Adventures in the snow (Feb 2009)

A few times, when we were brave enough, and the conditions were not too frigid, we would go out for adventures, around the near by golf course. Many like to cross country ski, we tried snow shoeing and pulling the kids along in sleds. David had a great time, Isa, not so much. The next picture shows her throwing herself back in protest. Who can blame her, it is cold!

Happy Valentine's Day from the king of hearts!

Back in NH (Jan 2009)

Back at home, it was nice to be back in our own house. It sure was a shock to our system in many ways, especially when it comes to bundling up to go anywhere. There had been quite a bit of snow while we were gone, thankfully a plow service came to clean off the drive way and we were able to drive up to our house. It took me a while to adjust, but eventually we had to head outside for some snow fun, what else do we have?

Saying good-bye (Jan 2009)

Well all good things have to come to an end, and we did have a whole life we needed to get back to. I spent a couple of days preparing to pack and then realized we just couldn't fit it all. I guess a month's worth of shopping, plus Christmas, makes it extra hard. We thoroughly enjoyed our time with everyone, here are a few pictures as we said, "see you in a few months" to our family and friends. Come and visit us!!!

Do you like our new hats?
We can't get enough hugs
Isa up too late chillin with Kyle
David cracking up with Stephen
Great-grandma Kay and Isa Kay say good-bye
Tio Daniel and the nininia
Two of the smiliest girls I know

Even more fun in the sun (Jan 2009)

Well, you just don't know how good it is until you are away from it, California is such a beautiful place to be, especially in the winter. We took full advantage of this, meeting Grandma Mary and Grandpa Keith at the Huntington Pier for breakfast one morning. It truly was a beautiful day, saw dolphins playing in the water while we ate breakfast at Ruby's and we just had a wonderful time strolling along the pier. Later that weekend we met up at Laguna Beach, next to Mary's office for another beautiful day in the sun. David played in the playground so hard that he broke his glasses. Andrew did a Macgyver job and they held together the rest of the trip, we really enjoyed breathing in the ocean air and watching the sunset. We appreciated it even more when we found out the temperature back in New Hampshire had been in the negatives without counting the windchill!!!!

Enjoying the sunshine on the pier

David's under the pile of Mickey and pals

Getting an extra dose of vitamin DDaniel joined us, even Spanish teachers get a day off now and thenDavid enjoys digging

DISNEYLAND! (Jan 2009)

What a treat!! Thanks to Tia Mari being well connected, we were able to spend a day at California Adventure and Disneyland. Sheri, her mom, and the kids joined Marissa and our family to make it such a memorable day. We actually spent quite a bit of time in California Adventure, it was a very warm day, 80s!!! so we stayed cool watching the Playhouse Disney show, the kids loved it! David still talks about seeing the Little Einstiens and rocket as well as the pals from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. We all enjoyed taking it slow, this time around David was real soaking it all in, excited about meeting the characters and recognizing familiar faces on rides and shows.

some letter fun around the entrance to CA Adventure
David was beside himself with excitement to meet Minnie
Now that's a happy boy, watching the Playhouse Disney showGoofing around with GoofyMeeting Mickey and Pluto

"Baby" Dedication (Jan 2009)

While we were in California, we were blessed to take part in a baby dedication for all the cousins. It was neat to have all the family together and encourage each other to raise our kids with the same morals and values that we were brought up. Here are a few pictures from that day and a video of the momentous occasion. Thanks Pastor Jordan and Cornerstone Community Church.

Fun in the sun (January 2009)

We spent so much time outside everyday, trying to soak it all in, even when everyone thought it was chilly, the weather in January (in CA) just can't be beat. Every morning we would walk Marissa to school and then David would play at the playground. Eventually I got smart and sent David with my mom and would take a little rest while Isa napped. We also had numerous play dates with the Sanchez kids, it was so much fun just chatting with Sheri and letting the kids have fun. Of course we also hit all the outdoor fun shopping areas, like the Irvine spectrum, sipping coffees and reminiscing pushing our niece and nephew around and now we got to enjoy it with our own kids too.

At the Spectrum with Grandma Mary and Grandpa Keith

David enjoys the carousel for the first time on an actual horsie

Marissa helps Isa on her first ever park swing

She loves it!David taking a goldfish break at the playground

David sees this picture and says that he and Austin
were hanging out in Mickey's clubhouse :)