The Adventures of Matt & Wendy

Latest Austin Declaration

2011-05-01T19:14:00.001-07:00

After I gave Austin a big hug (while helping him get his shoes on), he said, "Aww, I enjoyed that love."

Make a mommy's heart melt...

Our Little Scientist

2011-05-01T19:13:00.000-07:00

Last time we were in Utah, Jeanine and Mom watched Austin while Matt and I went to Snowbird (for a conference he was presenting at -- oh yes, and the free skiing). Austin told Jeanine, "I love you because you look like my mom." Then when they met up with us in Snowbird, Jeanine told me the story. Austin must have been listening because he promptly said, "Mother, let's compare your features" (no ad-libbing there -- that's what he said). So, Jeanine and I sat next to each other. He analyzed our features and in a matter-of-fact manner said that Jeanine's nose was bigger and her head was bigger (she was wearing a hat). We got quite a kick out of my little scientist, his observations, analysis, hypotheses, etc.

A couple more stories about my scientist... While a friend of mine was babysitting Austin, she took him out to see their chickens. He told her that the chickens loved him. When she asked why, he said, "They love me because I'm a scientist and I make good observations." Again, his words not mine.

Also, a couple months ago, his preschool teacher asked him to circle the reptile on the page of animals. He looked at her confused. She kept urging him to circle the reptile and finally pointed at the frog. He looked at her funny and said, "Silly Miss Ellen, that's an amphibian, not a reptile." He is already schooling his teachers (and me, most of the time).

The Governator

2010-11-01T10:12:00.000-07:00

Matt just had an event last week for a new opening of one of his company's alternative fuel stations in San Jose that Gov. Schwarzenneger came to speak at. The Gov. even introduced Matt as a speaker. See http://gov.ca.gov/speech/16378/. So much fun.

Austin and I got to meet the Governator too. It was too funny--Austin had been running around the station lot picking up odds and ends to play with (a piece of broken plexi glass, a large bolt, and two large washers) during the speeches. He had those items in his hands when he met the Gov.

When Arnold (because we're now on first name basis ;) ) asked Austin what he had in his hands, Austin said, "Things to make horseshoes with." That stumped the Gov. How do you respond to that. I didn't have time to explain that he had recently seen a blacksmith at work. The Gov. just told Austin to be careful with the shard of plexi glass. Fine parents we are letting our son run around with a weapon. You should have seen his security close in when they saw it. ;)

So, there's a memory for posterity.

Austin Speaks

2010-04-19T15:42:00.000-07:00

- On 4/17/10, as he holds a piece of plastic up to his upper lip, "I have a mustache, so I can drive." (Which makes sense, right!? That is the only difference between the bus driver and the school kids with his little yellow school bus toy.)

- In March 2010, our little paleontologist's first joke, "A pie-ceratops -- he likes to eat pies."

Backpacking in El Dorado National Forest (Caple Creek) - May 2009

2009-05-25T11:06:00.000-07:00

What a Memorial Day weekend! We were able to steal away for the whole weekend for a 2-night/3-day backpacking adventure with the family. Austin absolutely loved every minute of it. We've got our own little Grizzly Adams with the only grizzly time for his parents being when we tried to get him to bed for the evening--too much to explore! Sleep, who needs sleep? I think we've found a new family favorite spot that we will frequent often. So ridiculously beautiful and relatively easy to get to.

We found the perfect camp spot. What a veiw!
(Our little old man with his pipe)

Man your stations...

Mr. Outdoors has found his element.

Forging the river. Brrrrr...

Green fuzzy stick.

Going it alone...

Yum! Freeze-dried blueberries!

"I eat pieces of dirt for breakfast..."

Our hike to Tennessee Beach - May 2009

2009-05-09T10:06:00.000-07:00

After our great trip to Cavallo Point, we took a day to relax at the beach--since relaxing for 3 days at Cavallo Point just wasn't enough. ;) Just a mile or so in, you find this beautiful protected beach. Truly amazing! Austin went crazy exploring the tide pool, small stream, beach, etc. It was all Matt could do to keep up. So cute seeing our little diapered dude streak that beach. Except for the occasional mandatory thawing of the wet little human popsicle by Mom, Austin was a little boy with a mission. I think packing out added a few pounds (rocks, shells, sticks...), until he fell asleep and dropped most of them on the hike out. What a perfect day.

