It's been a while...

We are slacker bloggers. I'm not sure anyone is even reading this anymore, but just in case, here are some new pictures. This is the most recent picture of Anna. She is actually starting to look like a little girl. My mom said to Mike that there is no denying that she is his daughter, on the other hand, so many people say she looks just like me. I don't know, but she sure looks cute. And that is the smallest hair clip in the world. Perfect for holding 5 strands of hair. The pictures following include lots of team spirit since the longhorns have had an exciting year. Every Saturday we represent in our shirts and the Texas flag has been hanging out front all season. Mike says there is still a shot at the National Championships, but OU has to win (just by a little) this weekend. It is hard to believe that next weekend is Thanksgiving. It is such a cliche, but time sure does fly. Miss you all.

A little over 10 months old.




Last weekend getting ready for the big game! My mom says she has our 'sorority' smile already.

banana face


Vegas baby! I celebrated my first weekend away by seeing Madonna in Vegas. Kim, Kristen, CJ and I had planned this for months. Resplendent in so many ways, Champagne lunch, lots of gambling, and spending time with three of my favorites. I have a feeling I will always like Vegas.

Anna goes to Texas!

Last week, Mike and I took Anna back to Texas. There were many stops across that huge state but all in all it was a great trip. San Antonio was the first stop to see Anna's Momo (Mike's mom) and James. They are in a beautiful spot out in the hill country. Lots of space and deer that come right up to the gate to eat. It was so much fun to see Emily, Aunt Mary, Aunt Debbie and Tom. Next we headed to Austin to stay with the Rothschilds. Austin is so much fun and Mike couldn't wait to take Anna to campus. Congratulations to Ashli and Casey, Ashli's pregnant! And so much fun to see Scott and Leigh too. We miss you guys. Next we headed south to Hunt's ranch to hang with the Mckee's, Jeff and Jarrett. The guys went dove hunting and then we ended the night sitting around the fire. Good times. Anna and Mike at the University of Texas tower.
playing in San Antonio
Momo's new house out in the hill country. I'll have to admit, Texas has the most beautiful sunsets. This gate is where all the deer would wander up to eat.
Anna and Ally
Mike, Hunt and Jeff. These guys have been hunting and playing at this ranch since they were little boys. It's a beautiful spot in the south part of the state just north of Corpus Christi. They actually did come back with some quail.

Anna joins the 'Nation'

Last Sunday Anna took in her first Raider game. She seemed to really enjoy standing at the edge of the window and watching the crowd as well as bits and pieces of the game. The next home game is against the Jets and Anna is already getting pumped up!

Anna Banana

Our little Anna banana is crawling! She's like a dart. If I leave the room for a second she is gone. She started crawling a few weeks ago and is so happy to be mobile. She is also pulling herself up on everything which I'm sure means walking fairly soon (or so they say). I can't believe that it is already the end of September. In fact, today, September 25, is my mom's birthday. Happy Birthday Mom! This has been an exceptional summer. Anna has brought us so much happiness and some serious belly laughs. Here are some recent shots of her doing her thing. Last weekend Jarrett was out for work so we ended the week with a trip to Tahoe. We stayed with our friends Tom and Angie and did all the fun Tahoe stuff. Mike even squeezed in some fishing. Imagine that. on the move
This high chair seems so big that we have to laugh. Plus Anna looks so small. But it always gets a smile.

a little blurry but you get the point
Tom, Mike, Jarrett and Anna, mid hike.

Now we know why the Raiders got stomped!!

Last night the Raiders played Monday Night Football against the Broncos. Our friends Mike and Kristen said they would watch Anna so we could go enjoy the game. It always feels good to leave your baby with a friend who has kids. They know all the tricks and have all the toys. Well the Raiders got crushed 41 to 14. It was pretty bad. Meanwhile, back in Sacramento, the Bruces were having way too much fun. We don't want to say that the second picture jinxed the game, but that is a 49er jersey on Anna. We got these pictures on our way home from the game, and we are seriously still laughing. We love the Bruces!!!!

no words to describe

Ryan, Anna and Nick Bruce

Labor Day at Lake Tahoe

Our friend Hillary was nice enough to invite us up to the lake for Labor Day weekend. It was a beautiful day and the water was perfect. Still cold but a refreshing temp for a quick jump off the pier. Catherine gave Anna this cute little swim outfit although she never did make it into the water. Hil's daughter was with us who was so much fun. Her answer for everything is 'great'. She and Anna got along very well. Mike and I were saying on our way back to Sacramento how you just never get tired of Tahoe. We are finally getting the hang of travelling with a baby. Anna is a great traveller. She played hard and slept even better. As for the rest of the weekend, we just relaxed. Today we took Anna to the park for a picnic and then walked to Vic's for an ice cream. All in all a great weekend.

