vacation, part 2

It's horrible when you finally get around to posting about a vacation and you're already in desperate need of another one! Seriously, Ryan's schooling is going better than I expected (well its still harder for him that expected, but I'm fairing it better than I thought). That being said, I CAN'T WAIT FOR IT TO BE OVER!!!! It is a blessing I know and will bless our family and Ryan's career for the next 30+ years, but I sincerely hope he takes me seriously when I tell him I need a break after this stint. We find out in October when the practical portion of his education will take place. It is some time in 2011 and will be in Austin, Texas. I still haven't decided if Gavin and I will join him. Hum...2 months in a large city away from family and probably without a car and with a 2 year old OR a sweet vacation in Mexico? Hum...indeed! It would cost us a few grand for us to go with so I'm debating using the dinero for a vacation and saving. We shall see!

So back to the last vacation... I had promised pictures of the aquarium. It was fun and made me even more excited for years to come when we take our kids to theme parks, aquariums, zoos--you know the drill. So here they are!

Please excuse the horrible pics I was taking them sans the flash so that you could actually see the aquarium in the background. I think the pic of all 3 of us is one of the very very few we have so far so even though there is a shadow over my eyes, it will go down in history.

vacation, part 1

How many bosses demand that you take time off? Not many I'm guessing! Well, Ryan had about 340 hours of paid time off accrued and his boss kindly suggested that if he could he should take a week off. We've been saving up on time off for when we move to Texas next year for 9 weeks for his clinical work for his schooling. We need 360 hours!! That is so much, but with a mortgage to deal with while gone plus rent to live in Texas, the $$$ adds up fast. His bosses are so good to us really and assured him that if we needed to borrow PTO when the time came it would be fun. What boss lets you go in the red for PTO? Seriously! I am so grateful that they value the hard work and determination Ryan has to do a stellar job. He really does want to be the best PT ever!

So, without much hesitation the week was scheduled. Ryan is in the midst of his post-graduate schooling (one of many phases of post-grad work I'm sure in our lifetime) and let me tell you it is putting the heat on! But, surprisingly I am feeling closer to him that ever and it is helping me to trust in his love for me more and feel more confident in myself as his wife by helping him to know how much I appreciate his hard work and that we are here to support him. It is still challenging nonetheless. He had a one week mid-semester break from school so thankfully the week off from work was able to coincide with school too!

Ryan decided we should be spontaneous so when we couldn't go to Mexico due to Gavin's lack of a passport (won't happen again) we headed to San Francisco. I must add for remembrance sake that I have been under a good deal of stress, as well as Ryan and so the thought of San Francisco freaked me out. If you don't already know about my love/hate relationship with San Francisco, click here and here. I wanted cool and calm beach, but I knew Ryan was more interested in the city, so I booked the trip without a final yes from him. However, my stress didn't vanish and when I told him about it, well, to make a long story short, it ended in a disagreement. We were both so overdue for a vacation that we had no juice to give. We can both be stubborn!! So, I packed the bags for Gavin and I (while Ryan was determined to stay home). He had good intentions but I was stubborn and wasn't going to waste the money I'd spent on reserving the hotel. The car was packed and Gavin in his seat and we still weren't talking. I decided to go in and ask if Ryan was sure he didn't want to come and while I did so he was praying to overcome his stubbornness and promised the Lord if I asked that he would accept the invite to go with. Thank you Lord our wills gave in and we ended up on our vacation together instead of apart.

We stayed in Fisherman's Wharf area so it was really easy to walk places and thank goodness for GPS we didn't get lost nearly as many times as normal. We hit up the Exploratorium (something Ryan has wanted to do for awhile). I laughed more than I thought and really liked learning about science stuff.

At age 30 Ryan is still obsessed with muscles. In fact, Gavin was wearing a "muscle shirt" the other day and Ryan couldn't stop talking about how good of deltoid muscles Gavin has. He has also started introducing Gav to his protein shakes. Oh help me now!

