A Trip to Oma and Opa's

What do you do on a trip to Oma and Opa's house?

Play soccer outside with Autumn (Opa's puppy).


Cuddle with Autumn on the porch in the evening.


Eat out with family (minus Autumn because Mom insists that she can't come to the restaurant.)


Play with Autumn on a giant stuffed bear. (Note: no dogs were harmed during this picture.)


Go to a friend's first birthday party.

Even with Sydney getting sick she had a fantastic time visiting Oma and Opa.

I also wanted to congratulate my sister Cherilyn who is recently engaged. During this trip I helped my mom throw her an engagement party. Unfortunately Sydney was really sick the day of the party and so I don't have any pictures. :( I will try to get some from Mom and share soon.

Comic Con

Honestly, I go to Comic Con largely because Shane goes. Sydney and I just sort of tag along and usually do our own thing most of the time. However, this year I have spent more time looking around the floor and found so much great inspiration.

We love filling Sydney's room with original artwork or at least prints of fun pieces to inspire her imagination. We met Travis Hanson Saturday and he drew each of us our own sketches: Shane received a robot, I received a girl reading under a tree, and Sydney asked for a comic book with a girl in it. Then we also purchased a print for in her room.

Here are some other prints I liked.

Seaside Village by Dan Thompson

Braid Hair by Vera Brosgol

Check Point by Mike Lee

I really like the composition and color in this one.


These next two are both from artist Chris Appelhans.

Boston Common

Dance Bot

And these two are from Kazu Kibuishi.

Good Life Scene

Charnon House

Sort of a wide variety but I guess I like variety. They do all seem to be whimsical to some decree, maybe that is what draws me to them. I do feel inspired and ready to get home and start creating.

Thanksgiving

I know this is a little late but better late than never, right? Well, we had a great trip up to Hartland for Thanksgiving. A few close friends celebrated with us and it was very relaxing. Unfortunately, as soon as we returned the chaos of the season hit me. My 'to do' list tripled over night as I started realizing all the things I still have to do before Christmas. I don't know about you guys but I have the tendency to stay awake worrying about my list. In fact, I have learned to keep a notebook + pen on my bedside table so I can add to my list as I try to sleep. Last night I was awaken at 1:30am (loud neighbors) only to add another handful of items. I think that is how most of us are this time of year.

I am working on some fun homemade gifts and I hope to finish some soon. I will try to share more then.

Sydney's 1st Disneyland trip

Even though we live a measly 45 minutes away from the self-proclaimed 'Happiest Place on Earth' we have never taken Sydney. Now that she is 2 and Shane is finally finished with Alvin and the Chipmunks we decided to take her yesterday. Let's just say that she loved it. And even without a nap all day, she was a doll. Here she is partaking in some of the time-honored traditions:

Her first ride

Lots of walking

Then catching a ride from Opa

Standing in line

Trying on silly hats

Meeting characters

Getting Minnie Ears with her name. This is right when we buckled her in the car...

and this is 5 minutes later!

Sleep well...

I hope all your Mondays were unexpectedly wonderful too.

Chargers Football

Football has never been my preferred sports pastime however Sydney and I joined my parents for a San Diego Chargers game yesterday. My dad refused to let us go to the game without being decked out in jerseys. Sydney was able to take her first trip on the trolley on our way to the stadium. I was sure she would love it because she is constantly yelling that she sees a red train but she was a little frightened at first. She loved the game and was swinging her Chargers towel all over the place screaming "Go Chargers." We had such a great time and the only thing that could have made it better was if Shane was with us and not working. Next time he will have to join us for all the football fun. Yes, there will be another time...I am officially a Chargers fan now.

Hot Hot Hot

We had a heatwave here in Southern California last week. Fortunately, we had already planned a trip to Hartland Camp with some friends. No television + no phones + cooler weather = good times. We played boardgames, went on walks, took naps, and ate tons of food. A special thanks to the Koops for the hospitality! When we finally returned home it was over 100 degrees
inside our apartment and we were even more thankful for the long weekend away.


Shane and Jeremy helping Sydney play basketball.


Sydney taking a break during a walk through the camp. She was sure she could do it all on her own but decided to let us help in the end.



I love moments like this with Shane and Sydney. Needless to say it was a much needed break from the grind of things. I hope you all stayed cool too.