We live in a beautiful place...

We realize that we are very blessed to live in such a gorgeous area of the country and days like yesterday remind us even more...

We took a short walk around Newport Beach before naptime and then went to Crystal Cove State Beach...

We hunted for treasure with Tom's mom...

And we checked out the sand...

After such a fun day outside, someone was VERY tired by dinner. :)

Faster Daddy!

It ends a little sad, but they had been doing this for a while. :)

grandma's here!

Tom's last project at work has shipped and his company was cool enough to give the guys a week of comp time for how hard they worked on it. Although it was pretty short notice, Tom's mom was able to come out and visit for the week. We love having Grandma here!

We went to the Beachcomber Cafe one morning for breakfast and took some quick pictures afterwards. It was REALLY windy that day....

Yesterday we went to the Aquarium in Long Beach. Josie was really interested in the fish and it was just the right amount of time for a 9 month old...

Petting the sharks and sting rays...

They have a lorikeet area filled with lots of colorful, LOUD, birds. Very fun.

Lunch break always puts us in a good mood...

Fishies!!

Sorry its been a while...

She really liked the box. We flipped it over and she stood up and pushed it across the floor too. Of course I didn't catch that on video. Mommy fail.

Recently getting changed or dressed has just gotten in the way of playtime, so Josie often decides just to leave halfway through. At least in this pic I was able to get the diaper on before she took off...

Oh my goodness she finally has enough hair to hold a bow! Thanks Aunt Deb!

Aunt Deb also sent leg warmers. I'm a fan of anything that subtracts a step from diaper changes! Yay purple poka-dots!

A couple videos from the past week...

NJ part 2

Josie, my mom and my Mommom.

Josie & my Poppop.

Josie and my dad.
naptime.
Josie and my Grandpop.

Smiling at her Poppop through the pass-through.

Listening to Aunt Jen play the violin.

Learning to play the piano with Aunt Jen.

Blizzard #2.
Bathtime!!

The second storm delayed our return to Cali by just one day. The flight on Thursday went well and we actually landed on time. We had a WONDERFUL time with my family and miss them already. It is good to be home again though. :) Love you all!!

New Jersey Part 1

Josie and I had a great flight on Wednesday to NJ. There were not many people on our flight so we actually ended up with our own full row! We were able to bring the carseat on board and spread out a bit. Other than being a bit cranky and refusing to nap for 2 hours, she did GREAT.

Since then we have been hanging out with my parents and sister, and have been able to visit with my grandfather. We also all went out for dinner one night, including my brother Brian and his girlfriend.

Oh yeah, and last night and most of today we got DUMPED with snow! crazy!!

Here are some pics...

We were able to visit with my grandfather on Thursday. :)

Later that day I went on a walk with my Aunt Lisa and her dogs. Josie succumbed to jet lag while I was gone.
Friday we went to the Franklin Institute in Philly and saw the Body Worlds exhibit (fascinating) and then some of our other favorite exhibits.

Josie has discovered her love of recycling. Way to be green, baby.

Saturday: Baby's First Snow!!

Here she is on her Poppop's tractor.

My mom, Josie and I.