@ the Exploratorium-- The power of the mind. It really was quite difficult to drink from the toilet especially because of the water sitting in the basin. Freaky!

Gavin was seriously a delight to have on the trip and he did wonderful. He slept in the bathroom (is that gross?) so that we could shut the door and watch movies after he went to bed. One night he stayed out with us until 9:45 while we drove across town to try SF's best pizza. He ate really well, which has been a challenge for him, and took most of his naps on the go. I think his favorite time was at the beach, which actually was all of ours. We drove up the coast from SF to go to Muir Beach but there was no parking so we went a little ways further to Stinson Beach. It was beautiful! Ryan convinced me to go under all the way in the ocean and it was quite refreshing. Gavin loved playing in the waves and couldn't get enough. I felt so much joy seeing Ryan and him having fun that I know I would never experience if it weren't for that kid. I simply LOVE BEING A MOTHER!

Stinson beach. Beautiful beach and great for boogie boarding, skimboarding, and young kids!(that's Ryan and Gavin just out past the sand castle. ryan is bent over holding Gavin's hands).

At breakfast one morning at Denny's. We were racing his car down the table to him (the table was not level) and he couldn't get enough of it.

Honestly, i think it turned out better because of the disagreement. Ryan has promised the Lord if he did go that he'd have a "go with the flow" attitude. So, he did, and he did a great job at it. So no matter how stressed I got he would keep calm. His nickname for the weekend became "Flow". In fact, I was "Go", Gavin was "With" (because he has no choice in the matter) and Ryan was "Flow". He says he actually really enjoyed having that attitude and I know in the end it helped me to relax too.

I told Ryan that for me, a vacation includes a little fun, laughter, relaxation and good food. This was it for me! The beach was something I had wanted and because of Flow, he made it happen. I got my relaxation and we did things a little out of norm and enjoyed laughing and playing around like we were kids again. I really believe laughter to be the best medicine for the soul!

check back soon for part 2! I'm admiring the entire chocolate coconut cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory that just arrived on my doorstep! Oh dearest husband you know how to fill my love tank! hahaha!

Utah Trip, Part 1

For the 4th of July weekend we headed out to Utah to visit family and friends. Ryan's family was having their Lowe Family Reunion so we made it into a trip to see both sides of the family, plus some treasured friends of mine. We started out at my sister Julie's house visiting her family. My little sister was able to come down from Idaho, as well as our great family friend Spinney (Debbie is actually her first name but we've always called her by her last since she coached us in sports years ago).

We really enjoyed our time there. The kids are growing up so fast! I'll let the pictures tell the story. Thanks Julie for letting us spend the day with you! We love the bbq and had a really nice time bonding! We hope for many more as our families continue to grow!

Vacations, Parties and a Blessed Child

Life has been busy to say the least. I really don't even have time to post this. Gavin has been on overload the past 5 days and so I've finally had to deal with a "crying baby". I lost it quick! Thanks to a loving husband by my side and the 5 S's from Dr. Harvey Karp in "Happiest Baby on the Block" we are making it through. He is still the most adorable little guy. He is learning all about his hands and smiling more than ever. You can sure tell his little brain is developing! You know what that means--lots of good moments and memories cuddling him in my arms. Everyone says enjoy it now because sooner than I know he won't want to cuddle and he'll be off playing.

