We finally go away from the cold of Chicago and escaped back to the bay area and our old stomping grounds. It was part business, part leisure and we made the most of it and the awesome weather that met us as soon as we arrived. We had packed for cool Californian winter but had to buy some cooler clothes because we had days with highs in the upper 70F ! Wonderful ! Oh we would love to move back if we could !

We arranged to stay with Gus & Erin Svendsen, good friends from the good old days. It was wonderful to see them again and the kids ( their son Grant is about 2 months older than Cezanne ) had a blast. It took Cezanne a whole 3 minutes to warm up to Grant and the new environment and all his cool new toys. We are so lucky to have such a “social butterfly”, I am sure we will regret this in time…

We took the kids to a park near the Svendsen home where the two little ones played their hearts out. I took over 150 photos of them but post only a select few of the very best - I am a sucker for taking photos of kids - if only I could quit my real job and just do that - what a dream !

One great development from the trip to the park is that Cezanne seems to have overcome her fear, or rather terror, of swings. I put her in and another little boy was swinging beside her and she did not freak out as she has done in the past. Then later, Gus put her in the swing and actually pushed her and she loved it - just see for yourself. She even asked for “more more more” between each swing ! Who is this kid ? It seems that all they need is a little variety and change does seem to be a good thing for them

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Park Play Fun !	Grant Svendsen	About to Slide	Gus & Grant

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Giggling Tunnel	Who’s so Funny	More Please !	Pair of Swingers

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More More More

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I just can not believe that Cezanne enjoyed the swinging this much ! Now that is JOY