Topock, AZ

We spent the weekend on the Colorado river with some of our dearest friends. Naomi & Eric, Brian & Liz, and of course Aiden came along too. This was the first time staying at Naomi place and hopefully not the last. It was really nice being at a home instead of hotel with Aiden being so young.

Most of the days were spent out on the boat, I believe Aiden enjoyed that most of all because he got to go around without a diaper on, just his cute little swim trunks. We only had one "poopy" accident but it stayed contained thank goodness.

Everyone got a turn wake boarding, yes even Naomi (who is 7 months pregnant) she's crazy... I think wake boarding is my favorite "sport". Its such a thrill once you stand up. what's left is mastering the jumps. haha

Cachuma Lake

Camping with the Houle's.

one thing I love most about summer, is the great outdoors. I love camping and I love to go camping with family. Its been a few years since we were able to go camping with Kristin and her family.

On our way to Cachuma, we stopped off at Solvang. Where were had lunch and walked around this cute little dutch town. Daniel and I enjoyed some Hawaiian shave ice while Don, Kristin, and Bill enjoyed themselves some wine tastings. It was the perfect beginning to our family camp out.

Setting our tents up during the "windy" hours at the campsite was challenging. At one point Kristin and I thought the poles to our tents might just snap in half, luckily for us they didn't. That first night we had homemade roll pizza. Kristin first attempt at it was pretty darn good.

The next morning the boys got up before the sun to go and snag ourselves a pontoon boat for the day. Man was is well worth it. We spent the entire day on the boat fishing, eating lunch, and visiting all yes ALL of the floating outhouses. hahaha. Aiden and Daniel even got to drive the boats with help from their dads.

I was pretty impressed with how well the trip turned out, Aiden ate a TON of dirt but slept like a champ, in between Bill and I. All-n-all it was a great time.

Visiting Back East. A Trip to Pennsylvania, Virginia and DC

Most of Bill's family lives back east and therefore haven't had the pleasure of meeting Aiden. This spring we decided to go back east and show off our handsome little guy.

We took an mid-morning flight to PA. We haven't flown with Aiden before so I was a little nervous. We left LAX, connected in Newark NJ, then onto AVP (Wilkes-Barre) Aiden was a little trooper and did pretty well for his first flight ( it helped that there was a very obnoxious little 3yr girl sitting in front of us. made Aiden look like an angel.) Aiden even got his "wings" from the Pilot.

We spent the 1st night at Bill's parents house, then drove to Virginia to see Uncle Doug and Aunt Alison. (aiden is Doug's namesake). I love spending time with Doug and Alison they are just wonderful people. I think they love our son more than Bill and I, well maybe not... but they sure do spoil him more than us =).

The first day we stayed around the house hanging out catching up with them. The next morning our good friends Nate and Lauren Price drove the 2 hrs to come see us and meet Aiden. (back story... we met them on our honeymoon cruise and have stayed in touch ever since. they also came to PA when I was pregnant with aiden back in 2011). While they were here for the day we all went to Downtown Fredricksburg where we window shopped actually shopped and had a very nice lunch at Brocks.

It was wonderful to visit with Nate and Lauren. Just wish we would have had more time with them. Next year they will have to come visit CA.

The last two days we had in VA we actually took the metro into DC. I've never been and was super excited to go. I always wanted to see the War memorials and the Lincoln Monument. It was breath taking. Being in our country's capital was a pretty wonderful experience. Standing in the steps of those who built this country and died for our freedoms has left an impact on me that will last a lifetime.

I was very lucky to meet up with my cousin Jared and his boyfriend Luke who live in DC. I miss Jared and really enjoyed having lunch and just visiting like old times.

On the day we left to drive back to PA we all had breakfast at diner on the water and afterwards Doug took Aiden out to the water to go fishing with his brand new fishing pole courtesy for Doug and Alison. It was a pretty neat experience. Literally within seconds of Doug casting the line, Aiden with help from Doug, caught his first fish and then moments later his second. I loved watching every minute of it.