So, here is what we've been up to:

The G-man had his first trip to Santa Cruz. I think he really liked it, except the windy beach time on day 2. He was such a good boy. We had a nice time eating tons of lemon drop, peanut butter, Dr. Midnight and snickerdoodle cookies from Pacific Cookie Company (THE Best cookie store on the planet--so good Ryan orders them online for me a couple times a year).  We also ate dinner at one of my favorite upscale mexican restaurants El Palomar Restaurant in downtown. SO YUMMY and the best atmosphere. Kinda like Tres Hombres but WAY better!!! We kept up with Beck family traditions with breakfast at Zachary's, and touring the O'Neill shops at Capitola and downtown, however we didn't get to pizza at the great Tony & Alba's. I really liked Pizza My Heart when we were there last year and so Ryan, being the sweetheart he is let us go there (actually we went twice). Its pizza by the slice and oh so very YUMMY!! I love a little of everything so it was just my style! We are pizza fanatics!!! The weather was cloudy most the trip but that didn't bother us a bit. The only problem was when we tried to head out to the beach before leaving since the sun had decided to come out. Well Mr. Wind came along for the ride too and spoiled what seemed would have been paradise. It would have been fine but with a 2 month old it spelled disaster. We packed up quick and got out. We did have one nice day on the beach for a short while, enjoying the breeze and reading. I can't wait for Gavin to enjoy digging in the sand and all that fun stuff. We took some nice walks enjoying views of Cowell's Beach (sorry Papa Beck for not surfing this trip hope we didn't let you down), Steamer Lane, and Pleasure Point. So, so relaxing!! I love the ocean! 

Pleasure Point in Capitola

Santa Cruz Beach

A week ago things got really busy. My brother Brent graduated from high school, then the next day Ryan's sister, Kristin had her baby shower, and then Sunday we had Gavin's baby blessing. Needless to say Gavin was pretty partied out after that weekend! Well, he was a doll and everyone enjoyed holding him, which became the trend that weekend. I'm not too sure that Gavin enjoyed it as much as everyone else did. As a result I get to try and re-establish order in his life now. We're handling it and I'm glad to be at home with peace and quiet again (not for long).

Gavin not too sure about hanging out with all the ladies at his Aunt Kristin's baby shower. 

Literally looking up to his Uncle Brent.

My youngest brother Brent graduated from high school. He was valedictorian and basically stole the show. 

Gavin on his blessing day--what a cutie! Ryan did an awesome job and Gavin didn't make a peep! I'm so grateful that Ryan is a worthy priesthood holder and is willing to bless our family with the priesthood. I feel like a very lucky lady!

Gavin seems like such a little man and he seems giant size compared to babies his age or even older than him that I have a hard time thinking of him as only 3 months old. Time is sure flying by!!!

So, if you made it through this post, CONGRATS!! It's a book! Just haven't taken or had the time to post. Next week we leave for Utah! The fun just doesn't stop!

MERRY CHRSITMAS FROM THE BECKS!!!

So I've been horrible the last month or so not posting. It has been busy, but not that busy. The month started off with an amazing trip to Cabo San Lucas. Ryan being the unselfish husband he is offered to sell his mountain bike (something we were already considering) and putting that money towards one last vacation (if you remember from last year we went on a cruise in the southern caribbean as our "last horray".) Well, that just wasn't enough (it was a year ago). Well, with that money and a monthly vacation fund I started for us we made the trip! We definitely did it on a budget but I didn't mind it. It ended up being the smart way to do things and we stuck to our budget. I absolutely love Cabo! Some people don't like Mexico, but I'm actually drawn to the people and love the service they give. Yes, there is poverty, but I love the culture. We had the greatest time. Being 5 months pregnant did have its drawbacks (we couldn't parasail or jet ski). Ryan promised the trip would be purely for relaxing and vegging and that's what it was. I think I probably clocked in about 20 hours of laying in the sun. You could have called it a part-time job! It was glorious!!! I read the entire Twilight book during the week. I haven't read that much in my life I think. It was a empowering moment! Ryan was a good sport vegging and he did get his time in working out (unfortunately it cost $10 a day to workout in their gym so he splurged one day but the rest he made due in our hotel room). I posted a picture for your pleasure. (Sidenote: Have I ever mentioned  how much Ryan loves when I blog about him and things like this. Yes he loves it! Thanks babe for having a sense of humor and letting me enjoy your cuteness). So he would fill our luggage with heavy items to do curls, lift the 5 gallon water bottle, fill the backpack with books on his back and do pushups, pullups on the edge of the entertainment center, I helped him with handstand pushup dealies--very creative honey! 