Beach moments.

Tide pool fun with Dad.

Mom warming up the little popsicle.

A plum tuckered little dude.

Anniversary Trip to Cavallo Point - May 09

2009-05-08T22:48:00.000-07:00

Yes, we're finally back. I know, it's been a year, but we promise to do better. We'll just start here and maybe try to backdate some prior pics at another time. But, for now, this will have to do.

For our anniversary in May, we had the great fortune of being invited on a fabulous business trip to Cavallo Point Lodge, Sausalito, which was truly incredible. Matt only had to do a little work, and we were able to enjoy 3 days together in this beautiful place. Thank you, Nth Power!!

Austin's "Happy Face" -- well, almost...

Incredible view of the bridge from Cavallo Point Lodge:

Mom & boy at lunch in Sausalito while Dad worked. Austin loved the crab!

Father & son playing in the tall grass:

Fun at the Discovery Museum at Cavallo Point:

Our 3rd Anniversary Trip to Seattle - May 08

2008-05-20T14:46:00.000-07:00

Matt surprised me with a trip for our anniversary to Seattle. We stayed in this gorgeous lodge just outside Seattle, crashed a local little league game, went on walks, ate delicious food, and hiked a beautiful waterfall. So fabulous. Would have been quite romantic too had it not been for a pint-sized hurricane of energy who whirled around until midnight or so on our anniversary eve.

Pike Place Market

Our 3rd Anniversary at the Willows Lodge near Seattle.

Eating at the Barking Frog at the Willows Lodge.

Our room at Willow Lodge.

Bridge over the Sammamish River.

The slugger is cashed.

Our little jetsetter.

Snoqualmie Falls just outside Seattle.

April 08 (Austin's 7th Month)

2008-04-30T21:11:00.000-07:00

At 6 months, Austin was very busy. April was a big month for him. He got pretty good at sitting up without support, started to crawl (mainly scooting backward when he really wanted to be going forward), started to pull himself up on lower surfaces, but most importantly (for Mom and Dad) started to sleep through the night from around 7p to 7a the next morning!!! Oh what joy and rapture we never knew we would or could experience ever again (until empty nest at least). It took two or three painful nights to wait out his crying, but it was for his best, so we stuck it out. Now, he's a champ, and Mom & Dad aren't zombies anymore. The month started with a Utah trip and ended with a San Diego trip Matt had for work, but mostly for me, it was enjoying my active baby boy and active grown up boy and such dubious tasks as (dun, dun, dun,) taxes. It was also my daddy's birthday this month. Happy Birthday, Dad. We miss you.

Angel boy.

Yummy peas!

Swinging at the local park a couple blocks away.

The blue eyes.

Me with Julie one day before the twins were born. Doesn't she look great!

Trip to Utah in March/April

2008-04-06T20:39:00.000-07:00

I love having both sets of families in one state. When we go to Utah we get to see both sides of the family. The Harveys were in town too (Matt's sister's family), so the Horton cousins got together too.

Tummy time with the Tucker cousins

Train 'em young

Playtime with the Harvey cousins

Hugs from cousin Grant on Grandpa Horton's lap

March 08 (Austin's 6th Month)

2008-03-31T20:02:00.000-07:00

Being 5 months old, Austin became much stronger sitting up but still tipping over, he got really good at rolling over and this became his way of getting around (and he was a quick little roller), but most exciting was that he started solid foods. What adventures. He insists on "feeding" himself with the spoon, which pretty much means he grabs it and attempts to shove it in his mouth with little accuracy (reminds me of the dog on Clean Slate with a depth perception problem). Also in March, we went on a couple trips to Vancouver, British Columbia (Austin's first international trip), Seattle, and Utah. The youth of our ward got to go on a trip to General Conference and the Young Women stayed with us at Matt's parents. Great fun. Love those kids.

