Time for a little catch up...

The end of 2008 and the beginning of 2009 have been wonderful. It is hard to believe that Christmas has already come and gone and it's mid January. Mike decided it was time that we have a 'real' camera so went out and purchased something that would not only visually record our memories but, unfortunately, keep all of our pictures locked in the camera. The only problem with the digital world. Well, we have finally put all our pictures on the computer and are ready to share. Here are a few shots from December and January. This was Anna's first Christmas so it was extra special to us and then we rolled right into her birthday January 12. What a ride. With the new year comes a zealous promise of active blogging! Here we go....

Mike and Susan came for a visit just before Christmas. Anna gave Susan lots of love.

Anna's Christmas outfit complete with her own 'faux' fur shrug.

Christmas morning

We took Gigi out to dinner right before Christmas. Anna had a hard time deciding so she ordered the osso buco. Good choice.

I think Anna actually forgot this bow was on her head.

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!