We got some good food down there (my fav's yummy homemade tortillas, great guacamole, enchiladas, great italian food (in mexico? say what?), yummy gelato an more guacamole. All week ryan talked about taking a bath in guacamole and wished he had a keg of guac on the beach with us! I had a virgin pina colada or two as well. Love those things! It was just what i needed. THANK YOU BABE!!!! 

The only set back was the crazy fog in the valley that resulted in delayed flight leaving, then to a cancelled flight 5 hours later, and then to 2 hours of standing in line to change flights, then to find out we had to get a rental car and drive to San Francisco from Sac town to catch a flight the following day, which led to an additional hotel night (thanks Craig and Janice for helping out with that). It was frustrating to say the least, but it all worked out in the end and we got there safely and with ease the next day. I just kept the mindset "you can't control this" and went with the flow (most of the time). I did have rearrange hotel nights with expedia and our shuttle but it all worked out and it didn't ruin the trip at all. We were able to extend the trip a night as a result of the delay since we were originally coming home on a friday. 

So once our amazing vacation ended I was greated with a lovely head cold. It took 2 weeks to get rid of it and then Ryan got it. Thankfully I didn't have it that bad compared to Ryan. I wasn't able to take meds so the humidifier was all I got, but the Lord blessed me that it wasn't too intense. Ryan has green flem and won't go to the doctor. Isn't that bad? Doesn't that mean there's an infection? He says his body will take care of it--I love my stubborn husband! Even with his stubbornness I did enjoy babying him and helping him get as comfortable as he could (that's how we spent our new year's). As long as I was with him (and my new macbook). 

That brings me to Christmas. It was rushed again this year with taking the vacation the first part of the month. We vowed to never take vacations like that again since it really fowls up Christmas parties, shopping and really experiencing the preparation for christmas, but its such a good time. We had a low-key Christmas (the last of them for a long time to come) and spent it split between families. I got to talk to my bro Keith who's on a mission in Costa Rica. Santa spoiled me with a new computer after hours of searching and getting the best deal possible I ended up with the dreamy macbook!!! So what if I wanted it for the looks--that was just the initial attraction. Now i love it for its looks, plus the way it feels, the way it treats me and takes care of me (I've had bad computer relationships in the past). Anyway the relationship is still new so we're taking it slow. Baby Beck got his first presents from the family and they're already waiting for him in his closet. We got to spend some time with Ryan's good friend Matt and his family. It was really nice. We definitely wish we lived closer to our dearest friends (they've all seemed to move away). 

Anyway, this is getting long and I've logged in so many hours today searching out the right stroller, car seat, picking decor for baby's room, stressing endlessly over the color of the walls (which I was supposed to paint this week). It has me very anxious-go figure! To top it all off I just can't decide on the baby's name. We have a few we can agree on but I'm just not sure. Oh geez! Someone give me something important to worry about!!! Well, we missed you all who we didn't get to see this holiday season. We're shooting for a trip to Utah this summer around July 4th (barring we have a sane child that we feel safe leaving home with). Knowing how charma seems to work with babies we have quite the tike on our hands!!!

I've posted a pic of me at 22 weeks and just took another today at 27 weeks. Sorry I've been bad about posting the progress. Thanks for your patience!!

Happy Anniversary!

