Family Time

Wow, I've been slacking on blogging lately! It's been a busy few weeks! After Jonathan and I visited the orphanage, we took a two day trip along California's Coast, stopping in San Luis Obispo, at the Hearst Castle and in Monterey. I've been wanting to see Hearst Castle for years and since we could be starting our last year in California for a while at least (depending on jobs), now seemed the perfect time to visit! The castle was extravagant and incredible to behold, but honestly, I thought it was too much, too gaudy, and too dark. It was neat to see, but I am so glad that God has us here in our little one bedroom apartment. I must note, however, that the pool was amazing!!! It reminded me so much of the incredible spas in Europe!

The entrance to Hearst

Outdoor Pool

Indoor Pool - like a Roman Bath

After our two day excursion, we made a quick visit to Jonathan's family. It was so good to see them again (it'd been too long) and catch up on life. Jenn and I got to take a girl's day, shopping, eating, and getting pampered. It was wonderful!

Then, Kevin and Carol treated us to a fun day trip around the area. We got to visit Columbia State Park, an old mining town and enjoyed a lovely tea at a quaint tea house. Then we spent some time on some windy roads up to Daffodil Hill - a gorgeous private property full of daffodils with winding trails in between. Our last day there, we got to visit Grandpa Schmitt at his house! It was so good to see him up and about. While there, we saw evidence of God's hand in the details. Although Grandpa is in the same house he's lived in for years and can hardly get around, God is still surprising him with His creation. On top of a set of wind-chimes, a hummingbird had built it's nest and laid two little eggs. The eggs were about the size of jelly-belly's and the nest was tiny and perfect - it looked like it was made out of woven cat hair and was so neat to see! It was so good to see Grandpa still finding the little simple joys in life!

In Columbia State Park

Carol's still shorter than Kevin, even on a step ;)

Jennifer, Jonathan, and Kevin

At Daffodil Hill!

We were back in school and at work for four days when we got to head to the airport to pick up my Aunt Hope and Cousin Madison! It was so so so good to see them! Wii made some great memories and filled our weekend with Wii jokes. Our favorite was Hope's name for Wii Fit. She called it Wii Fat! Jonathan and I are still laughing as we make Wii jokes!

My family has always joked that I should have been Hope's daughter because we are so much alike - we both love to plan, like schedules, love to laugh, and try to do things right the first time. Our family often calls us "The Anointed Ones" (with a laugh of course ;)). We had a great time discussing our similarities - I enjoyed (as I always do with Hope) talking with someone who actually understood the way I thought and felt, and who had similar quirks and gifts! She truly is an inspiration, a role model, and an amazing friend.

I also had a great time with Madison. She is growing up so quickly and is turning into quite the young lady. Hope and Cort have done such a good job with their kids. I can only hope our kids turn out half as great as they have turned out. Madison is thoughtful, considerate, fun, mature, and silly. We had a blast. I must say, however, that although she is 12, she looks 15 and it was often hard to remember she was 12 and still liked some "kid" things, especially since she is so mature for her age!

While they were here, we crammed a lot in, but still had time to rest. Their first night here, we stopped at In-n-Out and then stayed up late talking. On Friday, while Jonathan was at work, Madison joined me in class, and then we had a girl's afternoon, touring Malibu (Country Mart, Lumber Yard, Serra Retreat and the Beach), visiting Calabasas and getting manicures! Friday evening, the four of us (we included Jonathan this time) went to visit some dear friends, Bill, Linda, and Whitney. They showed us around their beautiful home, took us out to an amazing dinner, and made a wonderful dessert. The night was full of laughs!

Enjoying the beach and tide-pools!

Paparazzi Free Zone

On Saturday, Jonathan and I volunteered at Westside Pregnancy Clinic, while Madison and Hope slept in and got ready. Then, the girls hit the road again, visiting Paramount Ranch, The Grove, the American Girl Place, and Beverly Hills. Wii had so much fun! ;)

Paramount Ranch - part of the set

Thanks for treating us to treats at the American Girl Cafe, Nanny!

On Sunday, Madison and Hope joined us at church. Jonathan is an usher, so it was really nice to have someone sitting with me during the first half of the service! When we returned, we headed to the beach, where we taught Madison to Boogie Board, built sand castles and soaked in the sun! When the wind and water got too cold (the ocean is pretty cold right now), we headed to Pepperdine's pool and hot-tub! We wrapped up our evening with homemade pizza, a little bit of Wii and Easter Eggs. Talk about an amazing time!

Building Sand Castles

On Monday, Hope and Madison left. One thing Madison had wanted to do while here was to see a star! Right before they left Malibu they saw Viggo Mortenson at Starbucks! I know it is just a person, but I was so glad they ran into someone!

Though we did many great things with the girls, my favorite part was just having them be a part of our lives, talking, laughing, and living life together! I love you two!

In other news (probably some of the BIGGEST news as of late), my little, okay, my big brother (younger than me, but way bigger than me) popped the question today! The ring is beautiful, but it sounds like the girl, my soon-to-be sister-in-law is even prettier than the ring (on the inside and out)! I can't wait to meet her and spend years getting to know her. I'm flying up the weekend after Easter to meet her, see Drew for his birthday, and snap some engagement photos! I CAN'T WAIT and am SO EXCITED for them!

Drew and his beautiful fiance, Kaci!!!

The beautiful ring! Good job Drew!

Okay, that was long. Now it's time to say night night. Thank you Lord for my wonderful family and the blessing that they are to me!