Anna, Mike and Holden headed to the lake.

Mike's Flock of Seagulls hairdo!

Sun Valley

Mike and I just got back from spending a couple of weeks in Sun Valley, ID. There is so much to do we found ourselves busy everyday. Tons of great hiking, mountain biking, and fly fishing. Sun Valley also hosts an incredible symphony. For two weeks in August the crowds bring chairs and picnics and listen to the music. We had a few wonderful nights. I think my favorite was Tchaikovsky but the Pops were incredible too. The symphony just got back from a performance in Beijing and did all the overtures to the Olympics. Very cool. The night ended with the songs of the military. They asked everyone who was in each branch to stand up and be recognized as they played their music. Very patriotic. All in all it was a perfect vacation.

Aunt Cat and Anna

On my birthday my Mom and I hiked Mt. Baldy. This was after having some lunch at a restaurant called Papa Hemi's. Ernest Hemmingway called Sun Valley home and this restaurant was rumored to be his home. Well, if its good enough for Ernest Hemmingway...

Mike and I did some great trails. This was the golf course loop then we ended up on a single track called Corral Creek.

Riding through an old burn scar.

Anna and Mimi with Panzer. Panzer likes to give kisses and Anna didn't seem to mind.

Anna's Baptism

Last weekend was Anna's Baptism. What a wonderful day. Anna was the only baby being baptized, so she was the star. She was great during the ceremony. Just a little case of the hiccups. Our friend Paul was the Godfather and my sister Catherine was the Godmother. Anna is in good hands. Here are some pictures from her special day.

This has by far become Anna's favorite location. It gets a smile every time.

I've never seem two grandmothers love a baby more. She is a lucky girl.

Post baptism. Mike made his famous Paella. It was a very hot day in Sacramento. I think even Laurita who traveled all the way from Texas was hot. Is a pool in our future? Maybe. Right now we'll take the shade and a cold beer.

San Diego

Mike and I headed down to San Diego for our nephew Justin's first birthday. It was also a chance to say goodbye to Jon-Paul who has by now left for Iraq. We had a great weekend. It was fun to watch Justin and Anna to play together, JP hit the bbq, and we just enjoyed the beautiful San Diego weather. I already miss my little (big) brother and hope everyone who reads this will keep him in your prayers.

Pure fun

Anna looking very serious

Aunt Cat and Anna (Anna didn't touch any of that wine)

The birthday boy and Mimi

Anna eats solid food

This is just always cute. I know everyone with kids has taken these pictures. It is so funny to watch your little baby, who has only known liquids, to eat rice cereal. Anna wasn't terribly interested, but as my mom put it, would you be that excited about rice cereal? Good point. Moving on to the good stuff very soon (i.e. fruits and veggies). Anna is now a little over 6 months and growing like a weed. She is sitting up pretty much on her own and rolling all over the place. This age is so much fun.

Sun Valley

Last week Mike had a busy work week with Jarrett and Paul in town, then a fishing/camping weekend planned, so I decided to head to the mountains with Anna. Sun Valley is so beautiful in the summer, and since my parents are living there full time, they kept us busy all week. This picture was just after our first hike with Anna. My mom and I went to one of her favorite spots, Galena Lodge, and did a hike which was appropriately named, Psycho. There were beers hiding behind us in the picture. And well deserved. Anna was a champ. She slept through the first half, then just purely enjoyed herself for the rest.

Since Idaho received so much snowfall this year, everything was so green. This was another hike we took through the wildflowers. Just beautiful.

Anna loves to be outside. While we were eating dinner, she just played on the grass.

Happy Birthday Mike!!

Every year as Mike's birthday approaches, he begins to ask what we should do for his birthday. I think he is trying to figure out when (one of these years) I'll have a surprise birthday party for him. This wasn't the year. But it was a great day. We took our friends Tom and Angie, Catherine and of course Anna, up to Napa. We had a great lunch at then headed over to Domaine Chandon. We received the v.i.p. treatment which included a thorough tour and a wonderful tasting. Here are a few pictures from the day.

Anna learning about tank fermentation

I love this picture. This dress on Anna was mine as a baby. My mom saved some of her favorite clothes of ours (in duplicate of course).

Rio Viento Vineyard - Year 2

The name Rio Viento, which means river wind, was chosen because it represents the unique micro climate created by the cool delta breezes. This climate along with the rich soil creates an ideal location to grow grapes. Last weekend we took a drive out to the ranch to check the progress of the vineyard. This is the 2nd year and the vines are doing very well. Shortly, the vines will be split and trained to grow across the trellis which will enable them to yield more fruit. Next year will be the first year that fruit will be harvested. It is exciting to watch the progress!

Close up of the chardonnay vine

Rows of vines with 2nd year growth (upper field)

View of the lower vineyard