Arriving back in PA things slowed down a bit. We spent most of our time around town visiting all the family here in PA. We did go and visit the working dairy farm. Aiden wasn't sure about the animals but definitely loved the ice cream. We had a huge birthday party/backyard bbq for Poppop Bill's grandfather. He turned 80. We also had a snowball fight and enjoyed a bounce house place. I love visiting family and enjoy the peaceful back mountain where Bill's parents live.

Cabo San Lucas - Lupe Wedding-

Cabo San Lucas.....

10.11.12 thru 10.14.12





One of Bill's long time friends (Troy) was getting married in Cabo San Lucas. Bill was in the bridal party, which meant ADULT VACATION! This was the first time Bill and I would be leaving Aiden. I was a little worried, but more excited to have a weekend of just US.

I was pretty nervous about flying to Mexico. I've heard horror stories. Our trip started out a little rough. I didn't get to sleep till 2:30am we had to be out the door and on our way to LAX by 4:30am. The flight was leaving at 6:35am. Luckily we planned ahead and had my sister stay over that way Aiden could sleep till his normal time and one less stop we'd have to make. We Ended up getting a later start than planned but made it to the parking structure in time. The shuttle dropped us off at the wrong terminal (because Bill gave the driver our connecting flight for San Diego instead of the lax info) Needless to say we ran down the terminal to the correct one, checked in, got into VIP boarding (the lady working the gate was so nice, thought Bill was Military) and loaded the plan within minutes to spare.

We landed in San Diego headed over to the nearest hotel had breakfast and waited the 4 hour layover till Mexico!

Once we arrived in Mexico it was seriously the most intimidating experience ever! People are yelling at you to go this way or that, drunks everywhere and the most sketchy shuttles and drive I've ever been on. I was slightly worried we wouldn't make it back to our SON!

Upon arriving at the resort i finally relaxed and realized everything was going to be smooth sailing from here on out.

THURSDAY
-We arrived in Cabo 3pm ish
-Had dinner on the beach with Jennifer and Troy the Bride & Groom. along with all other party members that had arrived.

FRIDAY
-6am fishing trip for the Groom and his Groomsmen
-I slept in till 10am (it was amazing might i add)
-Hung by the pool with Cindy (married to Chis a groomsmen)
-Had the Rehearsal, and then rehearsal/dinner cruise. That was incredible

SATURDAY
-Hung by the pool again (got sunburned) played water volleyball Cindy, Bill & I
-Had lunch and then got ready for one of the most beautiful weddings I've ever seen.
-Attended the Wedding and Reception
-The whole bridal party and spouses went into town to dance the night away getting back to the hotel at 4am

SUNDAY
-Farewell brunch to say goodbye to Troy and Jennifer
-Raced back to the hotel and just barely making the shuttle to the airport.
-Arrived home safe and sound to our precious baby boy!

The trip was filled packed with wedding stuff and it wasn't exactly how i pictured spending the weekend with Bill, but i did meet a new amazing friend Cindy who we share so much in common.

I was sad to found out that Aiden really missed us and had really bad separation anxiety. He wouldn't go to anyone but me for a week after we got back and would cry if Bill or I left the room. Putting him to bed was really hard, he would just cry and cry. Thankfully it only lasted one week.



Avi 2012

Annual River Trip! Its that time of year and it feels so good! This year we changed it up just a little. 1. we had Aiden with us, 2. we brought my Sister Jenny, and 3. Bill's buddies "uncle" Joey and "uncle" Brian came with us too.

We headed out there thursday afternoon. Bill and Joey in the front, Jenny, Aiden and myself in the back... entertaining the little guy.. Brian and Liz joined us there late thursday night. Lea came up on friday with her parents but stayed in the room with Bill Jenny Aiden and Myself. It was a full house. And alot of FUN!

