Park Time

Last week was the annual banquet for Young Life here in our area so the weeks leading up to it were busy...especially for Chris. It seems the nights were full (be it with planning or just thinking) so when the banquet was over we felt like we had Chris back with us. We spent the morning together as a family the following day and enjoyed our time in the park. Addie is getting more and more confident on the slides and when she makes it to the bottom, she let out a loud "whooo!" The water fountains are also on in the downtown park so we spent some time there since Addie is thrilled by them.

Zoo Fun

Too much fun. Today we went to the local zoo with the Hamon and Jelso crew. Note to self, this is a small zoo however it's perfect for the kids. We did the whole thing in about an hour then had lunch in the park after feeding the ducks. Addie got a kick out of the birds since they were very loud and the monkeys since one was constantly moving (Chris said, "he's like a junior high boy...never quits moving.")

and it smokes...

I remember since I was a little girl my mom always telling me the verse that when God touches the mountains they smoke. Living in SLO County, we are constantly seeing fog on the surround mountains and this verse comes to mind. I was driving (yes, driving) to San Luis Obispo earlier this week and here was the view. It made me almost pull over a few times to just take it in. Wow. We have been in banquet mode for Young Life lately and it hasn't always been encouraging, however, this sight brought me peace...it was as if God was reminding me that He is here, He is near, and He is powerful.

Great Weekend Ending With Washing the Car

We had an amazing weekend. After an engagement shoot on Friday, we packed up the car and headed to Modesto. Addie got to spend all of Saturday with Grammy, Papa, Aunt Hippo and the cousins. As for us, Chris and I went snowboarding for the day and had a blast. I cannot tell you the last time we were together all day just us with no other distractions. We enjoyed the presence of each other, laughed, ate a TON of junk food, and had a great time on the slopes...I wish we had more of those days. Driving back to Modesto we both found ourselves excited to see Addie and give her a hug. I see why parents are encouraged to spend time alone and how it makes them miss their kiddos. The night ended with a great dinner with the family (Thanks Grammy) and then we headed home on Sunday. While I was at another engagement shoot, Addie and Chris washed the Jetta. I could tell Chris had a great time doing that with Addie because he was all smiles when I drove home and Addie was soaked head to toe (apparently she was incharge of the water!).

I love the dryer!

We have found Addie's new favorite place in the house...the dryer. She will sit in there and just laugh. If you lightly close the door she'll think you can't see her and put her hands out for her expression of, "where did it go?" Too much fun.

One Year Pictures

It's a little late but I attempted to grab some pictures of Addie the other day while we walked to the park. She adores being at this little park in our neighborhood and is so happy the whole time. One day we saw a little dog there and I think her world was complete...dogs and parks. She is at such a fun age right now and I find myself smiling at her constantly. Watching her walk everywhere, talk in her "Addie Language" and just love life is so special to Chris and I. We are blessed.

Train Dog....

Monday we had sweet Peter (AKA Train Dog) stay the night with us. Peter is the expert on anything to do with trains and the AMTrack system. He spends all his days traveling up and down the coast and even the US. We got to know him through YL since he was in Chris's boss's Young Life club back in the day. The few times throughout the year he stays with us are always a riot. We went out to eat at Hometown Buffet (his favorite...I don't think we will go back) and then relaxed on the couch. Train Dog's birthday is next week so Happy Birthday Peter!!!!!

Food, Wine and Friends

Last weekend our dear friends the Cranks came in for a visit. All four of us girls were pregnant at the same time so there is a special bond between us. Our kids love each other, the husbands enjoy harrassing one another and we feel like family. We spent the weekend eating and enjoying the chaos of being together for a few days. The husbands were VERY generous and took the kiddos for a few hours on Saturday so we could all go out to eat and just "be" together. It was amazing! We ate a ton at Chili's, tried on clothes at Ross, got Starbucks and enjoyed the amazing view at the Hamon's new house for an hour while just chatting. How I wish we could do those times more.

As for the picture, yes...that is six bottles of wine. We had a late dinner on Saturday after we successfully put all the kids to down to sleep. Unfortunately, we only got to 4 bottle between the 8 of us but it was a great time...oh, we also had a ton of chocolate. All in all, it was an amazing weekend. Love you all!

Pizza Night

We love our friends the Pulliams. We went out for pizza one night and got trapped between air hockey and dance, dance revolution. :) Yes, Christin is pregnant, in heels and dancing!