Three Months in Thirty Seconds

I debated making this post about present time- after all, so much has happened in the last few months, where do I even begin!? But for the very same reason, I just couldn't do it. So here we go, I'm gonna skim the top of the last three months and depending on your own reading pace, we should be all caught up in about thirty seconds... In November Kevin graduated from DLI well versed in the Spanish language, we packed up and departed from the street with a very long name- thank you Army. It was a great place and we had the best neighbors- go Navy! We stopped in AZ to see my brother graduate from ASU-congrats!- and spend a little time with family -love you guys!- before moving on to Iowa. Iowa was busy and so much fun, the boys and I had not visited in many years. A nephew turned one, we celebrated Christmas and witnessed a beautiful wedding -so happy for you!- all before heading to Boston the beginning of January. We spent 10 hrs. in the airport there -cool rocking chairs- until making our way to one island and then another and finally being done with our travels- whew! The details are hairy and become more so from here, what's important is that we spent time with family and arrived safely in Portugal ALL TOGETHER! Until next time- thanks for making it so hard to say goodbye -seriously!- everyone should be blessed with family and friends as great as you all!

Avenue of the Giants

Before we leave this gorgeous state we wanted to see some of the big trees most people will only ever read about. We traveled six hours north to the 31 mile stretch of historic 101 aptly named, Avenue of the Giants. We stayed several days in the little town of Redcrest, right on the Avenue, and drove the entire highway from start to finish. We stopped along the way to explore and walk amongst trees that stood even before Christ was born. We found ourselves speechless much of the time, I'm even lacking for words to describe them now! It was a quiet escape we'll remember for some time, I hope to go back someday....

They seem to go up forever!

Skipping rocks at the Eel River

It was a close fit!

Our cabin at Redcrest Resort

One of the many "Giants" we saw

Confusion Hill, just off the 101

I had to hurry through- this place made me sick!

Pumpkins, Halloween and Christmas Trees?

For years now the stores have rushed into the holidays months before it's time to shop, decorate and celebrate. It seems now that the regular population has followed suit! Really now,- a Christmas tree on your front porch the day after Halloween!? What about harvest time, pumpkins and Thanksgiving? Just to be obnoxious I want to dig out all my decorations from Easter to the New Year, adorn the front of the house and hang a banner declaring "I Win!" But winning this ridiculous, underground race would be a loss in the end. I love the fall and winter holidays, the progression, the gatherings, the long, sweet finish to a full year with a brand new one ahead. These months are always so special to me, full of reflection, thanks, and wonder. I thank God for this time of year and what better way to show my gratitude than to savor the moments!

Welcome to the Pumpkin Patch, Y'all!

The cheesy grin is completely on purpose- Kevin made me do it! We had ourselves a fun day at a nearby farm where the kids climbed over bales of straw, fed goats, ran through a corn maze, raced pedal carts, launched pumpkins and more. Makes me tired just thinking of it all. I left wondering if goats will eat until their stomachs explode. For everyone's sake I hope they're not gluttonously suicidal- that's no fun for the kiddies.

And Then There Were Two

Five if you count the dogs! Next in were Grandma and Poppa with Duke, Tuesday and Molly. This always makes the boys VERY happy and the good thing is we all get exercise taking the dogs on walks. This time around we hit up the Carmel Mission (field trip for Ethan), celebrated Isaac's 6th birthday and went whale watching. We saw Humpback whales, dolphins and two blue whales on our way back in to the harbor. Thank you Mom & Dad for EVERYTHING- we love you.

Got Some Catching Up to Do!

October got off to a great start when Meg & Floyd came in for a long weekend. Keaton is so tall, smart and handsome and kept Ethan busy at the park! Aunt Meggy and Uncle Floyd got little rest between keeping up with their little guy and running races with everyone in the grass. After a few cool days on the coast it was back to the heat of the city for them- loved having you guys, we miss you!