Matt's favorite pic of son and wife (in our backyard)

Tropical pleasures

I'm a big boy now. The joy of first solids.

Does this hat make my head look fat?

Mommy's little delight

February 2008 (Austin's 5th Month)

2008-02-28T15:02:00.000-08:00

February was an eventful month. We traveled to Palm Springs early in the month and stayed in one our favorite hotels -- Hotel Zoso. Too bad we didn't take any pictures to prove it. What were we thinking (or not thinking)? Matt had two trips to Seattle during the craziness of trying to close on a new house. Tricky. Austin and I stayed behind this time. We moved into our new house on the 23rd. In the midst of handling signing/closing issues, moving, and taking care of the boy alone while Matt was on his business trips, I managed to complete another pass at my master's thesis proposal (which was later accepted--WAHOO!!!). I guess I'm a mom now--the true multi-tasker.

In his darling hat made by a dear friend

Our newsie wannabe

The obligatory bath pictures, so we have some blackmail for when our son starts dating

An extremely rare and fleeting moment of a snuggle with our supremely active little boy.

New House!

2008-02-23T14:41:00.000-08:00

We cannot express our joy at successfully finding and purchasing a home after three years of searching. We owe the timing to two-foot flames shooting from our wall furnace in the old house we were renting. Don't worry, no one was hurt, but it did scare me into a serious home search. The Lord works in mysterious ways...

Signing our life away

Living room/dining room mayhem

Kitchen (in dire need of a remodel-fun fun)

The eventual master bedroom leading to the backyard

Daddy reading to Austin in the new office

January 2008 (Austin's 4th month)

2008-01-31T14:13:00.000-08:00

In January, Grandma and Grandpa Horton came for a visit to be here for Austin's baby blessing. We had a fabulous time visiting Half Moon Bay, Pescadero, etc., dreaming of owning a second home near the ocean and the redwoods at the same time. One day. Matt only had one business trip that was to Utah. Usually, we accompany him, but this time we didn't. We found our new home-to-be and started the month-long process of closing.

Momma carrying Obi-Wan Kenobi in the bjorn (or by the force, I forget which)

Airplane with Daddy

Austin's new tent -- great solution for sleeping during our travels to Palm Springs, Seattle, and Utah.

Exploring Daddy

Using the whole fist, doc?

Austin's Baby Blessing and Other Firsts (& Lasts)

2008-01-06T23:21:00.000-08:00

Austin's Baby Blessing. I threatened Matt with his life that it better be in English (since he's bishop of a Spanish-speaking Ward). Luckily no blood needed to be shed on that day. It was a beautiful blessing. What an amazing opportunity to bless your first child. I was a beaming mother when his daddy held him up afterwards. Thanks everyone for coming!

"How many Hortons does it take to bathe Austin..." (from the look of things, it's a pretty rough job.)

Moment of silence for last year's Christmas tree

First tank of biodiesel - the inauguration of clean fuel for our new Jetta TDI

Austin first rolled over pretty early from tummy to back. This is a pic of his first real back to tummy rollovers (without Mom or Dad's help) at 3 months, 1 week. One of those moments when a video clip would be much more visually explanatory--and interesting for that matter. One of my next goals - to get my videos uploaded. So many to dos...

Wendy's first haircut of Matt's hair--brave soul. It took 2 hours and several iterations, each of which resulted in shorter and shorter styles. I think next time I should stop at 1 hour...

Premature balding (hehe)

What Happens in Vegas...

2008-01-01T23:19:00.000-08:00

Austin's first time bowling -- on New Year's Eve with Grandma and Grandpa Horton and the Harvey cousins:

Wayne Newton performing at the Dancing with the Stars Tour in Las Vegas (while we were visiting Austin's Aunt Carrie, Uncle Billy, and cousins, Grant & Drake). Now my life is complete. I've seen Wayne Newton perform. Bless his heart, Wayne should feel his performing life is complete. There comes a time when it's right to retire... And, yes, Matt and Grandpa Horton opted out of the dancing fun. Oh boy did they miss out.

