Summer days

So I have been pregnant almost non-stop since January of 2010. Granted, I had a 3 month break in there, but that hardly counts since I was breast feeding around the clock and getting used to our first newborn baby. After Josiah was born, I began the journey of motherhood, ending my job and being at home full time. Somewhere in the chaos of infanthood, I began to try and get a grasp on what my new life would look like. What I would do during the days, who I would socialize with, what routines I could establish to enjoy this time, who I was as a person...I was trying to figure out all these things when I got pregnant again and slid back into the fatigue of my first trimester.

Now I have my energy back, and I am still exploring these same issues, but I know that it will all change drastically again in three months from now when we have number two. Because of this, the fall holds so much excitement for us. We get to meet our new baby, to have him/her around for the holidays, and get to begin figuring out what 'normal' will be for us, for a while (we will be a little more 'careful' this time around...). For this reason, I am so thankful that our summer is going by quickly and has been packed with fun. I have had the opportunity to really love being a stay at home mom. Being at home has given me the energy to get out and really enjoy the summer days and all the amazing people Ryan and I have in our lives.

A few of my best friends after Megan's bridal shower. Kristin, this picture was taken specifically for you, highlighting the baby belly. In fact, I made everyone come back and pose again, telling them "I have to take a baby bump picture for Kristin!" ; )

Summer Fun

Willie Nelson Concert at Pozo Saloon

We had amazing seats, basked in the sun and spent the day with our sisters and close friends Jaime and Joe. Our other dear friends Garth and Holly even baby-sat Josiah all day and at night. Ryan and I had some sweet one-on-one time, and got to sleep in the next morning. It was so refreshing to laugh together and chat, re-connecting over things that weren't just baby or house related. I love my husband!

Sister Love- Me and Terra

Sister Love- Me and Lyndal

Megan's Bridal Shower

The week after we got back from our big two week vacation was Megan's bridal shower. I drove down in the afternoon on Friday and spent the night with my wonderful friends Megan and Jessica in LA. We had dinner and lots of girl time. Then along with Shellie, we threw Megan her Bridal Shower the next morning. I came back so refreshed, thankful to Ryan who watched the little man Friday evening and all day Saturday, and better able to be a great mommy and wife.

I love food! How could I leave this picture out!? The best part was how it seemed like everything we did matched Megan so well, her personality and what she liked. It makes me so deeply happy to see her excitement and joy!

Random Beach Day

Josiah and I took advantage of my stay-at-home mom status by going to the Avila Valley Barn and then going to the beach. He missed his morning nap in all the excitement, so by the time we took this picture he was ready to go home. He was a little trooper though, and we really enjoyed hanging out with some new friends.

California Mid-State Fair

All sorts of sheep...he may be a bit confused right now!

My friend Julie and I were confused about these giant hamster-running-balls over a pool of water. They looked inflatable and had people flailing about inside them trying to stand and run around. It made me think, hey, I could think of some crazy ideas like that. Maybe I could make some cash next year at the fair if I knew people would pay to do weird stuff...any ideas??

Uncle J and Aunty A.!!

One of the most blessed feelings I have is when I see my sisters happy and loving life. God really has orchestrated all three of us and our marriages, and my sister and her new husband work together so well. I really feel like our family has been blessed yet again with their marriage. It was so much fun to be down in San Diego to spend the week prior with the (then) engaged couple. My new brother is a great guy and we are so excited to have him in our family. My pictures are limited, so he's not in any of these, unfortunately, but we love him all the same.

Hike up a mountain- A. was a trooper! J. weighs at least 20 pounds by now so she was trekking up a load!

All dressed up and ready to go out dancing and dining for the bachlorette party! A. was a crazy woman! Little did we know that there was a gay-pride parade the next day in the neighboring community, so the bars we went to were full of good-looking men who were of no threat to us married/engaged women! Perfect! : )

Super nice dinner before dancing

The Bridal Party Girls

J. had to be all dressed up for his Aunty's wedding. He and cousin E. (the younger baby), with cousin J. pulling them, cruised down the aisle in high-class baby style!

Watch out Ladies...!

Congratulations A., I love you! I am so excited for you and J. as you begin your story together and I love being a part of your life and you being a part of mine. xoxoxox

Traversing the State

I am quite un-inspired as I sit to write this blog. I suppose I will just list off our itinerary, so please forgive me for my lack of creativity. We took two weeks off to go to the mountains, visit family and see Andrea off in marriage. Since Andrea's marriage deserves a post of it's own, this entry is dedicated to the first week and a half.

First, we drove to Chico, and spent a night with Ryan's parents then drove to the cabin and spend four nights there. From the Cabin we went back to Chico for a night, then went camping up at Hatt Creek for two nights. After camping, we went back to mom and dad's B&B for a night and then over to Leemore/Hanford (to break up the drive to San Diego and visit friends and family). From Leemore, we drove to San Diego, celebrated Andreas wedding, then drove back to San Luis. When it was all said and done, we traveled about an hour from the Oregon border and then an hour from the Mexican border during the two weeks we were on the road. We had a great time. Every part of the trip was fun and had it's own draw, but by the end we were glad to get home. Here are a few highlights.

Josiah, expressing his opinion regarding the current economic unrest in Greece, over a cup of coffee and some cheerios.

Shocker, I know, but he's an opinionated little guy! This was at a fun little breakfast diner near Hatt Creek (and no- we don't actually let him drink coffee).

Fourth of July Parade in Chester

Fly fishing at the cabin.

Hanging out on the creek side beach below the cabin.

Our little Mexican!

Josiah got a few toe dips in the snow melt, he's still getting used to cold water.

This is up near Hatt creek. We followed some random logging roads and found our own little private meadow and stream. We hung out here for a while, fishing, relaxing and dipping in the creek!

"Geez guys, a little privacy please!"

Some routines go by the wayside while camping, but we found camping bath time to be quite fun.

...clean baby...

...and ready for bed! As you can see in the background, we had Josiah sleep in the tent and we slept on the ground outside. I think all of us sleep better with a little space.

Camping life has definitely changed for us. There was quite a bit more time just hanging out at the campsite! Ryan and I both started and finished good books.

Bad picture, but good morning snuggles : )

Walk to the Waterfalls.

Visiting Paulo at the dairy.

Please Note; There aren't pictures of one of the most important parts of this half of the trip. We had a sweet times visiting Mom, Dad, Grandma Graff, and my cousins and aunt and uncle in Leemore. I just didn't get a lot of great pictures with individuals. Too busy just enjoying the good company and hanging out, I guess!