Yesterday, we went on a family walk/hike slightly north of Santa Cruz at Wilder Historic Ranch. The area is a wildlife preserve which in turn means we saw a lot of wildlife, mostly birds. The path was a loop and most of it was along the coast with beautiful cliffs. We saw a whole group of seals catching the last of the day's sunshine and some slipping into the ocean. We always talk about being outside more frequently and going on more walks/hikes, but our follow through isn't amazing. However, every time we have a success, I want more! We live in such a beautiful part of this earth.

In my last bunny post, I posted a picture of the tear on Bun-Buns' nose. The poor guy had been stroked and loved so much he first lost all his fur, and then the webbing wore straight through. I felt so sad sewing a patch onto him, but was very relieved to see that Greta loves him all the same. Now she strokes him above the patch! Any bets when the next patch is going to have to go on?

Just as much as Greta loves her bunny, Holly loves her duck. Ducky has been with her all her life, a faithful companion. He is the trigger of her finger sucking. I wanted to capture Holly as is, as a child with messy hair. She's growing up too fast. Kindergarten research has me wanting to preserve her forever for myself.

My sweet Greta is very attached to her Jellycat Bunny. The poor thing has had his stuffing loved out of him. I actually had to make a repair, but more on that later.

When Greta turns three (in just 9 days!), she has to hand in her soother (pacifier), so I really wanted to take some photos of her as she is, still clinging to a tiny piece of babyhood. Greta loves her soother and her bunny so much. She tells us all the time how much she loves Bun-Buns and gives him the loveliest kisses and hugs. Childhood is so beautiful. And I'm so grateful I get to be her Mother.

This is another photo shoot I did before Christmas. It was a little hurried and the youngest had croup, but I think I still caught a few gems. Always a pleasure to take pictures of this family.