So, I have been quite busy and unfortunately selfish this past month, reading other blogger contributions and not posting any new ones of my own. So, I'm here to ask your forgiveness and give you a little of what's been going on in hopes you haven't deserted my page just yet...We celebrated our two (wahoo!, no seriously I'm impressed we've made it this far--i'm difficult to live with) year anniversary. We celebrated it early (as we did last year) on a more convenient weekend since it tends to fall on General Conference weekend. (Seeing as we've only been married two years the use of "tend" is obviously appropriate but I guess since the weekend consists of only 2 days and the rest of to week 5 it will eventually be an inappropriate usage, but for the next oh 315 days thus continues to remain present in my description of our anniversary experiences). What was that? Sorry I diverge. Ok, on track we go. So, last year we spent the weekend in San Francisco to test our "true love" and came home fighting--no joke. that city is cursed, if not for other reasons for the reason that everytime we go we get lost, hungry, tired, lost, hungry, and argue. So, we've yet to have a completely positive experience there. So, this year we headed to Oregon--the place we have come to adore and aspire to live someday. It proved to be a much better experience, which can be accounted for a few things: 1) we have another years expierence and "love" (i.e. patience) for each other; 2) we purchased an iPhone so we can look up directions, maps, places to eat, etc when we're on the road; 3) we listened to a marriage tape by Dr. John Lund whenever possible, thus resulting in constant reminders of our affections for each other, our desire to work through differences, and create eternal bliss every minute of our lives.

We had a great drive. Normally we squander to find enough to talk about in the car on long trips--1) Ryan is NOT good at road trips (the 1 1/2 hour drive to sac is a stretch for him--I blame his parents who gave him prizes and bribes to get him to drive in the car as a child. Janice if you read this don't take it personal, but its hilarious how he digresses to oh age 4 when he sits down in a car). Instead of prizes, we stop frequently or it worked well this time listen to books on tape. I am wondering if I need to bring prizes next time though. Anyway, its hilarious and cute that he struggles with it so much! So, we set out on our 3 hour drive to Ashland and here's how it went. We stopped in Redding (1 hour drive so far) for lunch and ipod accessory at best buy. Next we stop in Yreka for gasoline (almost 2 hours) and then FINALLY arrived in Ashland just over 3 hours later. Ofcourse the long journey required a nap, so we retreated to our luxurious hotel room to finally emerge for dinner and a WONDERFUL shakespeare play! It was a great night. We had a nice dinner (ate about 5 lbs of mozzarella cheese) at this delightful Italian restaurant downtown Ashland and then I got a good dose of theater as we watched "Comedy of Errors". It was so fun! We had some brief time to venture into the park there and I can't wait to go back next year for more! What a quaint town--I could live and die there!

Saturday morning we woke to a flat tire and thankfully due to my handy iPhone we found a Les Schwab just down the street. Unfortunately we ended up with 4 new tires, not one (we'd been avoiding replacing them since they're expensive suckers) because they were in bad shape. We decided it was a noble anniversary gift and delighted in the fact that we'd save ourselves 7.25% or about $70 in sales tax. You like my positive thinking! So we sat in the curb in front of Le' Schwab, breathed in the delightful aroma of tire tread, ate hearty almonds for my pregnancy snack, and sunk into deep conversation about the musculoskeletal system (ryan's forte). It was deep and intense!

Soon enough we were burnin' rubber and off to the Oregon coast. The cds proved to be a great hit, not only to produce conversation, but to keep Ryan attentive when at the wheel. That is a whole other posting, but Ryan has a sad history of falling asleep at the wheel (most likely connected to his distaste for interaction with the automobile). Last year when we traveled to Portland he fell asleep and came within inches of hitting a semi truck. So, he's on strick watch since then. I might add that I fall asleep as soon as I'm in the passenger seat so we make for a bad mix. It usually means I drive more on trips because I feel safer. He did a lot better this trip because it was in the daytime and we had the cd on. So our trip to the coast was ANOTHER 3 HOURS! He was disgusted, but not nearly as much as when he found out the trip home after our weekend would take 6 hours since we would not split it up like I planned for the way up there. Sorry! We say beautiful redwoods, sandy beaches, amazing rock formations, and the blue and green waters of the Oregon Coast. It was delightful!! Thankfully he fell asleep on the drive too, which helps time pass better (does it sound like I have a baby already?). What will I do when this becomes a reality next year? We finally found our resting spot in Gold Beach, Oregon. I thought it looked relaxing and a great retreat from busy life when I reserved the place. It said there wasn't much to do there, and I was satisfied. I enjoy laying on the beach, Ryan required activity. Thankfully we found a common ground and he was able to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and I walked the beaches with him to get some exercise.

