Cousin Jake is home!

My cousin Jake is home visiting for a few days so we had a family get together so we could see him and catch up with him on his ever day life happenings.. He has been in Afghanistan and Iraq. But is now stationed back in Arkansas. He has been in the Air Force for 6 years now and will be re upping soon for 4 more years. Wow it is incredible what he does for all of us here in the states. We don't know where he will go next but he put in for a few places, hopefully he goes where he wants to this time. He will find out soon. He is doing so great in the Air Force and we are so proud of him. We wish him all the luck in his new adventure where ever it may lead him. It was so great seeing him. The last time we saw him was march of 2007. So it was a long time no see.

The whole gang hanging out at Peterson's Corner. Jake is the one in the black shirt and hat in the middle. His brother Matt (yes we have 2 Matt's) is in the back with the red shirt and hat.

My brother Derek, cousin Jake, and me.

The boys doing some drinking together. They had a good time catching up.

Here's Bailey Boy!

I have people ask me about the dog that Matt found about 3 years ago in front of Paradiso. I was pouring down rain and there was this puppy wondering around the parking lot. When Matt opened up his car door, he jumped right in. He knew a good home was waiting when he saw Matt. Well long story short we couldn't keep him so my parents took him and he has been spoiled ever since. 3 years after they took him home he is FINALLY able to run free on their property and not worry about him running off. Well I took these pictures of him this weekend.
Smile Bailey Boy!
Spoiled? I think so :)
This is Bonnie. A friend of my dad passed away in January and there wasn't anyone to take his dog so she went to the shelter and was put up for adoption. Well my dad felt bad for Bonnie so they adopted her in January. She is a sweet dog. Bailey loves his new sister, and apparently they have a thing for black dogs.

Happy Birthday Jerry/Dad

Happy birthday! We hope you enjoy your special day. We had a lot of fun on Saturday evening. The food was delicious and the company was even better. Thanks for being such a supportive dad and always being there with open arms when we need advice or just to talk. You are a great Dad! Here's to another great year and we hope your leg is getting better. Love you!


Somewhere in Europe.

On a beach somewhere in Europe.

Father and Son trip to Europe after Matt graduated College.

Jerry and Matt at our wedding.

At our wedding, of course, at the end of a long but fantastic day!

Tahoe Vacation 08

Matt took his much needed vacation the week of labor day. He helped his dad out at his dads lumber yard in Oroville Tuesday and Wednesday, but Thursday we packed everything up, including Sadie and headed to Tahoe, our most favorite place, for 4 days.We did everything we always talked about doing. Biking, golfing, kayaking, and even went up in the Heavenly Gondola. I enjoy Tahoe year round but I have to say that summer has is my most favorite time.There is so much to do and with perfect weather, low 80's, the possibilities are endless. Our neighbors Chris and Vic recommended a great restaurant, Kalani's. We ate there Friday night and it was incredible sushi. Sushi had been our favorite lately and we eat it when ever we get the chance. All in all we enjoyed each other's company and we didn't even step into a casino until Saturday night and even then we only stayed for a couple hours. Leaving 80 degree weather on Sunday and returning to 95 degree weather was hard but we will return soon enough. It was such a relaxing weekend. much different then our vacations in the past where we had to deal with the hustle and bustle of airports. We both agreed that this was a nice getaway. Matt is back to work this week and seems to be back in the swing of things but needless to say we are both missing Tahoe. The view of Lake Tahoe from inside the gondola.
Matt golfed and I was his caddy per say only I didn't carry his bag. I just walked with him and took pictures with my new camera. (yeah!)

Biking along the lake near Camp Richardson.
Matt biking.
View of Edgewood golf course from the look out deck. we didn't golf here, too pricey:(

Tahoe continued....

Hanging out on the beach in front of Lakeland Village.


Don't know what I was doing here! Maybe giving Matt "the look"!
A little putt putt.

The view on the way up Heavenly in the gondola. Half way up the mountain at the look out deck.

Tahoe continued again....

Matt taking a rest at a nearby creek while on our bike ride.

In front of Lake Tahoe while on the bike trail.
Kayaking in Zephyr Cove. This was sooo much fun. These pictures were taken at the end of our kayaking adventure, hence the buoys in the back ground and the VERY shallow water. I didn't want to risk getting my camera wet. We were much more brave then it appears.
Matt Kayaking
I just had to throw in a picture of Sadie and her friend for the day on Zephyr cove beach.

Happy Anniversary Derek and Tracee!

Saturday Sept. 6th my brother Derek and sis -n- law Tracee celebrated 15 years of being married! I hope you guys enjoyed your getaway. Did you get any new tattoos to remember your fifteenth year? See you guys soon.

1 year ago today.......

Matt quit smoking! I am so proud of him. I can't believe it has been 1 year. Congratulations honey and keep up the good work. I am told that it will be a life long craving for him and I will be here the whole time encouraging him and pushing that craving out of his mind!

Visiting Grandpa Ross

Grandpa Ross got a surprise visit from Matt and I on Sunday Aug.31. He is always happy to have visitors. He lives in Yountville at the Veterans Home near Napa. He just got a new room which is all his, he doesn't have a room mate anymore which he is very thrilled about. He had some pictures he wanted to put up and furniture moved around so we helped him with that. He also took us to his work shop where he does lots of wood working with his friend Jim. Grandpa has been living here about 11 years now and he really likes it but misses family the most, so we try to make as many trips as we can to visit. He is less mobile then he used to be so the visits are pretty much contained to the grounds of the veterans home, but it is a very beautiful place to walk around. Every now and then we take him out to dinner but this time he didn't want to go so maybe next time. We just visited with him while he ate at the mess hall.
Matt and Grandpa resting in his room after the reorganization took place.

Jim and Grandpa showing us there wood working skills. These two are a kick. Just like watching the movie Grumpy Old Men!

Matt and Grandpa walking back to his room from the wood shop. Grandpa is a speedster in his chair we have to walk fast!

Just one of the views on the grounds of the Veterans Home. So green and beautiful.

Labor Day Weekend

Saturday Matt and I went to Nevada City to visit with my parents. We wanted to go to Sierra City to have dinner at Harington's. We invited my parents along too. Again here are some pictures from Downieville and a few from outside of Harrington's.

The main "Drag" in Downieville. This is also where they have there 4th of July Parade. I have watched this parade before and they go down the street and then turn around and come back again. It is very comical! But what else do you do with a population of only about 250 people. Such a great town.

The Theater where movies and plays show.

Matt and my Dad looking at the trout pond. I kept telling Matt that he was guaranteed to catch a fish at Harrington's. What I didn't tell him was that it was a small pond with hundreds of trout. He didn't fish after all but thought it was pretty amusing that they would cook your fish for you if you desired.
The view from the front of Harrington's and from our dinner table. These are the Sierra Buttes. You can drive part way up and hike the rest of the way to the top where there is a look out tower used to spot fires. Matt wasn't too thrilled of the idea of hiking to the top (he's a little afraid of heights). But someday we will venture up to the top. I've heard the view is breathtaking!
My Mom and Dad in front of Harrington's park. Thanks for going with us Mom and Dad and thanks for dinner it was delish! Harrington's has great food and a nice quite atmosphere. We had a fun time.