Posts under ‘Holidays’

For Thanksgiving Bryan and I surprised my family and went to Visalia. A few days before Thanksgiving we were in San Jose with Bryan’s family and watched Bryan’s sister present her thesis. *Congratulations on finally finishing and your amazing presentation Michelle!!! After being in San Jose we took the train to the valley. My brother-in-law brought my sister with him to the train station to pick us up and I really surprised her! I had my back turned to the car with my hood on and my sister thought I was a bum at first; but at least she was surprised. Thanks a lot Allison! We had the traditional Thanksgiving at grandma and grandpa’s house and it was delicious as usual. After lunch we played apples to apples into the wee hours of the evening. Bryan and I had lots of fun spending time with both our families and playing games.

Last week Bryan and I went to the pumpkin patch to pick out two perfect pumpkins to carve. As you will see in the pictures he did most of the work getting the pumpkins to the car.

Life was crazy this week so we didn’t have a chance to carve the pumpkins until this afternoon. At least the trick-or-treaters got to see them. One Boy even told me that he really liked the pumpkins.

Bryan and I met my family in Wladport, Oregon for a little bit of R&R over Easter Vacation. We had such a fun and Amazing time. We went to the Aquarium, the Marine science center, the Sea Lion Caves (I recommend skipping that one) we built sand castles, visited a lighthouse, flew kites, played games, and had tons of fun!

I have to add that Bryan came a few days after I got there and he was being missed by my nieces. All they asked me about was when Uncle Bryan was coming. It was so cute, on the day he was supposed to arrive, (with Uncle Bruce and Grandpa too) Shelby, my youngest niece was looking out the window with the saddest look on her face. I asked her what was wrong and she said with the saddest sigh, “Uncle Bryan hasn’t come yet.” Below is the picture I took of her waiting by the window. I just want to know how come they aren’t like that before I come.  

We always have such an amazing time when we go to Waldport. Thanks Mom and Dad for opening your house to the family and for such a fun time!

Below I posted pictures of a few cards I made. I didn’t have enough time to make one for everyone so I didn’t send them out. The last two pictures are of one I made for my niece; the first picture is of the outside and the second picture is of the inside. Hope everyone has a wonderful Valentine’s Day filled with lots of love!

Bryan and I were able to spend several days during new years with my family in Oregon. We had such an amazing time together and created memories that we will never forget.

One day we visited the Oregon Coast Aquarium and had lunch overlooking the Newport Bay. The three stooges, (Bryan, my father, and my brother) all bought yellow rain suits because we were planning on going crabbing and claming no matter what the weather was like. So, on Monday morning we headed out during low tide to catch some clams. Unfortunately the tide wasn’t out far enough so we spent a couple of hours walking around the beach in yellow suits looking like complete fools. Good thing we had alternative plans for dinner that night. So, in the afternoon we decided it would be good to try crabbing we called the dock to see how good the fishing had been the past few days. We were sad to be informed that because of the storm all the crabs had been pushed back out to sea and people fishing in the bay were only catching 1 to 2 crabs per trip. Bummer! So much for crab cakes. Or even the crab butter that the Mathias insisted was delicious. However, we still had tons of fun and it was funny to see the guys walking around in their yellow rain suits.

We were also able to fly kites a couple of days. Bryan was a way better kite flyer that I but I eventually got the hang of it. I never knew kite flying could be so much fun!

We had such a blast that we can’t wait to go back in March with the whole family. We are looking forward to it.

Another year . . . Another wonderful Christmas. Bryan and I love surprises, so we decided to tell only my dad (as he was our ride from the Fresno Airport) that we were coming for Christmas! Imagine the looks on everyone’s faces when they saw us. I think the best surprise was my aunt Leslie. We visited her at her office and when she saw me she threw her hands over her mouth and rocked backwards in her chair and for a moment I thought she was going to fall out of her chair; luckily she didn’t. My sister was super surprised also because the week previous I told her I had mailed her something and it was supposed to be there on Thursday. Luckily she had to go home that day for lunch and we were totally able to surprise her. Bryan got a great picture of her surprised face and I added it below. We weren’t able to see my grandparents surprised faces because my grandma caught Bryan walking to the door. However we did hear her joyous exclamation, “Oh my Gosh! Bryan’s here!” It was so nice to see their happy faces when they answered the door.

We had the most amazing time while we were in California. However, my mom and I had planned on making tons of Christmas cookies for everyone and I managed to not make a single cookie. We were able to visit with family and friends and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. Thank you to everyone who truly made it a Christmas to remember.

 Surprise! Needless to say she didn’t want to go back to work after lunch.

Mariah playing in the leaves . . . right after Uncle Robert had raked them. 
                      Sorry Robert, I just couldn’t pass up this cute picture!

 Grandpa helping the Great grandkids blow out the candle for
                                  Jesus’ Birthday cake . . . someone put some pants on that kid!

Bryan and I were fortunate enough to visit my family in California for Thanksgiving this year. Even though I was there for almost two weeks the time flew by. The Wednesday before Thanksgiving I helped my grandmother prepare for Thursday’s big meal. Actually, I’m not sure how much I actually helped because all I did was make some blueberry and bran muffins, and chop celery and onions. It was a day I will remember forever . . . There was a lot of smiles and memories made. Even though my grandma has no formal culinary education she is one of the greatest chefs I know.

On Thursday, my sister and some of her co-workers did a “walk for the hungry”. I decided to join my sister and her husband on the walk . . . however, since I was not registered for the walk I didn’t feed any hungry; I only became hungry.

Bryan’s sister came and stayed with us for a couple of days and that was super fun. Michelle and I actually got up early on Saturday morning and visited my favorite store, Joanns! I felt a little silly since we were the only ones in the store below 60 but we still had fun!

As I look back on my time in California I think of all the wonderful blessings in my life. I feel so truly blessed with such a wonderful family. Bryan and I were able to spend so much time with the ones we love as well as some good friends. Thank you to everyone who made our time in California so memorable and full of joy!