The first day was windy. We ended up wrapped in a blanket trying to shield our faces from the sand as it blew on the beach. Not so fun. Here's where I get difficult--we went to eat dinner at the best seafood and steakhouse in town (aka the only seafood and steakhouse in town) but arrived at 4:55pm and it didn't open until 5:00. I was starving and couldn't wait another minute! Ryan is the polite kind that doesn't want to inconvenience anyone so regardless of the sign that said the bar was open he didn't want to venture inside until 5:01 (if he had it his way 5:10). I couldn't wait. So, it was back in the car to find somewhere else. We drove to the other end of town (which probably took 3 minutes) and found a little diner that looked like it'd have the clam chowder I was craving. It then probably took us 2 minutes to get parked and in the diner (totaling 5 minutes-oh look its now 5:00). Regardless, I enjoyed my clam chowder (it was actually very delicious) and Ryan ate some random salad all because he loved me and wanted to make me happy (either that or he's scared to death of me!).

That night we picked up blizzards from Dairy queen and got a upclose and personal taste of the lovely folk living in that town. "You want a piece of me fool?" Lets just say they weren't too friendly there at dairy queen. Our second day there was much more pleasant in terms of the weather. It was perfect! Sunny, light breeze (its normally quite windy), just perfect. We traveled up the coast to tour a working lighthouse at Cape Blanco, gazed out over the point to see the beautiful west coast. It was majestic! Then we stopped at a beautiful beach and sunbathed. I even convinced ryan (on a bribe) to get in the ocean. My feet were about all that could handle it.

Our eating habits were really off this trip. It proved problematic for eating at the "best" seafood and steakhouse in town. We had a big breakfast at the hotel and then snacks for lunch usually. So, but 3 or so in the afternoon we were hungry. Again, I couldn't wait until after 5:00 so this time we ended up in their pizza joint. It was called "Panther Pizza". It was right across the street from the high school (their mascot being the panthers). It was very nostalgic--I think that whole town surrounded its being around the football team. The whole school probably made up the team. We got a pizza to go and ate dinner on the beach and took a nap. We enjoyed beautiful sunsets! Glorious! Makes you really realize God's majesty! It was like the sun just melted into the ocean.

We left the next day (perfect since the weather turned windy and cloudy) and made that LONG 6 HOUR drive back. It was beautiful, but neverending. I think I made it worse with my bladdar urgencies (thank you pregnancy). I haven't stopped at a rest stop bathroom since I was a child (very fond memories) and oh boy I got really comfortable with them let me tell you, but then that's another blog post I'm creating!! So 6ish hours later and too many windy roads that I took too fast for Ryan's comfort and we made it home safe. It was a very needed getaway and proved to be more calming than frustrating. I owe my thanks to beautiful Oregon, iPhone, and Dr. Lund. I think we'll purchase GPS soon... Oh, and most of all HAPPY ANNIVERSARY sweatheart. I heart u!

