Christmas! - December '07 and January '08

We were blessed to be able to celebrate Christmas with our family three different times and in three different locations this year!

We drove to Templeton to celebrate with Dad, Laural, Heather, Dave, Crystal, Liam and our little niece, Carina! Dad and Laural's tree was gorgeous!
We flew to Mesa, AZ to meet up with Jack's family and got to visit with everyone. Lucy stole the show!

Dad, Laural, Josh, Laurie, Stephen, Nicholas, Peter and Gretchen came to our house in early January and we celebrated with a meal of ravioli and fun presents.

Here are my nephews with their new sharks sleeping bags (good idea, uncle Jack). They are huge Sharks fans and told us that the players probably use these before the games, to rest. It was fun to see them and hear all of their good ideas.

Nicholas and Stephen trying them out. Nicolas said they're "pretty comfy"

First Grade @ Green Valley 2007-2008

Winter is a busy time, even at school!

Here I am getting a hug from a few of my sweet girls. This picture was taken the day of our Holiday performance. We sang songs and recited poetry for an audience of friends and family.

Small Group Christmas Party! - Dec. 2007

Mid December we celebrated Christmas with our small group bible study at the "Langsta's". It was a white elephant party and George scored an inflatable lawn ornament that featured a penguin that peeked out of an igloo intermittently. Pretty ridiculous! He was so excited, the boys rushed out an set it up right away.

Our bible study is the BEST! We praise God for giving up a position of privilege as Deity to come and love us. Jesus, God's own son, became a helpless infant, Immanuel-God with us! This group of men and women live out love and faithfulness every day and are such a support to us.

George and Jack with the new toy.

My little brother, Peter, Turns 30! - September 23, 2007

We drove into the city to celebrate Pete's 30th B-day. When going out with Peter and Gretchen, you can always count on a few things: exquisite eats, laughter and fun people. This was no exception and we ended the night at their favorite bar near Pete's place in the mission which is decorated with ALL kinds of taxadermed (spelling?) animals including an alligator and many MICE! I wish I could remember the name of it right now, but maybe you're not all that interested in going, anyway.

Golden Gate Bridge Stroll - October 2007

As many of you know, the fall is the BEST time in San Francisco. It is warm and clear. One day in October, we took advantage and went to the good old Golden Gate for a little exercise and sunshine. I have never walked the entire bridge as an adult (although my parents probably took me as a child). It was really spectacular.

The view of me and the city.

We made it!

This is a cross section of the cables that support the bridge. Although the picture may look like they are filled with concrete, they are made of over 27 thousand smaller cables. This sign gives all the stats. Amazing!

Chad and Julie's Wedding in Colorado - September 2009

One of Jack's oldest and dearest friends, Chad, got married in Estes Park, CO in September and Jack was one of his groomsmen. It was a gorgeous place, ceremony and marriage. It was also a blast to go to a wedding as such a newly married couple and enjoy, compare and relive some of the special moments. We also got to see many friends and Jack's sisters, brother in law and niece, Lucy (below with Jane).

They looked amazing!
It was ironic b/c Julie and my dresses were almost identical. Wish I would have gotten the memo. You all know I am so frugal, I would have been pleased to share!

Rejoicing in my nameplate, Mrs. Mollie Watkinson.

Honeymoon in Maui! - Aug 14-21, 2007

As soon as we got to our room to check out our digs we were blessed with a rainbow. Aloha!

Our first Luau together!

Exploring the coast, we found Sea Turtles!

Dinner @ Pacificos was EXQUISITE! We were RIGHT on the beach and everything we ate was so delicious. Thanks to Jack's guys @ Culligan for the gift certificate!

Road to Hana Trip

Cocktail Cruise

Another night we had dinner on the balcony @ Lelani's. Our dear friends the Peters spoiled us with dinner and DESSERT for two! We enjoyed savory fresh fish and especially the HULA PIE (evidence below) as we watched the sun set over the ocean.