December in Utah

2007-12-31T23:15:00.000-08:00

The sheer delight of Baby's First Christmas

Starting him young - taming Daxton's lion

Our best Christmas present ever

Matt continues his tradition started in 2006 of reading a children's holiday book for his part in the famous Van Wagoner Crepe Paper Ball activity on Christmas Eve. He had us all enraptured.

The fam on Christmas Eve at the Farm

Mom & babe on Sunday before Christmas

"I can't put my arms down... Come on guys wait up."

Playing with the Tucker cousins in Ogden, Utah

Jen & Ken's Wedding in Utah

2007-12-22T21:13:00.000-08:00

Fun at the wedding of our niece, Jen:

It's official - Ken & Jen Baldwin

Our little celebrating fam

Sisters...

Wouldn't it be nice to just crash where ever you are when you're cashed?

Brett & Kelly's Wedding in Utah

2007-12-07T21:38:00.000-08:00

Momma & babe in Bountiful at the Horton grandparents' house

Charmer

Horton cousins at the Horton grandparents' home

Happy Family

Brett & Kelly tie the knot at the Bountiful temple

Horton grandparents with the grandsons at Brett & Kelly's reception

Check out the mini-banker

Our Pre-Christmas Christmas

2007-12-05T23:13:00.000-08:00

Before spending the month of December in Utah, we had a super early Christmas (or rather, phase one of Christmas) in California before heading out.

Thanksgiving in Utah - Austin's first trip

2007-11-30T17:08:00.000-08:00

Austin got to take his first flight for a week-long trip to Utah for Thanksgiving. He was a gem. Although Thanksgiving was on the Farm with the Van Wagoners, we got to spend time with both sides of the family.

Austin's first Thanksgiving with Grandma VW

Smiles for Uncle Marty

"Good form!" - Austin finally masters the art of thumb sucking

Fun with the nieces & nephews on the Farm

Wanna be cowboys on the Farm

Oh, the magic of your first Christmas tree...

"Polar Express" on the Heber Creeper

More fun with Austin:

2007-11-15T14:59:00.000-08:00

The exhausting work of feeding time

Daddy/baby time

Mommy/baby time

Snug little dude

The Great Pumpkin on Halloween - Charlie Brown's search is over

Sweet! Grandpa digs me

"Hands on" -- starting young

"What you lookin' at?"

Our first outing - a trip to the Stanford Museum (so nice to emerge and breathe fresh air again...)

Austin's first hammock ride

Austin's first day at Church

"Power to the people!"

Austin - The First Couple Weeks - 10/07

2007-10-26T12:35:00.000-07:00

Check out this haggard new little family and Austin's first week. Actually, Austin's doing great. It's his parents who are a little worse for wear. Do parents ever get any sleep? I think it's a luxury of pre-parents. Wish I would have savored it more while I had the chance.

To see the whole slideshow, click the picture below:

Austin - 1st Week

Bath Time Beauty, 1st Baby Bjorn Walk, and Fun Time with his new friend, Colin...

To see the whole slideshow, click the picture below:

Austin - 1st Bath, Bjorn Walk, etc.

The Big Day - Austin's Birth 10/2/07

2007-10-25T19:38:00.001-07:00

A little pre-pushing bliss

Matt was the best doul"o" money could by (seriously could not have done this without him)

The little critter arrives in a true "zen troll" fashion

Mom meets babe

Euphoria

The New Family

Grandmas meet Austin

Grandparents sleeping on the job:

Grandpa H

Grandma VW

Grandma H

To see the full slideshow, click on the picture below:

Austin's Birth

Austin Arrives!!! - 10/2/07

2007-10-25T18:59:00.000-07:00

Austin Matthew Horton was born on October 2, 2007, at 7:29 pm, 7 lbs. 12 oz., 30.5 inches. We already see his many sides...

Rocker...

The White Ninja...

Smiling Garden Gnome...

September Haps - 9/07

2007-10-25T11:22:00.000-07:00

Daddy-to-be practices swaddling

New moms (and mom-to-be) get together for Emily's visit

Farmers' Market in Palo Alto

Stanford with the visiting fam

For LP...