 

We spent the two days on the water with Bill's co-worker and her boyfriend. It was so nice because they had a boat which meant Me and Aiden could go out and have some fun too. Aiden did get on the jetski with daddy, but only near shore. It was a really great time.

We did the usual dinners at the casino and mexican restaurants with everyone. That's one of the best parts about going to the Avi. All the good company. Of course there was plenty of late night activities but this time around i traded in the late night lounge and gambling for hanging in the room watching tv and playing with the baby, I had Jenny's company too.

Ohio Visitors

Becky, Lexy, and Ravyn came for a visit. it's been awhile since we've scene these family friends. I will always have a special place in my heart for these three ladies! It was their first time meeting Aiden, i was a little scared one or all three of them were going to take him home with them, lexy sure seemed to love him.

while they were in town we had a few afternoons going to the park, shopping and visiting family. We still made time to have some fun! we went to Disneyland, the la brea tar pits and even found time to celebrate lexy's birthday!

Girls Disneyland Trip 07.29.2012

 

La Brea Tar Pits 08.05.2012

 

Lexy's Birthday 08.052012

Dogwood 2012

We had our annual family camping trip this year at Dogwood, Ca. (08.01.12 - 08.03.12) I grew up camping and have such fond memories, i wanted to pass that down to my children. So we decided to take Aiden on his first camping trip. It was by far one of the funnest and most challenging camping trips yet.

He was crawling which presented a challenge, we wanted him to have fun but wasn't to excited about all the dirt.... we brought our "baby jail" and my dad had some fake grass to use inside. That worked out alright, but Aiden being his usual self hated being left alone in "baby jail". The second biggest obstacle was the sleeping arrangement. We decided to have him sleep in the middle of us instead of trying to bring a pack-n-play. That worked out okay, if only our air mattress hadn't deflated the first night.

Although we had some new and interesting things to over come with bringing a baby i had the best time. I love being in the woods with my family playing games, cooking over a open fire, roasting marshmallows and eating s'mores. One new tradition that has started since instating the annual family camp out is the morning walks. I'm by no means a exercising machine especially while on vacation, but I really do enjoy the morning walks with the parents, dogs and baby. Some great conversations have happened while hiking in the woods.

Aiden and Grandpa haning in the hammock together, Aiden was an angel in the hammocks. We would swing in them all day even take a nap! He doesn't even nap at home! I told bill we need one in the back yard.... hint hint....

 

1st Road Trip

Tom and Mel are getting married later this year so the 4 (and ahalf) of us took a small weekend road trip to Camarillo to check out the Barn they are getting married in. I was a little nervous about taking aiden, but it was actually a great trip.

The drive was about 1.5 hrs. Aiden slept most of the time which i was thankful for because nobody likes listening to a crying baby. We got there checked into our hotel and then headed out to get some lunch. We ate a this great little bbq place, their pulled pork sandwich was to die for.

After lunch we set out to see the barn were the wedding and reception is going to take place. The grounds and Barn itself were breathe taking. It is going to be one beautiful wedding. Next up finding the wine that will be served at their wedding. Tom, Mel and Bill did some wine tasting while me and Aiden just tagged along.

The whole weekend was a delight, Aiden did great and it was just nice to get away with another couple who we enjoy so much!

AVI 2011

This year we made it to the annual river trip. I didn't get to have as much fun as I wanted being pregnant and all.... I guess wake boarding at 6.5 months isn't the best idea....

It was a smaller group this year but still just as fun!

 

 

Lani & Robert, Bill & I, Cynthia & Arnold all hanging out at Pirate Cove for lunch.

The girls hanging out at the pool

 

The Beach at the AVI, Bill thinking he's a stunt man... on the JetSki and Wakeboarding

Dinner at the MoonShadow Grill our last night there.

