Christmas 2009

We did something different this year and spent Christmas up in the mountains. Our days were full of activities like skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing and a cold day of fishing (Mike). The temps were usually around 5 degrees when we woke up. A few days of 0. Very cold. We also lost power all day on Christmas due to a power outage, which we all decided it would make one of the most memorable Christmases to date. Thanks to the gas fireplace we all survived. Anna proved to love the snow as much as we do, no real surprise there. We had planned on taking her skiing but only made it to the sledding hill. I don't know who had more fun, Mike or Anna. Happy 2010!

Fourth of July? Really??

This has got to be the most common question (slightly rhetorical) in reference to our blog. For those of you still following, I thought I'd add a couple just to become somewhat current, and yes, change that fourth of July posting. Here is Anna on our front porch. I just love this picture. It really looks like her. The next picture is from Hermosa Beach. Mike's old stomping grounds. Mike took her down to the water and she was immediately knocked over by a wave. A little shocking to me, but Anna loved it. She has been loving the water for quite a while now so this was the ultimate. Mike just returned from an incredible fishing trip in Alaska and he is anxious to post lots of pictures. Those will be up soon.

Anna and her new favorite friend 'moo moo'

A cool day at the beach

4th of July Block Party with the Vans (and everyone else on 14th street)

I'm pretty sure I can say that I was never really interested in 'block parties' (especially the kind with a thousand kids running all over the place) until now. Anna was in the trenches. She was smack in the middle of the parade, feeding kids fruit (see below) and in general, just being a kid. Don't get me wrong, to the right of this picture was a margarita machine keeping the parents happy, I mean, life does go on. But it sure is fun with Anna.....

J.D., Anna and Harrison in the parade


Anna 'sharing'

No doubt this kid is part Texan. At the end of the day, she was so tired she had to lay down to enjoy her rib. This is seriously funny to us because the only time Anna slows down is to sleep.

Mike, Anna, Travis and Harrison

Anna (18mo.) and Harrison Van (11mo.)

The Rothschilds in town!!

Two years ago when Joey and Cathy came out to visit, we went wine tasting in Napa. We ended up at Plumpjack. Here we are again last month. This time with two new additions. Anna, and baby Rothschild who is due in the fall. This winery has a great picnic table up above the vineyards. Both trips we bought a bottle, sat at the table and enjoyed the day. I hope this is a tradition for many years. Here are a few shots.

In the tasting room at Plumpjack. We all loved the Sauvignon Blanc!

At our favorite picnic table above the vineyards

Anna and Joey finishing a glass of wine.

Parents to be. Cathy was a good sport about being pregnant in Napa. I've been there. It's tough.

Easter 2009 - Thunderbird

Easter in Rancho Mirage has been a family tradition for Cara's family for decades. This year was especially exciting because Anna was into the egg hunt and the petting zoo. Below are a few pictures from out great trip.

Anna and her Easter basket.

The 'Fam'.

Anna loved the petting zoo. I was worried that the goat was going to kick her; but she managed to navigate the area quite well.

She loved petting the bunnies.

This was my favorite rooster - he reminded me of my Dad.

Cara, Anna and Aunt Cat. For those of you that were at our wedding this is where we had our reception.

My favorite picture from the weekend.

Friends

We were so excited when the Mckee's told us they were coming out for a visit. The weekend flew by and we all had so much fun. We headed up to Tahoe for a night and the kids had a great time playing in the snow. Allyson and Anna are only about 6 months apart so they were great buddies by the end of the weekend. So cute together!

Anna and Allyson

Hunt and a little 'red'

Megan and Luke (the expert skateboarder who made some new friends in California and perfected a couple new tricks- he'll be sponsored one day)

Elliot, Mike, Anna and Allyson getting ready for bed.

Who doesn't love a bathtub shot!

A day at the park

We have a great little playground near our house and Anna is finally old enough to enjoy, so we head up to the park at least three times a week. I think Anna loves the swing the best, but always wants to go down the slide. The first few times we held on to her, but then she insisted on going down alone. Big girl.

All the camellia trees are in bloom right now. Pink, red and white all over our backyard. I think this is a great shot.