Another Last Hurrah (Santa Cruz, Capitola, Carmel) - 8/31-9/1/07

2007-10-25T11:03:00.000-07:00

Yet another chance... In the spirit of taking advantage of every opportunity to have our "last hurrah" before the baby comes, we took yet another trip (with our good friends Pete & Julie) to watch the play, "The Tempest" in an incredible outdoor theater among the redwoods in Santa Cruz, we stayed at a great hotel in Santa Cruz, perused the sand castle competition in Capitola, and enjoyed the beach at Carmel. Fabulous weekend! Wonder how many of these "last hurrahs" we'll be able to squeeze in before the little dude comes...

Baby Shower from the RCII Ward, etc. - 8/07

2007-10-24T18:13:00.001-07:00

Pregger Twins 6 Weeks Apart - Danielle & Wendy

Dad's Funeral - 8/21/07

2007-10-24T17:15:00.000-07:00

After 75 very full and beautiful years, my father passed peacefully from this life to the next, having successfully completed his life's work of raising a loving family, filling lives with love of all those he came in contact with, and performing genealogical work for over 20,000 people. He was (is) an amazing man whom we love so dearly and will miss always. However, we know he is always with us and feel comfort knowing he is free from pain and is experiencing unfathomable joy in the life after. We love you Daddy!

The service was quite beautiful. He received a 21-gun salute for serving honorably in the Korean Conflict. What a perfect way to commend the life of my father. One of the most touching moments was when they presented the flag and bullets from the salute to my mother, a true soldier just like my dad.

Utah Trip - 8/18-24/07

2007-10-24T17:07:00.000-07:00

All the siblings and their husbands were able to get together for the first time in several years. Unfortunately, it was under somber circumstances. But, what a strength it is to have family come together to comfort and lift each other in difficult times. We did enjoy celebrating Dad's life as we spent the week together as a family. Thank you family for being so loving, supportive, and strong!

Our Last Hurrah Trip to Seattle - 8/13-15/07

2007-10-24T16:43:00.000-07:00

In lieu of the impending responsibility of a little tyke, we figured we would take a last trip to celebrate our "pre-kids" life. Soon we will be able to take little junior to Pike Place Market, the Steelhead Diner, for fresh mini doughnuts at the ever-loved "Doughnut Robot," and to take in the views of the Puget Sound.

Palo Alto Baby Shower - 8/11/07

2007-10-24T16:24:00.000-07:00

Some friends threw me a wonderful baby shower in Palo Alto--I mean they went all out! It was fabulous. Thank you Ang, Cassi, Ellen, Jill and all those who helped put this together!!

Ready to Pop Pregger Pics

2007-10-23T20:37:00.000-07:00

She's getting bigger (8/11/07)...

She's gonna blow (9/23/07)...

The happy pre-family

Baby's First Pictures (February & May 2007)

2007-08-10T12:45:00.000-07:00

He's the cutest "piece of rice" we ever did see (that was the size of him then). (6-week ultrasound on February 5, 2007)

He looks just like us! (smile) (20-week ultrasound on May 15, 2007)

It's a boy!!! (20-week ultrasound)

His first full body X-ray. (20-week ultrasound)

My Pregger Pics (1st, 2nd, 3rd Trimesters) - Jan., April, July 2007

2007-08-08T15:26:00.000-07:00

Like a chia pet, watch me grow...

From peeing on a stick...

To "is she pregnant or just had a really large dinner?" (2nd Trimester)...

To "oh yeah, there's a rather large bun in her oven" (3rd trimester)...

Utah Baby Shower - July 2007

2007-08-08T14:02:00.001-07:00

My very first baby shower. The little guy was spoiled absolutely rotten by family and friends. What joy to celebrate the upcoming birth of our first baby. So much fun! The only damper was my dad having to go to the hospital and my mom having to miss the shower to be with him. Thank goodness Dad was able to get the care he needed and is doing much better. I love that man.