Camping at Heart Bar

Our Campsite

Bill and I planned a family camping trip for the weekend of August 4th. Its becoming a family tradition to go camping at least once during the summer. This time around It was Bill and I, My parents, little sisters Elise and Janette, my brother Gerry and his wife Nikki. We were a little concerned about this camping trip because of a few things... first off I'm half way through my pregnancy, there were no showers and only pit toilets!!! Surprisingly this trip turned out great! I slept so good, better than anyone else. None of the family was prepared for how cold it got at night but i guess because i have a little built in heater i had no problems!

Bill did all the cooking, He's got this great freestanding grill and loves to play chef! Some of the activities that we do every camping trip are lay around on the hammocks (we had 4 this year) play farkle (a dice game) play chicken foot (a game with dominos) and this year we added a game called Ladder Ball. That was a really fun game but i think i was the worst at it!!!

 I have to say it was a great way to bring our very busy summer to a close.
 


dad playing around with the dominos

He's finished project

Playing ladder ball



Ladder Ball

PA Trip May 2011

Bill and I went to visit his parents in PA for Memorial weekend. It had been a few years since we've been out there and we sure had a lot of things to do.

Tuesday May 24th
- We arrived in PA, lets just say I was tired and hungry and ready for bed. Sharon (Bill's Mom) whipped up some very tasty BLT sandwiches and then it was off to bed. Traveling to the east coast really does takes up the WHOLE day.

Wednesday May 25th
- We took a short ride down to the Lackawanna Coal Mines. I've never been down a coal mine before, what an experience that was. It was cold, damp, and dark and had the tour lasted longer than an hour I would have been freaking out! I don't do so well in small confined areas... never the less it was neat to actually be in a mine and experience what it would have been like to work down there.

 

  

Thursday May 26th
- Today was a lazy day full of enjoying the area and visiting with family, also a day to get ready for the big BBQ weekend!

Friday May 27th
- Our very good friends Nate and Lauren drove up from Virgina to spend the weekend with us, which was a real nice treat. (on a side note the four of us try to plan a trip together once a year since we met on our honeymoon/ their engagement cruise back in 2007)

-We went to a small town called JIM THORPE, where we went and visited the Asa Packer Mansion, and The Old Jail. Both of those were very interesting. I can't believe how beautiful and totally intact the mansion and it's original belongings were. The most fascinating piece for me was the HUGE music player in the house. It still plays to this day and surprisingly sounds very well in tuned.

  

The Old Jail was the next and final stop in Jim Thorpe. It was a working Jail until the mid 90's. There is a legend that goes

 "the hanging of seven Irish coal miners
known as Molly Maguires in the 1800s proclaimed their innocence one of those men put his hand on the dirty floor of his cell and then placed it firmly on the wall proclaiming, " This handprint will remain as proof of my innocence." That handprint is visible today for everyone to view even though past wardens tried to eradicate it by washing it, painting it, and even taking down part of the wall and re-plastering it."

we saw the handprint but I don't totally believe the story 100%.

 

Saturday May 28th
-Today we had the huge family BBQ. There was a great turn out and we got to see most of the family and friends out in Pa. It was nice to just sit around and relax even though it did rain a little bit. With all that humidity it was bound to happen.

U. Don A. Betty Bill and Mia

Bill Nate Lauren

Monday May 30th & 31st
Al, Sharon, Bill and I took the trip out to Gettysburg for Memorial Day. We stayed in a Bed & Breakfast at a building that was older than the battle of Gettysburg. Our room even had a few authentic bullets stuck in the mantle and walls from the battle. It was a eat experience being in Gettysburg on Memorial day and visiting some historical sites. We took a bus tour of the Battlefield of Gettysburg, Went to former President Dwight Eisenhower's farm, the only home he and his wife ever owned.

Bullet Hole

Al and Bill excited about the bullet

Our Bed & Breakfast

  

Gettysburg BattleField

Me Al and Sharon @ Eisenhower Farm