Time in Tahoe

The Sunday after Daniel's parents flew away we packed up our CRV and headed to South Lake Tahoe for a relaxing week with my side of the family. Everything was perfect; the rooms, the meals prepared by family, the lake views and of course all the cuddle time and hugs from family.

I am also going to post a bunch of pictures with not so much detail.

We spent some time down by the clear blue water.

Auntie Lolly was helping Violet test the waters but not walk in.

Cuddles over Violet's birthday breakfast.

Auntie Sarah and Uncle Andrew getting some lovin'.

A view from a lookout over the lake.

2 of the 3 sisters.

We had absolutely beautiful weather everyday we were there. The last couple of days were a bit windy but still sunny and clear. We couldn't have asked for better weather.

We celebrated Violet's birthday on the actual day with family and Violet discovered her love of frosting. Just like her daddy.

New hippo sleeping bag and pillow from Mommy and Daddy.

The chipmunk puppet from Auntie Lolly and Uncle Kris made quite a debut.

Noni playing telephone with the birthday girl's feet. It was a game Violet made up on her changing table with her own feet. Anytime she wanted to talk with Noni she would lift her feet up to her ears as the phone.

One day we all took a boat tour of the lake and were amazed at the crystal clear water of Tahoe. It is the second most pure lake in the world. Amazing!

Auntie Lolly and Uncle Kris with Vi-Pie

Mommy and her Violet

Me and my daddy

The only group shot we took. Thank goodness it was a great one of everyone except Violet. Kris had fun with it and photo shopped us into another picture he had taken at Yosemite the week before. I like it a lot too.

 Here we are before we climbed El Capitan

Here were are after! HA!

(We did not all go to Yosemite.)

The last couple of days we spent walking to a river with spawning salmon and enjoying a local Oktoberfest with a fun pumpkin patch.

Papa Bear with Violet

Very hard to get a picture of a toddler in a fun pumpkin patch. We took pictures for several minutes trying to get a smile at the camera. She was so distracted and excited.

It was hard saying goodbye but we know seeing the family in several weeks will be a sweet time as well. What a blessing to know and really like your entire family! God has been so gracious to Daniel and me as we have joined families.

Handsone Marine Photos :)

As a proud wife I find it absolutely necessary to post these great shots!

We just had to get some shots out in front of Daniel's school before we move.

Family Time

I am going to blog a shameless amount of photos with not a lot of detail.

The week of graduation Daniel's parents came to town. They arrived Wednesday at noon and left early Sunday morning. It was a brief but wonderful visit.

We were able to spend a nice night a Fisherman's Wharf for dinner.

Lots of time cuddling and playing.

One afternoon by the water for a bit.

We celebrated Violet's birthday a little early and Grandma (Bubba) and Grandpa (Pop-Pop) got her a bunch of wonderful kitchen accessories to go with her new play kitchen. She plays with it all everyday. Definitely the best gift for a new two year old girl.

Graduation was Friday the 23rd and we made sure to take a bunch of photos.

Our quick family shot.

Mom and Daniel.

Dad and Daniel (Love these photos!)

All together now.

Daniel with our neighbor, Chris, who also graduated. Such a good friend!

Sweet kisses from the new graduate.

Violet and her best friend, Niya.

We had a wonderful visit and can't wait to get Pop-pop and Bubba hugs and kisses again soon.

Graduation Get-Together

Last Saturday we had a lovely barbecue at NPS to celebrate Daniel and our neighbor Chris graduating from NPS.

We had a great time with a few families from church. It was a beautiful sunny day and the kids had a wonderful time playing in the softball fields next to an outdoor pavilion with picnic tables.

 Here are a few shots from the day.

I made a peacock cupcake cake for the days festivities. I thought it was fitting considering our time here.

 

Great celebration!

Blogging out the window...

I have not made blogging a priority lately. That is all I will say about that.
Things are still going smoothly. We have loads of fun with Violet. I stay busy, but I am doing things slower these days as pregnancy discomforts have started increasing with my blatant waist expansion. Daniel is so helpful and Violet is easy to please with reading time and a few hundred of her favorite books. :)

Graduation is next week. We are hosting a little get-together this weekend to celebrate. What an amazing 2 years these have been! God has blessed us richly with this family time and Daniel in his studies.

Tomorrow I will attend an awards ceremony where my husband will be recognized not once but twice for his exemplary work here at NPS. I am quite proud of him. Now as things are winding down with his last class tomorrow the reality of our move is becoming more evident. The Marine Corps will take us to new places and the time here will be a sweet memory. We are attempting to savor it as much as we can.

Family time is approaching. Daniel's parents arrive next week for a brief but sweet visit and then we head to Tahoe to spend a week with my side of the family. We are very excited to see everyone. What a great time of year to come together when the weather is cooling and there are such worthy things to celebrate like Daniel's graduation.

We got Violet's birthday gift a little early because it was a sweet deal and a little too big to hide from her for a long time. It is getting a lot of play time.

She is learning to wash her hands thoroughly, put her "eks" (eggs) in the fridge and put her dishes away at night. We are slowly adding to the play food and accessories. For now she is learning to pretend and it is so much fun to watch.

Will try to post more soon about the family visits.

Much Love!