P.S. Sorry for such a Looooooooooooooong post. That's what happens when you don't post for a month!

speaking of packages...

just wanted to say quickly again, how amazing ryan is! i forgot to mention that when i arrived home from utah (at 1:ooam) ryan had left me the most amazing surprise. you may have to close your eyes to imagine the amazingness, sorry no pictures. well, walking in from the garage i notices a poster on the door. it welcomed me home and said that he had left me a little scavenger hunt throughout the house. how fun! first there were cinnamon rolls in the fridge for breakfast to eat while i watched the episode of grey's anatomy that i missed while in utah, then the newest issue of my favorite decorating magazine waiting on the couch, flowers and potting soil outside to enjoy my current hobby of gardening, my fav salad from trader joes in the fridge for lunch, and a new addition to my wardrobe ("because the brown section was looking a littl grim"). how awesome! i couldn't believe it! then the best of all, he was asleep in bed waiting for me! what a stud!

may 2008

I can't believe its already been a month since I posted last. Life is so busy and I know we don't even have kids yet. Well, regardless of that fact...ITS BUSY!!!! In may I traveled solo to Utah to visit my sisters and the kiddies. It was sooooooooo tiring! I never believed the saying about a stay-at-home mom's job being busier than a full-time career. Well, ladies I'M A BELIEVER!!! The gals at the office were concerned I'd come home from the time with the kids and be pregnant or ready to make it happen, but as I predicted it worked more in the favor of birth control. It only took a day or so before the exhaustion subsided and I was ready again for a family! Too bad I can't control that all on my own...
Utah was great! It snowed, poured rain, and shined. Too bad all I brought were flip flops. I was able to attend an endowment session at the SLC temple (my first time there) with my sister Julie. It was beautiful and really made me think! We took a trip to the Hoogle Zoo too! I was also able to see one of my best friends, Emily and her new baby Brennan! How fun! I was however, VERY EXCITED to return home after being gone 8 days. I don't know if I can be gone that long again from Ryan. I guess maybe with time, we're still newlyweds I guess. It will be 2 years this fall and 4 years since we began dating and we are really enjoying our relationship. I think we're growing more and more closer and more comfortable with each other. We have definitely moved beyond the adjustment period---THANK GOODNESS!! We're just both excited about the next chapter(s) of our lives.

After a week of recooperating, we headed off to Santa Cruz for a weekend trip with Ryan's parents. Can I just say that I have the MOST AWESOME IN-LAWS! I wouldn't even classify then as in-laws. They are family to me!!! They invited us to Santa Cruz with them and gave us the most relaxing weekend ever and we really needed it! Work has been stressful for the both of us and it was a needed getaway! Thanks Craig and Janice! You're lifesavers! We ate amazing food, tons of our favorite cookies from Pacific Cookie Co., surfed, laid on the beach, went to the movies, shopped, ate more great food, and just enjoyed Santa Cruz--the crazy place it is.

Life doesn't appear to be slowing down any time soon...In to June--camping with my family, more con ed courses for ryan in portland, he's got an old friend coming to intern with him at the pt clinic and living with us half the week, and more stress at work for shizzle! It too will pass...it better darn it! Then in July--more con ed (just a weekend course in Sac this time), I fly to Seattle for old roomie/friends wedding and reunite after years of separation, Ryan's sister visits and hopefully they move back from florida, and hopefully we get a short vaca in before the summer is over...oh ya and all those crazy church responsbilities we have lately. Gotta love 'em!

pics from the caribbean!

Here we are on our cruise in the southern Caribbean. We were so fortunate to take this vacation. I don't think we'll be taking one like this again for a long time. Its time for a little shift in priorities! Well, we enjoyed ourselves and it went by too quickly! We were able to see Puerto Rico, Aruba, Bonaire, St. Kitts, St. Thomas, and Grenada. All beautiful places! I definitely want to go back to Puerto Rico!!! What a blast the trip was! Highly recommended!

2nd Honeymoon

As if our first honeymoon wasn't enough (7 nights on a cruise in the western Caribbean), we're heading on our second honeymoon on a 2nd cruise in the caribbean! WE ARE EXCITED! This time we're heading to the southern Caribbean. We loved it so much and can't wait for the blue blue waters and gorgeous beaches. WORK HARD, PLAY HARD! We know there won't be many more opportunities for times like this, so we're taking advantage! We'll definitely post some pictures!