Grandma's Visit

It is always fun when family and friends visit from out of town. When Grandma and Ashley were here, we visited many places that we haven't seen for a while too.



One of the first places we went was Armstrong Redwoods in Guerneville. It's about a 4 hour drive from where we live but it is just beautiful there. Bodega Bay isn't too far from there so that was the next stop.











Here they are on Shell Beach in Bodega Bay. They (I say they because I was home with Savanna, who wasn't feeling well) got to roam the tide pools and see some cool animals. That was a long full day!










During the week we stayed close to home. Here we are at Nimbus Fish Hatchery in Folsom. The ladder (the watery steps to the right) was still open, but there weren't too many salmon left traveling up the ladder. We just missed the harvesting of the eggs too. It is a cool visitor center, especially during the late fall when the salmon are running.











Here we are in one of the many candy stores in Old Historic Sacramento. Ashley had never seen soooo much candy in one place! You are literally surrounded by candy in that store! The kids love it because they let you sample two to three pieces just for visiting!








The last thing we got to do before Grandma and Ashley left was to visit the De Young Musuem in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. The King Tut exhibit was in town, and Grandma was dying to see it. We were too, since we studied Ancient Egypt last year. It was amazing to see all the artifacts and it is mind blowing to remember that all that stuff is thousands of years old! This picture is actually on the Wharf. The statue was there, so we took the pick.













After the museum, we trekked down Fishman's Wharf. I just love that place! Surprisingly, there weren't as many sea lions as usual, but we got to se a few of them. We purchased some fine sourdough bread (a teddy bear and a turtle, they were huge!) at Boudin's and finished the day with a wonderful meal at Alioto's.







Maybe next time we can do Monterey!

Thanksgiving 2009

Better late than never! We have a lot to be thankful for: God's grace and blessings, family, friends and good times. Here are a few pictures from our celebration. We gathered at Kato's and had a nice evening with plenty of food.





Papa and Tristan
















Bryan and me (can you believe he's now 23?)















Tristan at 14 and taller than me. I think I'm shrinking!



















Grandma Straight and cousin Ashley came to visit for the holidays. Being Ashley's first time in California, we made a few road trips while they were here.

Calvine and Hobbes

This is what happens when you let your kids read Calvin and Hobbes...need I say more?

Our Favorite Saints

As most of you know, we gave up on halloween and have chosen to celebrate All Saints Day. This year Charles chose to be St Sebastian and Savanna chose to be St Cecilia. Below is a short description of each saint. I'm thinking that these martyred saints died some horrific deaths! Charles can be seen with arrows sticking out of his chest. Savanna chose to wear the outfit of a martyr, white clothing (symbol of purity) with a red cape (symbol of their blood spilled for Christ). She did though, have the blood oozing out of her neck where the executioner couldn't do his job! I thought All Saints Day would take us away from the gross, bloody mess, boy was I wrong!

St Sebastian was a Roman soldier around 283. He made numerous converts during his life. When the Emporer discovered that Sebastian was a Christian, he was executed. He was shot with arrows and left to die. A Christian woman went to recover his body and she found he was still alive. She cared for him and he became well. Soon after, Sebastian confronted the Emperor, admonished him for his cruelty to Christians, and was beaten to death as directed by the Emperor. St Sebastian is the patron saint for archers, athletes, and soldiers, and is asked to intercede for protection against plagues.

St Cecilia was a Christian living in Rome around the mid third century. She had consecrated herself to God and lead a life of purity. When forced into a marriage, she converted her husband Valerian and his brother, Tibertius. Her husband allowed her to continue a life of purity. After the conversion of the two brothers, they took on the task of burying the martyrs that were being slain by the prefect of the city. When Valerian and Tibertius were discoverd as Christian, they were martyred. Cecilia continued to preach and teach and was eventually arrested. The executioner was to behead her. He struck three times and could not complete the beheading. He left here bleeding. She survived for three days and during that time, crowds came to collect her blood with towels and sponges while she preached and prayed with them. St Cecilia is the patron saint of music.

Memories of Yesterdays

Years ago when the kids were really little about 3 or 4, we use to go out to Wheatland to Bishop's Pumpkin Farm. For many years, we would have the kids stand at this same measuring stick and have their pictures taken. It was so long ago, I don't have digital photos to compare. I'm pretty sure they have grown though.



















It's been years since our last visit. Lots had changed on the pumpkin farm. This time we got to try out the corn maze. It was a first for me and the kids. It's a little daunting trying to find your way through. The maze was immense! We finally managed to get through the maze, but it did take a while.




















The kids are growing up right before my eyes! Hmm, what's Charles up to now?

I left off in October and have a lot of catching up. Much has taken place in the past few months! Stay tuned, I will be updating soon. God Bless you all. Hope you are all keeping warm!

Let it Snow

We woke up to a winter wonderland and no electricity! Fun, fun, fun! We are off to friends that have a wood stove and gass cooking range!
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