Vacation Part 3- Cali

We spent the second week in California visiting family and friends. Jon was at his classes during the week, of course, and the girls and I stayed with my Grandparents. We are so thankful his classes have been in California these last few years as it gives us the opportunity to be with the friends and family we miss all year long. 

Marian helping Grandpa Joe pick his tomatoes-- he had the best tomatoes and zucchini!

Gigi and Grandpa Joe
(my Dad's parents)

Swimming at the Bachs before Jon had to head to Master's

Grada (my Mom's mom) with the girls

With Grada, Auntie Jill, Micah and Aunt Judy

Surfing day with Uncle Ron-- my Uncle was so gracious to teach the girls to surf...it was their favorite part of the vacation! 

Loved how he carried them out! =) 

Marian carrying her board back out

Macy girl =) 

Macy warming up...we were out so early in the morning, that it was still pretty chilly

I don't think the smile ever left her face that morning

My little surfer girls

Right before we left, Uncle Ron got them surfing on the same board...these are my favorite pics from the trip!

I never realized how much their mannerisms are the same until I looked back at these pics. 

My little "Bethany Hamiltons"...we actually sent an email to Bethany with this picture attached. =) 

Thank you Uncle Ron! You were the best teacher ever! 

Marian and Gigi

We met some friends of mine (from junior high) at the Beach...it was so fun catching up and seeing how all our kids are growing up! 

Christine's little guy Aaron with Marian--he just plopped down on her lap.
How cute is that? 

Ruby and her son Hudson with Macy...can't wait to see her new little one next year! 

Christine and the newest little Lee, Caleb.
I think he looks just like her. 

I was amazed that the girls could play in the waves by themselves this year.
I loved watching them hold hands and jump over the waves together. 

Posing near the "NO SAND ZONE." =) 

So thankful for these ladies and their friendship over the years.
Lovin' Hudson's face in this one. =) 

Beach Babies

We got to be with Gigi on her 80th Birthday. With all her health problems, it was such a blessing to celebrate Gigi turning another year older. It was also my sister Ashley's birthday too. So glad Marian remembered her camera, since I didn't have mine with me. I would have hated to miss out on all these memories. =)

Living it up at Tokyo kitchen...Yum!!

Uncle Tom and Aunt Debbie (my Dad's sister)

The birthday GIRLS with Shyliina, Marian and Macy
 

Our chef...the camo made us feel very much at home...wish Jon could have been there.

What a blessing of a vacation this was, except for not getting to have Jon with us in Cali. =(

But we are so proud of him on completing his Masters.

Thanks to everyone who made our visit so special. 

Vacation Part 2- Bridgeport

After spending a few days at the tree farm, we went camping at Mono Village, Bridgeport.  It's a few hours from Gardnerville and on our way to Cali, so it was a perfect spot to camp. 

I grew up going to Bridgeport with my Dad and it brought back so many fun memories being there again. It was so beautiful and so relaxing. 

Our camp site... I love the smell of camping... all the pine and campfires =) 

Heading to go fishin'

As much as Macy loves to fish, it requires too much sitting still for her...so we bring sand toys. =)

Such a patient Daddy... one of my favorite things to do is to watch Jon with our girls

Marian on the other hand, could sit for hours and fish. Probably one of her favorite things to do.

My Man... oh yea! 

Marian looking for frogs and minnows in the marsh

So much fun watching Macy "parent" Baby Alive... so sweet

 A little "milk 'n honey" action from Florabella

We took some beautiful hikes while we were there.
Marian was the official "photographer" with her camera on this one. 

Taking advantage of the timer =)

The thing I love most about vacation is the undistracted time we have with the kids

Jon and I got away just the two of us for a more intense hike, thanks to Nana and Papa watching the girls. The beauty of God's creation was breath taking! 

My little aspiring photographer took this. I love that she loves pictures as much as I do! 

Vacation Part 1- Gardnerville

I thought I would break this up in stages. We just got home on Sunday and are heading off to Summer camp with the students this weekend. =) Will post more later. 

We started our vacation with a trip to Gardnerville to visit Nana and Papa. 

They own a tree farm and it is so beautiful there. Jon and I love the relaxing atmosphere the tree farm brings. The girls had tons of fun looking for frogs in their pond, swimming in the jacuzzi and playing tennis. 

I love this porch....the girls sporting their Mountain View Tree Farm hats

Girls playing in the jacuzzi with my Dad

Using the new tennis rackets Nana and Papa bought them.
She always thinks of the goofiest poses. =)

Not sure who enjoyed the rackets more- the girls or Jon and my Dad =)

They took us to the water park in Reno. We had so much fun.
Marian went on every ride fearLESSly!
I still can't believe she went on these two!

Nana and Marian

Macy with Papa

Posing by Nana and Papa's pond....we found so many frogs in just one loop around.

What a Dad

When I had a crush on Jon in junior high I had no idea the kind of father he would be one day. We were 12 and well, that was just not something on the forefront of my mind. Of course, by the time we were in college and engaged to be married I knew his love for the Lord and his pursuit of excellence in every area of life would make him a great dad. However, I never imagined how great of a dad he would be. Anyone who has been around Jon and our girls can attest to the fact that he is an amazing Dad. I am so thankful for this man and the way he loves our girls. I love watching him and learning how to be a better parent. Most of all I love that he strives to impart God's truth to the girls, both by teaching and by example. 

We really enjoyed celebrating this awesome Dad! 

We sent Jon on a little scavenger hunt through the house to find his gift.
The girls had a blast getting it all ready.

Finding the first "clue"

Couple stops later....he finds the gift under Marian's bed and brings it to the living room. 

His first look at his new hunting rifle!
So thankful for the help of Jon's hunting buddy to find out which one to get.  =)

Celebrating with the girls.....now a tried and true Montanan with a rifle!

Love this man and looking forward to many years of raising our girls and parenting together.