Lake Powell with the Hortons - July 2007

2007-08-08T14:02:00.000-07:00

Oh, the annual Lake Powell trip with the Hortons. What a joyous time we always have. This year was of course no exception. Although, it was a bit of a different experience for me since I have a baby still in the pouch. Luckily (for you), I don't have any pictures of my pregger self in a swimsuit. I have spared the world. Before Powell, we were able to see Matt's sister, Carrie, her boy, Grant, and newest addition, baby Drake. What a little doll. For obvious reasons, they didn't make it to Powell this year.
We had a wonderful time with the Horton clan, getting to know cousins better, swimming, eating, getting sunburns (actually, I fervently guarded my body from the rays), eating, jet skiing, swimming, playing water games, eating, swimming some more (we laughed in the face of the 20 min. rule), and NOT sleeping--that was the only real difficult part of the trip (the oppressive heat during the night). However, I made it through the nights by sleeping on top of the houseboat in wet clothes, putting a wet wash cloth on my forehead, drinking plenty of water (which resulted in more midnight potty breaks), and continually waking to spray myself down with a water bottle. Relaxing, eh?! All in all, it was such a fun family vacation. I love Lake Buddy.

Portola Redwoods Hike & Giants Baseball Game - June 2007

2007-08-08T13:48:00.000-07:00

It's so nice to still be able to go hiking in my condition. I do so love the outdoors. We went hiking in the Portola Redwoods with our friends, Jeremy & Danielle Bahr (she is also pregnant). We saw banana slugs and a very strangely attired man--oh wait, that's my husband. We also got to check on our old Christmas tree we planted. He seems to be quite happy in his new home. From the looks of Matt after the hike, you could swear he was experiencing sympathy pregnancy fatigue.
In June, we also went to a Giants game on LDS game night. Oh how I love PacBell Park (yes, that's what I meant--PacBell Park, not AT&T Park--some things never change).

Spain & Morocco Trip - April/May 2007

2007-08-07T21:35:00.000-07:00

For those who are interested, below is a quick travelogue of our Spain trip. If you would rather, you can just skip past my ramblings and go straight to our pictures for them to tell you a story of their own...

Here's the travelogue:
In Madrid, we explored the city in the rain, attended a session at the temple, and visited the museums--the Prado and the Reina Sofia, which I loved. Then, we took a train to Cordoba.
In Cordoba, we saw the Mezquita (incredible!), wandered the quaint streets of the old town, and ate amazing tapas. From there, we took a train to Seville.
In Seville, we stayed 4 days and thoroughly enjoyed the true Southern Spain experience--especially since it was Feria de Abril (the big festival held for a week or two after Semana Santa--or the Holy Week following Easter). We watched a bull fight, flamenco dancing, ate delicious paella, tapas, & chocolate con churros (mmmm), toured the Alcazar, the Cathedral, and wandered the old Santa Cruz district. We then had the rare and wonderful experience of going to the carnival of Feria, where everyone is in traditional flamenco garb with horse-drawn carriages. There, they have amusement park rides beyond what we have here in the states (which I could not partake in since I am gravid). One of the most entertaining sights was watching the beautifully dressed Spaniards--with women clad in their high heels and dresses--ride the rides (quite a bit different from the crowd you see at Lagoon or Great America, I must say). Then, we rented a car for much of the trip thereafter.
We drove to Jerez de la Frontera, Cadiz, and then to Ronda where we stayed for the night in an incredible hotel right on the edge of the cliff, overlooking the beautiful bridge.
From there, we drove the enchanting route past the beautiful white-washed villages nestled in the countryside on to Casares (one of the WWV precariously perched on some cliffs), where we stayed for 2 nights.
We then went on a day trip to Morocco. We took a ferry to the Spanish town of Ceuta (on the tip of Morocco) and went over the border to Morocco, where we enjoyed the tour of the old town and market of Tetouan and then on to Tangier, where we bought some very cool Moroccan trinkets.
We then drove the Costa del Sol up to Granada, where we walked the great old town and toured the incredible Alhambra. We continued our driving tour clear up the eastern coast (Don Quixote country) to Valencia, where we took a night ferry to Mallorca.
In Mallorca, we stayed on the coast in a beautiful beach spot that is more populated with locals than tourists. We walked the beaches, ate delicious food, celebrated Mom Horton's birthday, shopped, and just relaxed. Most welcoming and needed after our hectic travels. We finished off our Mallorca stay in Palma for a night and enjoyed the sites, shopping, and Matt got his first pair of Campers in Spain (more to come...).
We then took a ferry to Barcelona, where we enjoyed the old Jewish barrio/Gothic quarter, caught a fabulous Spanish-guitar concert in one of the cathedrals, walked the famous Park Guell (where much of Gaudi's art/architecture is displayed), shopped, went to modern art museum, saw the sites, and savored our final days in Spain.
To finish our grand adventure, we took a super rickety night train to Madrid (where sleep was quite fleeting), wandered some areas of Madrid we had missed, and then flew back home.

