Welcome to our new layout! We're glad you've stopped by for a visit. We're enjoying life as God gives it, feeling so very blessed by His goodness to us. Our 3 kids keep things very lively and interesting around here and make life 3 times more enjoyable. If you're a first time visitor, please let us know how you heard of our site! Pictures are available for registered users.
Stef and I made it out to Monterey for a couple of days over the weekend (we left the kids with Emile and Jane). We had a fantastic time relaxing, talking about life, and rolling around the Monterey peninsula doing whatever we wanted :)
We hit some old family favorite restaurants around town (The Grotto on the wharf, Gianni's Pizza, and First Awakenings near the Aquarium), and tried some new ones (Latitudes, on Lover's Point). We also drove the 17 mile drive (beautiful) for the first time in forever. The weather could have been nicer, but it didn't put much of a damper on the trip.
Anyway, we're back, rested, and happy to be home with the kids.
Yes, yes, as noted by Stef below, we're back from vacation. We had an excellent, relaxing time (honestly, there's not much to talk about because we didn't do much but eat, walk around, and sleep). I enjoyed being disconnected from the various sets of work that I normally am wrapped up in, and being able to spend time with the kids without feeling like the clock is constantly running.
Random thoughts from the vacation...
Our vacation is over and we're all home and unpacked. It feels so good to be back home.
Pacific Grove/Monterey were gorgeous! We enjoyed close to 90 degree weather Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and then nice, cooler and foggy weather Thursday and Friday. The ocean was a big hit with our kids. They would scream every time we left the house and drove down the street to see it. Ethan was excited to see where Nemo lives.
The house we stayed in was absolutely beautiful; very comfortable and on a really fun street in Pacific Grove. Lined with neat shops and cafes. Our time went by way too fast, but we're all glad to be home. We had a blast, stayed healthy, the kids didn't even get boo-boos!
It was a very blessed time and we're so thankful to God for giving it to us.
Hope you all had a good week -- Pictures are coming soon!
Our vacation officially starts on Saturday (or, Friday night when Jase walks through the door), but the actual going away part is Monday morning, until the end of the week. For this reason, you won't be hearing from us until around November 1st. Jason might post a thing or two before Monday morning rolls around, but I won't be able to.
Our weekend looks to be a busy one, with the softball game, a baby shower, family party in Livermore, a friend of ours from Livermore is going to be staying Saturday night at our house and spending Sunday with us and then Monday... we leave!!
So... I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and week ahead. Please pray that our vacation will go smoothly; safe travels, good health and just an overall, that it would be incredibly blessed by God. We have a couple tape series we're looking forward to listening to in the car- One on marriage and one on raising children. We also have the book War of Words that we've been wanting to read together and we're excited to be able to get to do that while we're away. Its so nice to step away from it all and enjoy the blessings God has given to us in each other.
Until later then... Stef
We had such a great time away this weekend! The weather started out very stormy, but we ended up with two very nice sunny, cool days. Everything was so bright and beautiful and the ocean, of course, was gorgeous. This time of year it looks very deep blue/green. We ate delicious food all weekend -- I'm not sure if the food is as good as it seems or if it feels good not to cook and clean for a change.
Our time together was so relaxing and fun. We loved having some alone time with Rachel (I think she loved it too) and we missed Ethan SO badly, it was great to get back home to him. He had a very good time with Grandpa and Grandma Arnold and Great Grandma "Nina" (Anita). Thank you guys for taking care of him! Its great to get away and know that he will be well taken care of while we're gone. We took some pictures and will post them sometime tomorrow.
-Stef
My sister and brother-in-law just got back from their cruise to the Panama Canal! We picked them up at S.F.O late last night and almost didn't recognize Trisha. :)
She is very tan and way too relaxed looking. Sounds like they had so much fun on their cruise and if you'd like all the fun details, check out their website -- on the left side bar, Thomas Family. We had a lot of fun with their kids and I know Ethan will miss all the company when they leave, but we'll be seeing them at their house in just a couple weeks for Thanksgiving! -S