This post has been delayed because we all got sick this past week. It really knocked us out, but I think we’re on the upswing.

We left early Friday morning for our trip up to D’s hometown. k did pretty well this time around. She was healthy, so we didn’t have some of the issues we had to deal with last time. It was also easier since we could keep her occupied with food, and a portable DVD player. I also bought this board with sticky foam cut-outs which she seemed to enjoy. (I was looking for Colorforms, but couldn’t find them. I think the foam was easier for her little hands to deal with, anyway).

k had fun putting the foam stickers on her Sigg, too.

We arrived at D’s brother’s house just in time for a nice BBQ. I was so happy that it wasn’t scorching hot. It was actually quite pleasant in the shade. D’s friend since high school came over in the afternoon with his family and the kids had fun playing with all of cousin S’ toys.



k claimed her cousin’s chair as her own. We need to work on the concept of sharing with her!

Uncle D

This tree is just across the street from D’s brother’s house. Kind of scary, isn’t it? D said it reminded him of the Chronicles of Narnia. My first thought was the Wizard of Oz.

Saturday D’s sister led us on a mini-hike along the American River.

Then, we played in a nearby park.

We met up with Janelle for lunch and caught up (she’s moving back to the Bay Area, yay!) k took a nap back at the hotel. Afterward we headed out to Arden Fair Mall (indoors, air-conditioning, yes!) and ate dinner with everyone. I’ll save the foodie comments for another post.

Look at what Grandma bought me at Barnes & Noble!

We ate breakfast with D’s parents the next morning in the hotel and headed back down South. It was a quick trip, but it was nice to see everyone, especially since D’s brother’s family will be moving to London soon, so we won’t be able to see them for a while.

As many of you know, I follow Cal football and Indiana Basketball. This keeps me busy from August to April. However I have nothing to follow during the summer. I try to get myself interested in baseball but just can’t. So I decided I will follow Cal and IU swimmers (alumni or students) that compete in the Olympics. Cal alum have medaled 51 times in the Summer Olympics for swimming and IU has medaled 60 times. Also Mark Spitz (IU) and Matt Biondi (Cal) are the most decorated male swimmers (11 each). Also Natalie Coughlin medaled 5 times in 2004 and has qualified for 3 individual events in Beijing. There are a few other Cal alumni swimming in the Olypics in Beijing and at least one IU swimmer. I will definitely be rooting for them this summer and every odd year there are world championships that I will try to follow. I do enjoy swimming however I haven’t been swimming since I am training for a marathon.

It is good that I will be able to follow the Olympics because Cal football and IU basketball probably won’t be good this year. Good meaning Rose or Holiday bowl for Cal and Sweet Sixteen for IU.

Please bear with my singing skills…

It was nice to be up in Northern California where I could discuss the benefits of growing up in Sacramento.
#1 American River. Less than an hour from Class 4 rapids, and an awesome bile trail.
#2 Just over an hour to world renowned Napa Valley
#3 1.5 hours to skiing (less than 2 hours to world-class skiing)

Note on American River Bike Trail:
The Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail (or American River Bike Trail) is a paved multi-use pathway that runs between the confluence of the Sacramento River with the American River, just north of downtown Sacramento, CA, and Beal’s Point at Folsom Lake, north of Folsom, CA. The trail is 32 miles long, and is used as a major recreational destination, as well as a commuter artery for cyclists. The trail is considered one of the longest paved purpose-built bike trails in the country.

The trip was a lot of fun since I was able to see family and friends. We just got back, so we will post more later.

We’ve been slacking on the blogging lately, not really sure why. Will try to improve next month.

D and I have been doing a lot of analysis about our marriage this weekend…date night, family small group and marriage “audit” with our pastor. It’s definitely been good for us, but we’re pretty tired.

Had fun celebrating the big 3-0 with Uncle K yesterday. First Class Pizza is yummy and filling.

k has been having fun with her 1.5/2 year birthday present. We’ll post pictures later this week.