In Spain, we explored...

Spain - Madrid (April 2007)

Madrid
(Click on the image to view the full slideshow.)

Spain - Cordoba (April 2007)

Cordoba
(Click on the image to view the full slideshow.)

Spain - Sevilla (April 2007)

Seville
(Click on the image to view the full slideshow.)

Spain - Jerez, Cadiz, Ronda, white-washed villages (May 2007)

Jerez, Cadiz, Ronda, and the white-washed villages
(Click on the image to view the full slideshow.)

Spain - Casares (May 2007)

Casares
(Click on the image to view the full slideshow.)

Spain/Morocco - Ceuta, Tetouan, Tangier (May 2007)

Morocco
(Click on the image to view the full slideshow.)

Spain - Granada (May 2007)

Granada
(Click on the image to view the full slideshow.)

Spain - Mallorca (May 2007)

Mallorca
(Click on the image to view the full slideshow.)

Spain - Barcelona (May 2007)

Barcelona
(Click on the image to view the full slideshow.)

Jen's Visit to San Francisco - April 2007

2007-08-06T17:24:00.000-07:00

We love having visitors. This time, we were graced with the presence of Jen Hunt (a.k.a. Jennie Pie). We saw all the sites of San Francisco--and I mean ALL the sites. She wore this newly pregnant lady out (smile). We had a wonderful time together.
We also went on a "hike" (if you can call a one mile walk in the redwoods that), where we saw an oddity of nature or an unnatural oddity, I can't figure out which. We saw a rather strange little man running back and forth through the redwoods in a wetsuit. You would have thought he might have been training for a triathlon if he would have been running faster than a shuffle and longer than back and forth between a 200 yard distance and would have been wet from swimming. One of life's mysteries.

Tree Climbing & Christmas Tradition - Feb. 2007

2007-08-06T16:47:00.000-07:00

Matt picked up a new sport - tree climbing. Actually, I think it is just an extension, or glorified version rather, of his boyhood pastimes. Either way, he loves it. It's pretty fun seeing my little monkey climb up 70 foot trees--a true Tarzan (or maybe George of the Jungle). No really, he's quite good.
We also started a new family Christmas tradition. Instead of chopping down a tree and then tossing it at the end of the season, we buy a living one and plant it at the end of the season.

My Birthday Surprise - Feb. 2007

2007-07-31T21:55:00.000-07:00

I don't know how he did it, but he completely surprised me with a night in San Francisco. Just as I thought we were heading to our car to go home to Palo Alto after a delicious dinner at Colibri and a fun night in the city, he had us make a pit stop in Hotel Union Square. That pit stop ended up lasting over night. He even managed to bring extra clothes, shoes, and toiletries without my ridiculously-aware-of-details eyes spotting the missing items. He had tried this one time before. I kept asking him where things were when unbeknownst to me they were packed away for a surprise get-a-way. My hopeless (or I guess hopeful) romantic. I think I'll keep him.

Joshua Tree - Jan. 2007

2007-07-30T18:25:00.000-07:00

This trip was to Palm Springs and Joshua Tree in the end of January 2007. This was right after we found out we were pregnant. Needless to say, we were feeling much glee the entire trip.

Little Grand Canyon, Utah - Dec. 2006

2007-07-30T16:59:00.000-07:00

How did I not know this was here? How could such a beautiful location escape years of my youth when I grew up so nearby? Truly a hidden treasure.