Thursday, December 25, 2008

Merry Christmas!

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”- Isaiah 9:6






Brian and I wish our families and friends a Merry Christmas! We are so thankful for all of the ways we have been blessed this year! We are so thankful to have arrived safe and sound in California to be with family. I was so anxious that the weather would thwart our travels! Thankfully, nothing stops my husband, except for road closures and airline cancellations, none of which we encountered. He truly is my rock in these situations, ready and steady with his positive attitude and calm demeanor. Our drive over the mountains was snow free and despite the media exxagerations (big surprise) of airport chaos, we breezed through ticketing and security. Olivia did great, we even had a seat for her in our row (another miracle - thank you Lord!). A slight delay on the runway was our only hiccup, but you always need one of those during Holiday travels. I am so happy to be in LA this week and can't wait to spend next week with my "other family" in Cabo San Lucas (click there to see the resort). I have been doubly blessed with the most GENEROUS mom and dad in law who are treating us all to a week there as our Christmas present!

The above photos are the front and back of our Christmas card this year. I mailed them last week and they still haven't arrived to my out of state friends and family, so I thought I'd post them here to share. My amazingly talented friend Andrea took the photos and designed the card for us. What a gift she is to us! We love you Andrea!

Merry Christmas to all!

Friday, December 19, 2008

Santa and Snow

Wow...it's been a while since my last post. 'Tis the Season! The snow has finally arrived and it is a Winter Wonderland around here. It's definitely feeling A LOT like Christmas (ie. temps in the teens and even below zero at night) and if you know this California girl I tend to act like the bears and hibernate in these months. We have ventured out some and even got to visit Santa at the mall and play in the snow a little. Here are some pics!


She was not too sure about Santa, so I squatted down and propped her up on his lap! You can't even see me!

And a few of Liv in the "know" (AKA Snow)...












The view from my in laws house, this is their street!


California and Cabo here we come!! I am learning to love the snow but I'm looking forward to a little warmth and some family fun!!

Monday, December 8, 2008

Cutting our Christmas Tree

Yesterday Brian, Livi and I drove about an hour away from home to cut down our Christmas tree. This city girl was out of the city for sure! The drive was so beautiful and when we finally (and I mean FINALLY, but that's another story for another blog entry) found our spot it was super fun!!


You must obtain a permit to cut a tree. Only five bucks...not too shabby for a whole tree! Take that Home Depot!



This was a waterfall we stumbled upon...amazing!



Yeah this is pretty much heaven on earth for my husband...he LOVES the great outdoors!!



Self portrait




Yes they were THAT big. I was in awe!



Livi lookin' for pine cones. That was her favorite part and I just had to keep them out of her mouth. Didn't want her ingesting any deer poop before dinner.





My hunky lumberjack. After searching and searching we found her and got 'er done! Ok I've been in the woods a little too long...



Well, really we rescued her. She looked fuller amongst the other trees but we'll spruce her up! It's all about the experience right?



One more of our drive home. A great day and a family tradition started. Really, there are perks to not living in the big city...after days like today I believe it.