Guests

This weekend we have the pleasure of hosting a reunion of sorts. Two of my fellow grad students from University of North Carolina are visiting. One with her husband and almost one year old son. It has been years since we have hung out. Clearly the recipe for a wonderful time.

Blogging will be lighter than usual (which really couldn't be much lighter as it is) as we spend our time catching up, laughing, and partaking in general merriment.

Take me out to the ballgame.

While visiting San Diego, we made sure to check out the new baseball stadium. One of the coolest parts of the new stadium is not actually in the stadium, but rather just outside. It is a mini version of a baseball diamond where kids and develop and practice their mad skills.
Oh and my kids have mad baseball skills
Check, out Emery ripping one to home plate:
And here is Analise showing off her full body throw while Emery is waiting with his third base coach (Eric) to bring it home.
Once that ball crossed home plate they were off and running.
Safe.

Field trip to grocery store.

Last month Analise's preschool went on their first field trip to a local grocery store.

I think the favorite part of the trip was the bus ride to and from the store.
Here she is with her bus buddy, Kali:
Once we were in the grocery store there was lots to see as we walked and learned about the produce section (bananas are the number one seller in the entire store), and were even able to walk into their large freezers where they keep all the ice cream!
Then when we entered the bakery area they had an exciting treat for us. We were able to watch the decorating of a cake:The cake was decorated just for them and they were able to take it back to school after the trip to enjoy. Our last stop was inside the bakery itself:
Which I am guessing was a highlight for Analise and Kali:

Thank you Veterans

On this very special day, we want to give thanks to all the Veterans. Including, of course, Papa Bruce. Thank you for your service to this country and to your family.
Speaking of Papa Bruce, I have neglected to document an impromptu visit we enjoyed a few weeks ago. After calling me to make sure it was okay if he and another pilot spent the night in Lubbock as they moved his new plane from outside of Dallas to Arizona, I happily agreed as long as they agreed to a quick preschool activity to see the plane the next morning. It only took me adding a pizza and a bottle of wine to seal the deal.

So the next morning this gaggle stormed the airport:
To see Papa Bruce's new airplane:
Papa Bruce even helped us learn the parts of an airplane and what those parts are responsible for:
So we had an activity to keep us busy while we waited to watch him take off:
It was well worth the wait:
A wonderful surprise visit that has left quite the impression. In fact an airplane can no longer pass in the sky without Emery asking "Papa Bruce's airplane?"

Wedding wrap-up

The night before the wedding we enjoyed what every family must enjoy when visiting San Diego when it is chilly....

A bonfire on the beach:
And add pizza to the mix? Well, now you have a party.
Even Cambrey was a fan of the warm flame:
Then there was the wedding.
We enjoyed the event sans kids:
And were even able to document a rare gathering of Eric and all of his siblings.
And after a night of dancing and partying, the best part was coming home to this:
Kids who must have had a great time with the babysitters!

Fun with cousins

There were so many great things about last weekend in San Diego but one of the best parts was watching Analise and Emery interact with their cousins, Cadie and Cambrey.

First there was the meeting at a science center in downtown San Diego:
Where there were lots of conveyors to play with:
And then lunch by the fountain:
Of course there was dancing at dinner:
Where Cadie was infatuated with dancing with Emery:
And Analise:
Cousins are the best.

Last night in San Diego

The wedding was wonderful last night. We enjoyed a relaxing adult evening and the kids had a blast with the babysitters in the hotel room. So a successful evening for everyone.

Today we enjoyed time with all of our family in San Diego and tonight are packing up and preparing for tomorrow's flight home.

Get ready for lots of pictures, once we get home tomorrow and download there will be lots to see.