot summer day and playing in the hose. 
• making "swim friends" during family swim at the community pool - remembering them from last summer. 
• freshly picked strawberries from the patch around the corner.
• water guns and screaming kids. 
   
  

 

 

What "summer pleasures" are you enjoying right now?

summer:: at the park

Spending time at the park after work is something I want to do more often. It's relaxing but only when Shiloh is cooperating. Had to chase him down after he got out of his collar. Picture this crazy woman screaming and running across the park…I think my girls were mortified. I thought about it later and I think I would've been too! 

Blues, Greens, and Pinks = Amazing Summer Colors! The light in this photo is amazing. 

Can you tell? She's coming to tell on her big sister. Now that they spend every waking moment together there are more fights than normal. I welcome those moments when they are playing together so well. 

She loves the outdoors. Besides being in the water this is her next favorite place to be. She'll spend hours out here if I let her.

Isn't this what summer is all about?

 

summer:: manhattan beach

An awesome opportunity presented itself for Andre last Thursday. And we found our little family of four on a spur of the moment road trip to LA Friday evening. Before we left, I caught myself stressing out about everything; from thinking about the money we'll be spending, the wear & tear on the car, the drive, etc. I was seriously trying to talk myself out of going.

I'm so happy that we went because what I learned from this trip is "spontaneous escapades" are amazing.

Hello Manhattan Beach! 

This was Nyna's first time ever stepping foot on a beach. Anna's been to several different beaches in the past but I'm not sure she remembers.

What I want to remember is their joy as they stepped foot on the sand. Running towards the ocean. Their screams as the ocean water touched their feet. Their delight as we held hands and the water splashed us. Nyna falling into the water and exclaiming that "it really does taste like salt!" Their fascination with the surfers and their excitement as the ocean water swept back & forth to the shore. That few hours spent at the beach was totally worth the twelve hour drive. 

Goodbye Beach! We're so happy to have visited you! 

celebrating summer

 

Hello Sweet Summer!  The girls & my nephew are kicking into a slow gear spending their days at "Camp Booker's", which is just a fancy way of saying they'll be at my parents' house for the summer. This is no ordinary camp. There will be no rest for the weary.

Oh...there will be plenty of time for tv-movie watching/x-box playing/nap taking but the majority of the time will be spent learning, reading and playing outdoors (pending the weather).

Last week, my Dad had the kids make a summer to-do list. He's a big fan of list-making which is where I get my love for checking things off. At the top of each of their lists is swimming (of course) and summer-school activities. School may be out...but the extended learning will continue with a few field trips sprinkled throughout the months. Yes...they love school that much! I did too, though...so I guess it should be no surprise.

I just love my parents! I'm beyond grateful for the relationship they have with my girls.

I for one still have to work but I'm loving the ease of the mornings. No rushing through breakfast, no looking for homework or backpacks, no need to wash P.E. clothes at the last minute. Just time for me to get ready at my own pace, leave home at a decent hour and even have time to stop at Starbucks for a quick Iced Caramel Macchiato treat.

When my work days are done...I truly intend to savor this time doing the things that I love with the people I adore.

What about you? What are your plans this summer?

weekend: in photos

 

 Berkeley, CA -  I spent my Saturday hanging out with a friend shopping, eating, and creating late into the evening. They call this place The 4th Street. This was my first time down this way and it will definitely not be my last. 

There was such a great vibe in this area. Peet's coffee was bustling with customers from the smallest to the tallest; street guitarist were playing as people stopped to listen; the aroma coming from the restaurants was delicious; and the stores were amazing - Crate & Barrel Outlet, Sur La Table, Paper Source, Anthropologie and more. 

I'm already thinking up an excuse on why the whole family should take a day trip.

summer: in film

[click on images for better viewing]

 

In June we spent some time at a local place for children and families called Funderland. We typically only head down this part of town for birthday parties so I have forgotten how much fun this place is for the girls.

On this particular day, I brought along my father in law's 1960 Canon FT QL camera. I'm still learning how to use all of the different features and controls. I'm getting better at looking at surroundings, focusing, and trying to capture the essence of the moment. I didn't know what kinds photos (if at all) I would get from this old film camera; but I have to say that I am pleasantly surprised. In our day and age of immediate gratification, I completely forgot what it was like to open a fresh package of film photographs.

These are not the best photos but I can tell you that once I opened them, it literally took my breath away. There's this old time feeling that they evoke. Not to mention I'm a little sentimental at the moment as my girls seem so grown to me right now. With school looming around the corner, I will officially be a momma to a highschooler. That first picture above really gets me as you can see my oldest just peeking in the park. All I was trying to capture in that photo was the sign above but what I got was even more priceless.

Happy Weekending!

outside my window

Outside my window is this beautiful tree with pink blossoms. It greets me every morning as I open the blinds to let in the sunlight. After two years in this home, I'm just now noticing the tree. I don't remember ever seeing it bloom this way. I regret not paying attention.

Outside my window I see people walking their dogs, families taking their nightly stroll, and neighborhood children playing. We live in a quiet community that I so deeply love.

Outside my window I sometimes see my husband pulling into the driveway and all is well in our world. When we are all HOME together. 

Outside my window is a new opportunity for our family. I will continue to tell myself this on an hourly basis because in all honesty, I'm going to really miss looking outside this window.