Gualala!!!

We made an overnight visit to my favorite childhood camping spot, Gualala, during Labor Day. It was a very last minute thing, but it was still very relaxing to be among the redwoods, see the stars, and enjoy the cool air. Nora loved playing around in the dirt and the water. And B and I loved eating yumming campfire food and spending time with my parents and Logan.

Our Day Hike In WIndsor

B finally got some time off from school and we are always jealous of friends who use their free time to explore their areas. So we decided to get out the local environment and went for a short hike at a state park in Windsor. The hills and lakes were gorgeous and Nora had a great time hiking, whether on her own for a few yards at a time or on Daddy's shoulders!

Silly Mom Things I've Done

1. Once Branden, Nora, and I were sitting on the couch watching TV together. When Nora's pacifier popped out, I automatically reached to put it back in. Except I tried to put it in the wrong mouth! Branden looked at me with the "What are you doing?!" stare as I aimed Nora's binky directly at his piehole! :) I still laugh everytime I think about it!

2. Anyone who knows me well knows that I am not a pet person. In fact, most close aquaintances know that I believe "animals belong in the wild or in cages." So of course, I would be blessed with a daughter who goes bonkers every time she sees an animal, particularly dogs and cats. When we're out together I help point out dogs and cats for her, saying things like "There's a dog!" or "Do you hear that cat?" I have gotten so into the habit that even when I am not with Nora and I spot a dog, I start to say "Look! A dog!" and try to stop before I embarrass myself with whomever I am with!

Getaway to Morro Bay

In January, we took an "away" with my parents and my brother Logan to Morro Bay, down on the coast by San Luis Obispo. We rented a very quaint and cozy two bedroom house and enjoyed beuatiful weather on the beach and our own family sacrament meeting. Nora absolutely LOVED the sand and the water!






We had a very relaxing and enjoyable weekend and even got to celebrate Branden's birthday on our last morning.

A Little Home Improvement Helper

The day after Thanksgiving we helped my parents begin remodeling their kitchen. Even Nora got in on the action!

Family Pictures

Lainie was kind enough to take our family pictures this Fall and she did a fabulous job!

No Chance for the Tasmanian Devil!

In an unusual turn of events, the Tasmanian Devil found himself face to face with the ferocious Nora. He saw the glint in her eyes that said, "You're all MINE!" He turned to bolt, but he scarcely moved before she seized his arm. Taz screamed, "Blahhhh, bleh blah blah bluh!" Nevertheless, the feroious huntress began her methodical slow digestion of the Tasmanian Devil. Eyewitness heard the ferocious Nora say afterwards, "Hmph, tastes like chicken..." She then turned and sauntered off to find her next victim.