Road Trip to Redding

In celebration of Tia Shawna’s College Graduation, we packed up the car and drove to Redding. Blue drove through the night while Anastasia and I slept for almost the entire ride; only waking a few times to hear Blue reading directions or rocking out to good music on the radio. We stopped for breakfast and I finished the last few hours of the drive, making it in great time. Once there, we had a great time mingling with Tia Shawna, Bryson, Uncle Benny and even Bubba Kitty. There were lots of warm welcoming hugs, followed by stories of recent happenings and talk of how fast kids grow. We had the chance- since it stopped raining for a minute- to go watch Bryson rip up the skate park. At only 9, he’s pulling tricks we were all impressed with.
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The Graduation was enjoyable, and it was wonderful to watch Tia Shawna pass through the stage to receive her Degree. We were all so proud! WAY TO GO TIA!



Before the weekend came to a close, we had the chance to do some mountain site-seeing near Shasta Lake. Though the baby slept through most of it, we had fun checking out the snow- and even managed to get ourselves locked inside a gate that we had to wait for someone to let us out of.





Before we knew it, it was time to get going home, so we filled up on French Toast and said our goodbyes for the long trip home.




The ride home was more fun than anticipated, and the baby was back to her antics as soon as we walked into the door.

Fun in the Denali

When Anastasia watches her Mommy and Daddy do something, she wants to do it too. She watches us drive all the time and finally had her chance behind the wheel.

Cold Winter Days

Yesterday, it was beautiful and sunny.  Anastasia had a good time playing outside in the leaves while I raked them, and she was sure to get plenty dirty.  Today is different- it's cold and raining outside; but just when I thought it was going to be a borring day inside, we had a surprise guest!

Audrina brings out so much in Anastasia.  It's just so much fun to watch as she shows her how to play with her 'older' toys,  share and play together.  Anastasia also becomes so much more interested in the toys that she usually doesn't play with. 

These Days...

Lots bumps and bruises these days, she even has her first skinned knee from yesterday.  Playing in the dirt will do that... she just loves it.  We are almost past the 'put everything in her mouth' stage, she likes to hold the rocks now.

The time we spend outside is always an adventure.

It's Fun To Be ONE

It's only been a few weeks, but being one is so much fun!

You can always count on her for a big happy smile.

Playing in the yard is always more fun with Duke.

On top of the world with her Daddy.

Anything you can do, she can do better.

Welcome 2010

We had a wonderful time at our Church New Years Party playing BINGO and doing a puzzle.  We broke bread together just after midnight and joined in communion as a church family- the best way to start the new year!  It was followed by breakfast and shortly after, my pillow.  Anastasia even stayed up until we put her in the car to go. 

 I'm really looking forward to this new year and all that God has planned for my family.  Things just keep looking better, and we owe it all to Him.  Thank You Jesus for the blessings You have brought my family, I will continue to glorify You throughout this new year too.  Amen