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Sunday, January 20, 2008

Our Trip to Arizona and Glamis

We headed down California to visit our Arizona Britton Fam. We had Christmas in January, which was really fun. We always seem to celebrate multiple things when we are together, and this visit was no different. We celebrated Christmas, Amanda's birthday, and Janet's birthday. There is also growing excitement about Shari and Josh's little one, who is slated to meet the world February 20th. That will be the first grandchild (besides our dog Arthur, of course!)
So, we got a little silly after the serious family picture. Chris was so impatient, waiting to get to Glamis so that he could light off his "C-4 Stick!" (Which later turned out to be not so impressive... )
One night, we played Texas Hold them, and one round of Indian Poker per Mama B's request. She was the high-roller that night, and I didn't too to bad myself. Good thing we were just using chips, not real $$!
We also visited Granny B at her place in Bullhead City. She seemed to be doing well, despite not being too interested in the food served.
Then, we packed up the trailer, and went down to Glamis, CA, in the Imperial Dunes. The weather here was warmer than Havasu, around 65-70 for the highs. Here is Arthur, posing for the camera. He is such a good travel dog. We just put a sheet down, put his bed over the sheet, and he sleeps for hours! He was in need of a grooming after a trip to the sand, for sure.
The desert sunsets are amazin'. Too bad they come ~5ish. It limits the time spent riding. One day, we rode out 20 miles on a straight path which paralelled the border of Mexico. By the time we turned around, it was 4:40pm. We had brought some gas to re-fuel, but Chris doesn't have lights on his dirt bike. So, he took off, riding like the wind, towards home. (He also was in need of his glasses, as that time of night is a little sketchy!) I got to the trailer about 5:40! Thank goodness I had lights, but a jersey doesn't provide much warmth! It was an adventure to say the least. It was the longest straight ride I had ever been on. We normally take breaks every 10-15 minutes, so my thumb was pooped out from the throttle!
Here is Chris with our dog Arthur and his parent's dog Sadie.
Sis Amanda and I posting up in the sand, while the guys light the Christmas tree on fire. (No reason to read into it... It's just a way of having some fun in the desert, and taking care of the tree. It has become a tradition!)

We enjoyed each night at the campfire, roasting marshmellows on home-made sticks. We taped skewers together to make 3-4 ft roasters. What a great time to camp, spend time with family, and get ready for the new year!



Thursday, December 27, 2007

Christmas

Our Wonderful Whirlwind of Celebration began on the 23rd. We enjoyed a beautiful day at Mom's, where it rained in the morning and cleared up to a sunny yet still freezing day.
The boys did the dishes after a waffle breakfast at Grammy and Gramps house.
We were all cooking up a feast of crepes, fruit, and bacon.

Uncle Brian scored a Onesie from us! Every time Uncle Brian saw the girls with one of these on, he would go off on a tangent that he wanted a onesie for adults. So, he got one from us for Christmas!
Aubin Family picture.
Lori, Brian, Erik, Lyn, Rich, and Dad all gathered at the Aubins home. We had an Italian feast this year. Aunt Lori made a Gnocchi soup, Dad made his 7 cheese lasagna, Wynter and Dave made a Caesar salad and a pear salad, and I made Tiramisu. Needless to say, we were full! We enjoyed wine and concluded the evening with some Schledewitz Family words and definitions that have been passed down from our Finnish and German Ancestors. (Note: very funny and cute, Aunt Lori and Dad!!)
The girls at Mom's on Christmas Eve morning. Dave took this photo while standing on the bar.
We were graced with the presence of two princesses!
We were so thankful to have time with family. We slept pretty good upon returning home, however!!
Looking forward to having another Christmas with the Brittons and Staydohars when we go to Arizona on January 3-10th! Happy Holidays, Happy New Year, and Love to All!

Quick Trip to SF

I can't get this picture to appear last, but this was my last stop of fun in SF. I met up with some of my old buds from Drama in High School. I had seen Jamie once since our wedding, and I hadn't seen Kent or Marissa since then!! It was too short, but well appreciated. We went to Ritual, a cute coffee shop that boasted Vegan potato bread. Anywho, I was so glad to see my friends, and I can't wait to see them again soon!!
When Court moved closer to downtown San Francisco, I kept telling her that I would visit her. Then I finally said, I would visit her before Christmas, to give myself a time frame. Well, the weekend before Christmas, I cruised down the hill. We met up with my friend Jamie and her boyfried. They invited us over to his place because there was going to be boats crossing the marina with Christmas lights and decorations. It was a mite nippy, but the view was gorgeous.

Court and I left and went to the Mission Beach Cafe, where we shared a pear salad, shrimp pasta, and a splurge of wine.
No trip to the bay is complete without a visit to Dad's. When Court went to work, I drove over to his place. After a hefty breakfast of scrambled eggs with goat cheese (WOW!!) we went on a 24 mile bike ride. A fall later, we were on our way to La Azteca for some traditional Mexican food. We figured that Dad has been going there for 30+ years!!
Then, after I recovered from my carb-coma, I met back up with Court and Nicky at her place. What a wonderful night, relaxing, and guess what, eating more good food!!


Post-Shower Dinner

After the shower, we had Aunt Lois and Granny Jewel over for a gift exchange.
Janet and I made spaghetti and meatballs.
Amanda, Josh, Shari, Josh, and Paul were all in our house. Can you believe 10 people fit for a sit-down dinner? We did a good job!
Chris and Paul enjoyed some chocolate chip cookies, courtesy of Lois.


Baby on the Way!

The Brittons and Staydohars came to Cali for Shari's shower to welcome Mathew David Staydohar. She is due February 20, 2008. Amanda and her friend Sam wouldn't miss this event.
Shari got all kinds of gadgets, clothes, nipples, and more! Good thing the Brittons brought their trailor!
Janet was the shower coordinator, and she did a darn good job at it. The hardest game was trying to fill in the blanks of nursery rhymes.

November/December Birthdays

So, by now, you may have been wondering why I have not blogged in so long. Our family has 7 birthdays within a month. My schedule has allowed to celebrate all of them!! That means lots of family time, food, and goodtimes. (and pictures) Dave is featured here at the school right by their house. The boys played ball while we all went over to the swingset. The take and bake pizza was so good. Thank you Aubins!
Next up is Kim, my brother in law's sister. She had a huge suprise party at the Old Spaghetti Factory with around 50 people there. It was also another good time. Happy Birthday, Kim!
Ava turned 2 on the second of December. She was a little grouchy post-nap, but once she woke up she had fun opening her presents. "I wanna do it by myself!"
Wynter's birthday was on December 4th. We went to Fat's for lunch. Oh, their banana cream pie really is good. Happy 27th, Wynt!
My mom (and my cousin Bryce) share the 17th as their birthday. We celebrated the day before with attending the Singing Christmas tree, and also going to the Spaghetti Factory.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, also to you Uncle Brian, I didn't celebrate your bday with you!

Thanksgiving

This year, we decided to stay out of the Lein's kitchen. We were a hectic bunch, with a team of 5 chefs, 2 tasters, a babysitter/Turkey carver, and 2 kiddos. So, we cooked the entire meal from scratch the day of at the Bowens. I learned that although it may taste better, you don't always have to do everything from scratch!!
Grammy and her granddaughters.
All the womens.
Court and Lily posing for Aunt Chels.
These girls were hilarious towards the end of the night. They were so rummy and goofy that they were just trying to keep moving before they crashed out. What a wonderful Thanksgiving. Too bad Chris was at work.