Last Weekend

This last weekend we decided to get away. As pushed through the stress of packing and initial departure, we wondered if it was worth the effort.

Boy was it!

Here are some highlights... (that wouldn't have been captured without our amazing new camera) 

Chapter 1: Ventura

Where we went to see S's brother Nathan and his wife Marian. Our gracious hosts.

Van busted out his new swim trunks and was in heaven exploring every rock and staring at every surfer.

We were also lucky enough to see S's cousin Nathan and his wife Sarah Jane.

Susanna and Sarah Jane (7.5 months and 3 months along respectively)

Nathan Bowen (S's cousin and SJ's hubby) and their daughter Norah.

Just a picture of Suzi that I really like.

Born two days apart, these two little New Yorkers have adjusted to California life with great ease.

GK teaching Van the ways of the ocean.

The morning view from the deck.

Our morning view from the table.

Chapter 2: Solvang

We went to cheer on Poppie (Grandpa Risser) on his 100 mile bike ride.

(If you look closely you'll see GK's passengers front and back)

Mimi and SusannaReggie in heaven. He and Mimi have a real bond.

Vanny waiting for Poppie's arrival at the finish line.

Poppie's arrival, in style!

The celebration.

Van aspiring to be like the big guy.

Ditto.

An early morning hike with Dad and Poppie.

Followed by a glorious breakfast.

I suppose every good thing has to come to an end. In order to make way for the next one.

My Dad

Happy Birthday!

To the one who taught me how to care about other people,
how to be resilient,
how to be grateful,
how to be kind,
how to ski,
how to write,
the importance of honesty...
among many other things.

I'm grateful you were born.

Against my better judgement...

For those of you asking,

here's a profile shot my mom caught at New Beginnings (at church) last weekend.

Oh babies!

Don't expect many more of these. It's my naptime and I'm sure I'll live to regret this.

Grammy and Papa

Came to town this weekend.
We picked flowers.

Made very satisfying messes.

Went on walks.

Sat around talking until way too late.

And now Vanny walks around saying "Pa pa papa." and "Nammy Gammy". I think he's looking for you, so come back soon!

Today

I'm 31.

So far I preferred being 30.

Since we currently have a broken camera and a flip that is missing in action... you may be waiting a while for visual entertainment.

There's much to report between Christmas, a trip to NY and my enormous belly...

But as a brief update, Vanny is thriving. He has learned the powerful effect of tantrums. He is also suddenly quite communicative. He talks nonstop, and every once in a while says something we understand.

Our latest favorite is "Hoo-yay!" whenever he's pleased about anything. It's enough to make up for the tantrums. Almost.

On becoming a man

A dose of Van (for Sara and Papa)

And all you other closet fans

I'm not exaggerating when I say that as soon as Van wakes up in the morning he wants the piano open and he wants to be put up on the bench. He practices on and off all day long.

When he's not eating that is...

Or standing on the table...

Or practicing to be a tattoo artist...

He's got a pretty busy life. He's feeling the pressure to be a good big brother to the coming littles.

The word on the street is that they're both girls. Names in the works.