Four years

I am so grateful for the life that I have. Ty and I celebrated four whole years of marriage. Four seems like such a small number, but even in such a little time, we've experienced so much and grown so much together. So thankful we found each other. We celebrated at one of our favorite places in the Napa Valley... It's not a place we frequent, but always worth the splurge! My first visit I tried this amazing campfire pie, and I can't leave Cindy's kitchen without getting my fix. It's layered marshmallow, chocolate, oreo, nuts... it's perfect!The fingers are to help us identify the year when
we're old and gray and can't remember that far back.

I love you Ty!

Freezer Strawberry Jam

I got a flat of strawberries at our local farmer's market to make jam! I love freezer jam! It's so easy and way more delicious than store bought jam. I took a picture of Ty, he didn't look too excited, so I asked that he'd look a little happier, and got the above expression.
Yeah Jam! If you haven't had PB&J with freezer strawberry jam, you're missin' out!

Biggs Heder Reunion

Some of the uncles were not present for this picture, but it's almost scary how similar they all look! Dropping a name here, but the uncle in the blue shirt is Jim Heder, father of John Heder (Napoleon Dynamite). 10 pts. if you can pick my dad out. Bryce had some very confused moments during the reunion. So many Poppies! (Bryce calls my dad and Ty's dad Poppy).My sister-in-law pointed out how impressed she was I had a camera and took time to snap a few during my traumatic ant experience... So I am a little embarrassed this is turning into an unintentional habit of mine, to only have a camera during those times when taking pictures should not be on my priority list.

Okay, so I know this is super common, but in the flattest and perhaps safest place in the whole camp, Bryce busted his chin open. With a bloody child, all my relatives could seem to say to me is, "happens to everyone", "join the club"... I really wouldn't be bothered by these comments, if they hadn't been in response to me being a little worried about my kid. Maybe it's because I am a first time parent, but am I allowed a little sympathy people?!?! Am I not allowed to be sad when my child is in pain?! At least wait until he's not screaming in my ear to tell me these things.Looking back, there are some funny memories that have come from this. Running Bryce up the hill, he was screaming pretty good. I got him into the kitchen to wash him up, and he wouldn't stop crying. I finally caught on to what he was mostly upset about... His arm had blood all over it. Once I got his arm cleaned off, he was peachy.

I think Bryce started liking his battle wound once he learned Poppy and Uncle Guy (honorary Poppy2) had chin scars too.
In all fairness, not all my relatives were giving me a hard time, cousin Beckie's hubby Alan kept the gummy worms coming, those helped a heap! Thanks Alan.

Oh, and I did get one more picture, Rylie on a bridge. I'd say I will get pictures from my mom's camera, but let's be honest, that's not likely to happen.

Pre-Reunion.

The main reason for our trip to Utah was for the Biggs Reunion. This year my mom was heading up early to help Emily with her classroom, so Bryce and i hopped in the car so she didn't have to make the drive alone. People ask sometimes why Emily needs so much help in her classroom every year, b/c we do end up going to help every year. She certainly puts us to work, but it's nothing short of inspiring to be in her classroom and watch her excitement for the upcoming year. Emily has a gift for teaching, I am so grateful she loves her job and loves helping young people learn. I only hope my children will have a teacher like her, or better yet, have her for their teacher... That would be the ultimate! Have a great year Em! Have you heard of cake bites? It's basically a whole cupcake condensed into one bite size (maybe two bites) of cakey goodness! It's actually a bit too rich for my tastes, nevertheless I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Bryce did as well.
We later found out that it's the cupcakes at this little store that you really ought to try. I'm not a big fan of cake, but these cupcakes were spectacular!

Bryce decided this was a one-bite treat.

After the cake bites, we headed to the mall for me to re-pierce my ears (long, unnecessary story) and were feeling hungry for real food, so stopped for that too!

These two are buds!

I can't remember the last time I painted my finger nails, so mom and I decided to take a picture. Bryce picked up on the pose, and mimicked us in his picture with Aunt Em.

I promise we weren't always eating,

but this is the only picture I took with one of my favorite people, Jeanette!

So. California: Part 3

In reverse order, we had one crazy long, absolutely fun day! It started with funny helmet/pavement skiing with dad, and ended at the beach... But to avoid the headache of putting these pictures in order, I'll type about the beach first.

If there was one thing I could change about Northern California it'd be to have beaches a little more toe-dipping-friendly. Southern California beaches are great, and Bryce would have to agree. The kid was fearless and would run straight for the rushing waves. Of course I was there the whole time, nervous he'd be swept away, but I finally want him to be a little sensible about his surroundings, so I let him fall once, just to get him a bit more timid. Worked like a charm. After that, he was just the right amount of timid, but still loving the feel of the ocean, and the feel of his feet sinking deeper and deeper in the sand.

Bryce and Poppy Carlson

Poppy doesn't care for the beach much, but he made an exception for Bryce. Thank you Poppy.

I love this picture.

What I would give to have this view every day.

I'd also have to give upwards of $10 million, but that's hardly the point.

oh, and I am talking about the ocean, not our bottoms ;o)

So happy with these two kids!

Yeah for Waves!

Bryce wasn't much for taking pictures. I think we took over 100 and you're looking at the best. Bryce couldn't take his eyes off the waves... And the occasional plane flying over.

Before the beach we went to "The great park" in Irvine. They have a bunch of free stuff you can do, even a carousel and a hot air balloon ride.

And the helmets I had mentioned. Aren't they cute?!

The End.

So. California: Part 2

One night we roasted hot dogs and marshmallows over the fire pit. Bryce felt so grown up sitting next to his daddy and poppy.

Bryce also loved, and I mean LOVED, holding his baby cousin.

Luckily, Baby D didn't seem to mind.

So. California: Part 1

A spot opened up for Ty and Bryce to join Uncle Shane on a fishing trip. 6+ hours in a pontoon boat and zero fish were caught, those lucky buggers. Regardless, Bryce seemed to enjoy himself, every part but the life jacket. Really though, what two year old wouldn't love running around on a boat. Thanks Uncle Shane.
Uncle Shane and cousins B and C.

Checkin' out the fish. Though, it is unclear if there were even fish to see.