A Warm So Cal Weekend

This past weekend, we had the chance to head down south for an Angels/Dodgers game. We saw a couple home runs, shared a giant ice cream sandwich, and managed not to melt under the scorching sun. To my disappointment the Dodgers got beat pretty bad. Tim was pleased with the outcome of the game as he claimed himself an Angels fan for the day. Other highlights of the weekend included hanging out with the Romano family, and spending wedding gift certificates at IKEA and Crate and Barrel. (Two of my favorite places)

Flying

If you ever get the chance to fly in a small plane over California, take it! I had the rare opportunity to go to Sacramento in this little guy. My pilot and coworker Barak was quite the chaffeur. I just wish that it wasn't so hazy. Visibility was limited to 20 miles or so which is not that great when you're in a plane. Debra is glad that i'm back on the ground.

Room Addition

It's not quite done, but as you can see there is significant progress! Right now I'm working on installing the tub, learning how to sweat copper, and generally getting myself into more trouble than i know how to fix. There are only a *few* tasks remaining and then we will have a fully functional master suite! It's hard to believe that this is one of the bedrooms at 430 Sandercock St. For anyone who's seen the rest of the house this is a real improvement! I used to joke with Debra that the addition would be done just in time for her birthday in June. Now it looks like that might really happen!

Note the matching furniture. This is a really nice feature.

Pictures hanging on the wall make it feel like home.

A rare sight - the closet door closed. And below, a sneak peek into the closet.

Rancho El Chorro

Every year I get to take the 5th grade camping for three days in the spring! This is the first time many of the students have been away to camp and sometimes a first for students to spend a few nights away from their parents! So you can imagine the fun I have. I'm not sure how it happened but I managed to teach the only elementary school grade level with three days of camp in its curriculum.

The two big scary things at camp are the million ticks and infestation of poison oak. Keeping 30 students out of those is the hard part. This year I am proud to announce that I only had to remove three ticks from children! Two in the neck and one on the head. Gross! I just keep telling myself that this has to be good preparation for being a mom someday.

The students got to experience many things like dissecting squids, hiking, rock climbing, campfires, skits, and squeaky bunk beds! I chose the bottom bunk with a student above me who could have won the award for the loudest snorer in the fifth grade. Just my luck.

This was also the first week that Tim and I did not spend together since we have been married. He was away on a business trip to Sacramento. The first night at camp I was able to talk to him on the phone and give him the update on camp life. We discussed how none of the kids had gotten sick yet and everyone was doing so well. Well..... little did I know that when I arrived back to my cabin, I would find throw up spewed all over the deck in front of my door. I had spoken too soon and would have a late night cleaning up throw up and helping a student get home. Thank goodness camp is only about 10 minutes away from San Luis Obispo. In the end, we all survived and all I have to show for it are a few pictures and some poison oak on my ankle. Ouch!

Hiking in Huasna

This weekend was full of adventure as we headed out to Huasna for April's birthday celebration. The goal was to hike until we found the Indian Caves. (our destination) The wildflowers were absolutely beautiful. The Lupin (the purple ones) were the most spectacular. It was about a 45 min. hike and then lots of searching until we found the caves. There is actually a log box out there for people to sign their names once they arrive at the caves. Kind of surprising since it is so far removed from civilization.

Nate and Beth get Married!

Congrats to Nate and Beth for tying the knot this weekend. Here are a few of the highlights of pictures. I'm not sure we've ever had so much fun with a chocolate fondue fountain. The wedding was at the Monday Club inSLO, which made for some good pictures in the gardens.

OH What a Day!

This photo was taken in Templeton next to the grain silo. You would have never known that it was freezing outside. Our photographer, David Pascolla did such an excellent job. This was right after the ceremony on our way to the Paso Inn. I have had many people ask me, "What was your favorite part of the day?" After looking back on it, I actually enjoyed the ceremony the best. This was the part that I was the most nervous for, standing in front of everyone, but it turned out to be the most memorable. Being able to stand up in front of everyone and before God to say our vows was amazing!

Heading to our Limo! Tim booked a bed and breakfast for us to stay in that night on the outskirts of Paso. It was called High Ridge Manor, and it was absolutely beautiful. The views were breathtaking and it was just the relaxation getaway that we both needed after an emotional day.

Another one of my favorite moments was the dancing at the wedding. I just wanted to have a wedding where everyone would dance and have a great time. Corey Templeton got everyone dancing with his DJ skills, and now there are pictures to prove it.
Our first dance... Keith Urban "I'm gonna love you." During the dance Tim whispered to me that it was just like dancing on the hardwood floor in our socks in my old house. We used to just dance by ourselves to Keith Urban many a night.
This photo was taken at the Paso Inn. I was a little worried about not smiling in pictures, because usually when someone tells me not to smile, I either look scared or sad...However, not to fear with David as the photographer. I have always had this small secretive dream of being a model since I have been little, after taking a million wedding photos I realized why I'm not...it's difficult!
My beloved bridesmaids... These girls were so wonderful ever since I started planning this wedding! I was not stressed out one bit the day of the wedding thanks to these girls. We are going to have to have a bridesmaid reunion some day. I am also so thankful to Carly for doing a fabulous job on my hair. It turned out better than I imagined.

• From left to right: Deanna (my sister), Tammy (newly engaged!!) Charity (my new sister), Christa(been with me since high school) and Kacy (my matron)
  

I really like this photo, because it shows off a lot of hard work. From flower arrangements, to the cake(which I absolutely loved) to the favors. I cannot thank April and Heather enough for their behind the scenes work to make sure everything went well.


This is the First Presbyterian Church in Templeton where we were married. I love the quaintness of it all. I think this church came out of my dreams.
My favorite thing about this picture is my brother (Garth) high fiving Charity in the left corner. It makes me laugh every time I look at it. Also, RJ has hops I never knew about!
This is just a sweet pictures showing Tim's tenderness. He is one of the most patient, giving, kind people I know. I guess that's why I married him. (So it makes it all worth it when I am doing his dishes and laundry :)


Matron with an attitude.... The wedding wouldn't have been complete without a few shots such as these. There is never a dull moment in my friendship with Kacy. I love her to pieces!This picture was taken at the Paso Inn inside of the ballroom where the reception was held. I still laugh at this photo as well. It was a rare moment where the bridesmaids were all standing behind me (coaching me) as how to perform in this picture and giggling as I was standing in front of this window. I think he captured the attitude well.
Groomsmen... These guys also did a great job. No rings were lost, boutineers were all pinned correctly, and they all pretty much cooperated for the most part. :)

• From left (Ryan, RJ, GROOM, David(Tim's brother), Garth(Debra's brother), Tim (best man)