Proof

Proof this is still my "go-to" face. 

Halloweenie 2013

The Sunday before Halloween we were invited to carve pumpkins at Nippon's co-workers house. We have done it for the past 3 years, so it's become our San Diego Halloween tradition. The best part is that we get to eat homemade pho. I know that has nothing to do with Halloween, but the truth has to be told. It's the BEST PART.

Afton picked out a ghost with the word BOO underneath it.

It's the one on the far left hand side.

They all carved such fun designs.

One girl even did a tardis. How cool is that!?

On Halloween I took Indiana Jones and Lil Bumblebee out into the neighborhood to retrieve loot in the form of candy. We totally scored.

The cutest lil bee I ever did see.

Nip's eyes are closed, but whatever.

Aunt Jaime, aka The Hipster, came over to join in the fun!

I love this picture so very very much.

Our friend Jasmine and her husband, Beau...I mean, The Black Swan and Smee...came over and joined in some adult Halloween festivities. Their cute kids were there too, but I somehow forgot to get a picture of them.

Note: Halloween should never be on a weeknight.

School Halloween Parade

Every year the preschool class dresses up and parades through the school, showing off their cuteness, and then finishes up with a Halloween party. They were all so ridiculously cute. Even Rowan got to join in on the fun (and by fun I really only mean dressing up).

Mrs. K prepping them on what they will be doing, and passed out instruments for the kids to play while they did it. Afton was super stoked that he got the tambourine instead of the lame sticks like last time. Ha!

I didn't get any pictures of the parade since I was holding Rowan the whole time, but here are some shots of the chaos that "picture time" caused. 

Indiana Jones and Captain Hook

I'm dressed as a tired (though smiling) middle aged woman, if you could't tell. 

Rowan was a cute lil bumblebee. She makes up for me.

Indy and Bumblebee

The trio.

Naked Lunch

Photos From the Bygone

Thanks to Jaime for sending me these gems. Yes, I should have cropped the bottom two. Oh well. Enjoy.

This is still my "go-to" face.

At Grammy's cabin on Mt. Graham. I can't tell if I'm giving the stink eye or bedroom eyes.

You'd think this was a picture of all boys. And you'd be wrong.
left to right: Scott, Julene, Danae, Heather, Jaime, Curtis, Lee

Sedona 2013

Our annual trip to Sedona was excellent again this year. Last year, Rowan was colicky and not big enough to enjoy anything. It was nice to see her running around and having fun with her brother this year.

This is a morning view from our balcony.

The kids liked running around the table on the balcony and peering out at Snoopy Rock.

We finally visited the Chapel of the Holy Cross. We've always meant to go, but for some reason or another we didn't. It is such a pretty little chapel, with an interesting history (click on that link to read all about it), and it is in a breathtaking spot.

These are shots from outside the chapel...

Inside...

 Mom taught Afton how to pray like a Catholic. Ha!

These are more shots from the outside. Funny how I didn't get the outside view of the chapel in any picture. I guess the red rocks were pretty enough!

This is the same view from the balcony, except that the sun is going down. I could take pictures of that view all day. And I did.

Delicious food was constant. The restaurants were all fabulous, especially this new pizza place called Pisa Lisa. All I have to say is figs and caramelized onions. Drool. Since we stay in a suite with a large kitchen, we cooked (and by we I mean my brother and sister in law) every night. We even grilled by the pool twice, and roasted marshmallows for smores at the fire pit. I'm pretty sure if there wasn't hiking involved in this vacation I would have gained 10 lbs.

On this day we ate lunch at Rene in the Tlaquepaque shopping area (which is a fabulous place to wander around and window shop) and then headed to Bell Rock. Rowan couldn't get enough of this fountain.

Indy and his dad all ready to hike. Yes, he did wear the whole outfit (including a whip) while hiking. What can I say, Indiana Jones is an adventurer.

Which way?

Cairns!

Courthouse Butte

Bell Rock

The view.

Sedona is such an amazing place. No words can truly describe how much happiness it brings to my family, and it's a tradition I never want to end.

Baby Fanatic

When we go to the play place, they are the first thing she runs for.

Reminds Me of Dear Ol' Ma

My excellent friend Missy and I have been hitting up thrift shops on Fridays while our boys are in preschool. Today we went to "the strip." I had not hear of it (which is surprising since it's maybe 5 mins from my house) and was floored that there was a whole shopping strip lined with secondhand/vintage/antique shops. It. Was. Heaven. At every turn the words "my mother would love this" or "my mother has one just like this" and "I can't wait to bring my mom here!" were uttered. I'm sure Missy got tired of hearing it. I really can't wait for her to visit though, so we can go thrifting. Get out here ma!