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.