Napa...need I say more?

It has been a LONG time since we had a get-a-way as a couple.  (I know we just went to Ethiopia together 7 months ago, but that doesn't count as a vacation. It was all about bringing our sweet girl home, and while beautiful was a very emotional and difficult trip- that said...)   A trip lone as a couple!  I was resistant to the idea at first.  Crazy, maybe.  But was nervous about leaving Tessa.  Turns out she was absolutely, totally secure and fine in everyway.  Good to know for future get-a-ways!

Andy's conference was a great excuse to plan a trip to San Francisco and Napa Valley.
I had to share these shots from Napa.  How I love Napa.  Let me count the ways.....  o.k.  I am too tired to actually count all the ways.  But let me just say it was so relaxing, our tummy's were full of amazing food, and there is something about the way the roads just lead you to the next great taste of wine or great thing.  Love, love, loved it!

Us...all relaxed and feeling good by the vines

I just liked the way I could see the wine stains on these barrels... I wonder what it is all about....were they excited, messy...hmmm.

And then there is this view.

Napa valley has the same trees you see all over Italy.  I love those tall pine trees

- I need to paint this photo....

pink!

This photo is dedicated to our beloved Omie in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness and all things "pink".  Omie is all things wonderful, including a breast cancer survivor.  She exudes a quiet strength and is a woman I admire and love.  Omie raised 4 boys (including my wonderful husband) who are her greatest testament to her love, patience and kindness.  We are blessed to have her in all of our lives...and are especially grateful she is here to know and love this little bundle of pink!

Family. photo.

I love this family photo.  

It looks all perfect in the moment of a beautiful fall morning.....but I would be lying if I told you there wasn't any frustration right before it.   Sunday morning....morning rush, went to church and came home with the Frehners to take each other's family photos while we were all decently dressed and groomed! What does it take to get a family photo like this?  Sometimes a little bribery and a strong Mommy voice, a.k.a. a little yelling....well, Drew was half naked having took off his shirt right before this shot when he thought we were done.  I had to squeeze Jack a little extra tight to look in the direction of the camera.  Convince Juddy to relax his smile as to not look too posed.  Tessa had just gotten sad a minute before...I think it was too close to nap time.  Andy and I desperately wanting to get that nice family picture for ourselves and our Holiday card! But here don't we all look happy?  I think we really are, but sometimes it is an effort for all of us to show it at once!  

I love this photo.

Smirk! i heart faces

Smirk: A smirk refers to a smile evoking insolence, scorn, or offensive smugness.

The i heart faces challenge is "Smirk"...and my little guy Jack Jack has it perfected.  This shot was from just last weekend at Cheese Days.  Of course, that cheese head cap that is helping him feel "smirky".

Check out i heart faces for all the great Smirk entries~

Cheese Days hits Monroe!

Cheese Days 2010

Every other year the city of Monroe stops everything to celebrate our love of Cheese.  Yep, I live in a pretty great place!  And as you can see we got into the spirit of things this year!  The boys in their Cheese head hats and Cheese Days shirts, while Tessa sported a Cheese Days shirt and tutu. Jud and Drew wore their Laderhosen (spell check please) from their Dad's childhood and I wore their Grandma's traditional German dress.  Of course, the attire is a total rebellion against all fashion sense, but it is fun.  And just like "When in Rome"...wear else could you actually get away with this!?

To top it off, my brother's family came to enjoy the festivities with us.  So, it was a weekend of play, cheese curds, parades and of course, there was always yodeling in the background.

a year ago...

A year ago...

we received the call that we had the referral for our sweet girl.

we laid our eyes on her beautiful face for the first time.

our hearts over flowed with joy a year ago a world away from our sweet girl.

Tonight....

I sang a song, gave her kisses and rocked her to sleep.  happy. safe. loved.

First day of school....

The first day of school! 
Judson- 3rd grade, Drew 1st grade, Jack preschool 4 mornings a week.
We were all ready for school to start back up....even if the boys couldn't admit it.  They were excited.  And honestly, I was just ready!