A visit from California- Part 1

Ronald's parents flew from San Diego County to visit with us for a little over a week at the beginning of the month. Last time we saw them was when we where sealed in the Washington D.C. Temple in May 2007. Isabella was 7 months old. Isabella just sat outside of the bedroom door the first morning they were here, waiting for them to come out. It was very sweet. When they finally saw the kids, they both cried. I'm so greatful that they love these kids so much.

Isabella and Abuelito

Abuelito and Alexander
Abuelita and Isabella

On several occassions, Isabella made "breakfast" for Abuelita and Abuelito. Breakfast is any meal, not just the morning meal. Everything is breakfast to that little girl.

Going on a walk.

Beachy Keen

Last Tuesday (June 2), we went to the beach, despite the threathening thunderstorms they were calling for. We were soooo glad that we went, anyways. It was the perfect day to go to the beach. It was hot, sunny, and the beach was not crowded at all. It was more than ideal. Isabella was very excited when we got there, and they both were very good. Ronald spent a lot of time with us (thanks baby) and we had a blast. This was definately the best beach experience for me so far!

Alexander eating his first handfull of sand.

I was trying to get Isabella to get closer to the water, we were making a mountain.

Upset because she wanted to go swimming with Papi.

Look at all that sand stuck in the neck rolls!

Papi having fun in the water.

Coming out of the water. (I wish I could bring the CA waves out here for him)

Isabella LOVED going into the water with her Papi!

The crab Isabella and Ronald found on their walk. I wish I could've seen it, but I took the 20 some pound little boy back to our "spot". He's so HEAVY!

A live horse shoe crab.

Alexander took a little nap on the beach, and I didn't even have to hold him the whole time. Look at those lips, and those cheeks!

Isabella LOVED walking in the tire tracks on the beach.

We had a lovely family day together. I hope we have more this summer!

Look Mami, I'm a Lamenite!

I love this Lamenite!

Yet another

I have started another blog about our families new journey into the world of eating raw. Please check it out, and join us, if you would like.

www.happilyevereating.blogspot.com

Red lights and chemicals

I miss the darkroom. When I was attending our local community college, I took some basic courses, and photography 101, just for fun. I ended up practically ditching all of my other classes and became OBSESSED with my photo class. I loved working in the dark room, cropping my negatives, hearing the beep when the exposure on the paper was done, and immersing the newly exposed paper into the trays of chemicals to develop my pictures. Most of my peers opted for the automatic developer.....in the machine their paper would go, and 5 mins later it would come out the other side. Not me. I wanted to know that I developed it. Yes, I might have gotten a few of the chemicals on my hands, but I didn't mind. I kind of liked the smell. I liked the way everything looked with the red light that was so dim. Near the end of the semester all the serious folks (hardly anyone.....so sad) would be in the dark room. Developing picture after picture. If I could have lived in there, I would've. The darkroom and the studio was where I felt most comfortable. It was my home. I want to go back and be in there again, right now. I want to watch the paper come to life with my work. I want to burn the images (not with fire, with LIGHT). I want to create. One day, I will go back and create with my hands again, but for now, I will settle with capturing life and storing it for another day, when it will be reborn. I miss the darkroom.

A view from my room

Over our tub we have a small window that I like to look out of frequently. It gives me a perfect view of the garden and the woods (the park.....that's what we call it now). Now you can see my view, too.

My beautiful garden.

The "park". Ronald cleaned up in between all the trees and now he mows back there every week. It is really beautiful!

SPEED!

Grace taught me a card game called speed a couple of weeks ago. I LOVE IT (and I'm not a huge fan of cards games)! Tonight, while we were playing she started scolding me (I forget why).

Grace: "Caitlin Rivera. Caitlin Wilson Rivera. (Looking at me with big "you're in trouble" eyes, you know, those eyes that are supposed to intimidate you and make you want to cover your hiney cuz you might get spanked.) I know your full name now!

HAHAHAHA......she knows my full name now. Oh MAN! I couldn't contain myself.....I just kept laughing and laughing. Good thing she was not my mother or father or I would've gotten in big trouble for laughing.