Day in Sacramento- part 1

 We are thankful for a good day of memories just relaxing and spending some quality time together with Matt's family in Sacramento.

First, a picnic lunch in the park next to the Capital building.

 Having a baby has definitely taken time away from the camera for me, so I decided to use the day to be sure to get some photos of our time with the Johnsons her from England.  We're quite happy with a few of them especially!  Some pretty cute kids....

 Abigail is beautiful!

Caleb LOVES to stand!

 Zoe the tree monkey!

 Joshua flying far far away! 

...and a little help from Uncle Matt! 

 Sister-and-brother pals!

 I wish Alison, Alastair and Abby lived closer...maybe someday :)

I almost chose a different picture with the three of us sisters...but then realized that I don't think I've yet posted a picture of Caleb crying...so figured I'd show a bit of reality!  He's not too into getting his picture taken at this time! 

 We didn't plan to take any of these pictures but it just kind of happened all of a sudden...some good family photos!

Dad and kids!

We tried for a family shot...pretty good but we'll keep trying. :)

part 2 coming soon!

Christmas Day

Just a few pictures to remember our Christmas day...

 We had a lazy morning at our place with most of Matt's family.  

 Caleb is happiest with as few clothes on as possible...so of course he got his way on Christmas morning!

 Just chillin' with Opa Chuck

 Sometimes I think babies have more control over making adults smile and make crazy faces and noises instead of the other way around.  We especially enjoyed getting to know Abigail this year!  It's almost impossible to look at her glowing face without smiling back!

 A fabulous long walk after eating some good brunch.  I turned backwards so Caleb's face would show :)

 The trails in this area are really beautiful...we'll be sad when we have to move away from them.

We enjoyed dinner and gifts with the whole family in the evening (note to Trina: I finally made the Zuppa Toscana soup recipe...SOOOoooo good!).  A good day to remember.

THANK YOU!

Caleb (and we) wants to say a HUGE THANK YOU to a few people...First, Grandma and Grandpa Boersma!  But you'll have to wait for the picture to be sent via email to protect private check information!  Super funny picture, though, of Caleb holding the check! :)  He's thinking he might buy a bouncer or something similar with it! THANK YOU!

 THANK YOU Aunt Cindy for the ornament and photo album, which he is excited to fill with memories with you!  He enjoyed trying to hold the ornament as he had just started to be able to control his hands to grab things a couple days before!

...and overalls!!!  He can't wait til he's old enough to fit into them!  THANK YOU

 THANK YOU Uncle Craig and Aunt Paulette for the super cool hat!  LOVE it! We're hoping it will even still fit next winter too! :)

Caleb enjoyed opening his gifts but more than anything we all feel loved by family!  We want to start right away teaching Caleb that Christmas is about Jesus and loving each other...the gifts are fun but it was nice to keep it simple.  Can't wait for next year when we'll hopefully get to spend it with you all! 

And THANK YOU to all of Matt's family for the gifts and spending time with us this year!  More pictures to come of some good memories...but not sure when I'll get them posted since life has been quite full lately with work and helping Caleb get through some sleeping bumps!  But hoping things will smooth out soon and I can get them up.  For now just wanted to say THANK YOU! We love you all and miss you tons!

just life

enjoying his floor gym

 just chillin' with daddy by the Christmas tree after a long shopping trip

i can't pick just one! :)

3 Months!

Here's the 3 month in the chair picture.  

I was going to try again and get better lighting but I don't think it's going to happen so I'll just post this one.  

 He's a happy boy!!!

Matt's Family

        It's a momentous occasion when all of Matt's family is at one place at the same time.  Alison, Alastair and Abigail live in England, and his Nana, who doesn't travel often since she's 99 years old, and mom live in L.A.   This last week everyone was in town, so we all got together for dinner and some fun! 

When we showed up Friday night, we found Alison and Zoe having some fun together as Christmas Elves! 

 Joshua decided to color his nose red so he could be Rudolph!  He even created little stub antlers on his head (I think one is missing in this picture).

 Abigail and her daddy, Alastair!  We can tell than Al and Al love being parents!  It's been really fun getting to meet and know Abigail, who is about 2 months older than Caleb.

 An unplanned photo op! 

 Cousins!!!

The whole family!

Caleb has enjoyed spending some extra time with Uncle Al over at our house! 

We sure wish that we all lived closer, but are thankful for the times we get together!