More good times with the fam

After being in Tahoe the kids and I headed to Fallon with my parents. Fallon is their home now, although they still spend time in Nevada City to help my grandma and my dad still works once a week. We were able to spend time in both places, which was great. MyMy's favorite thing to do was play in the water. What a surprise!

Jay and Amaya both loved playing with Nonna. She's so fun!

Papa also grew to be one of Amaya's favorite people - and Papa is one of the few words she can actually say!

One of Amaya's favorite things to do was be held and point to pictures. Nonna did this with her a lot but Papa was actually the one who did it the most. 

Jay being silly...

We spent many afternoons at the various parks and playgrounds Fallon has to offer. Jay had to test out every slide.

We'll never forget the momentous occasion of seeing Amaya take her first steps in the Fallon house!

Papa and I were sitting in the living room as Amaya walked around the coffee table, holding on to the edge, when I stretched out my arms for her to walk to me and she slowing made 3 wobbly steps right to me! It was pretty exciting. What a big girl!

In Nevada City we spent a lot of time with Nonna Great which was so fun. The kids had a great time playing with her plastic plates, just like I used to.

We also had fun celebrating my birthday in Nevada City. I especially loved the homemade gnocchi and lemon meringue pie. Thanks grandma and mom!! It was SOOOOO good.

Oh how I love my family!!!

Playing with friends

While we were in Nevada City we had the chance to visit with lots of friends. Here are the kids with Tanner and Tennyson; Tisha and Darren's two cuties.

We also spent time with Kennedi, McKinley and new baby Stella; Breanne and Blake's little girls.

One day we drove up to Tamra Braatz' house and played with their adorable kids and swam in their beautiful pool!

Last but not least Lindsay and Sev came to see us! They drove all the way from Oakland to play. It was so good to see them!

Jay loved all the playmates and I had such a great time catching up with wonderful friends. I miss them all so much and can't wait to see them again!

Lake Tahoe!

After Utah the kids and I were very blessed to go on to stay with my parents for one wonderful month. We truly had a GREAT time. I love my parents so much! Even though our frequent time away from Mike is not my favorite thing, I feel so grateful for the time we have to spend with family. As soon as Nonna and Papa picked us up from the airport they whisked us off to a beautiful resort in Lake Tahoe.

Poor Papa happened to get really, yucky sick the day after we arrived so he spent most of the time in the hotel. Nonna and the kids and I soaked up every minute though. We went on a beautiful bike ride along the lake and ended up at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center. The Center includes a lovely set of wooden walkways showcasing the natural habitats surrounding Lake Tahoe, ending up at an aquarium and diorama area. The windows allow an interesting underwater view of the lake and the fish and other creatures that live there. The kids totally loved it!

Here's Nonna with the kiddos along Taylor Creek.

 Jay found plenty of dandelions and Amaya loved playing with them - and sticking them in Nonna's mouth :)

We also spent plenty of time in the heated pool at the resort. Jay had fun showing off some of his new swimming skills to Nonna. He and MyMy both loved playing with the ball in the pool. Nonna showed Jay a cool new trick - forcing the ball underwater, letting it go and then watching it pop up and shoot into the air.

We sure had a wonderful trip and hope to come back next summer with all the family!