update of fun

Here's a mix-match of all the fun things we've been up to (these are for you, Grandma!)

We bought passes to Happy Hallow, a close park/zoo (although the zoo part is kind of a stretch).  The kids- and Andrew and I- have had a lot of fun with that.

(Jake's first time on a roller coaster- he obviously loved it!)

Pirate faces! I'm not sure where or how Jake came up with this face, but he calls it his pirate face and does it any time we try to take his picture- including for family pictures and Tanner and Katie's wedding)

Andrew and I found a path close to our apartment that we've enjoyed jogging on.  Jake decided he is ready to jog with us too, and we've been impressed with how well he does!  He can make it about half a mile before he is ready to climb back into the stroller.  And it's so fun to stretch with him and to watch him run along with us.  He's so fun!

Andrew and I had a fun date at the BYU vs San Jose State football game.  We thought it was funny that there were literally more cougar fans than people cheering on SJSU.

Jake and McKenna have been enjoying helping us cook as of late.  Sometimes it makes things a lot harder and messier, but it's been good for all of us.  I'm so glad they love to help!

We've also made a couple of trips to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Our apartment complex had a six flags night, so we went and enjoyed the carousel there because that's about all that was available that our kids were tall enough for.

We did a gymnastics class that the kids enjoyed- especially Jake.

Miss McKenna learned how to crawl out of her bed (which, by the way, look at how she sleeps.  I'm not sure how she manages, but she has to have all that stuff in there with her!).  She was definitely proud of herself when she came waltzing out 3 hours after we put her in her crib!!

And all the fun we've been having has clearly worn out our sweeties

I'm so glad I have such sweet kids and the most wonderful husband to love!

friends

I was so scared to leave Columbus, and especially my family.  But Andrew and I knew moving to San Jose was right for us, so we took a leap of faith.  I worried so much that I'd be lonely, but the day after landing in San Jose, I met a girl at the park who introduced me to a 3 year old playgroup, and within a week I felt like I had several budding friendships.

And now, just a few months later, I feel like I've made some really great friends that I'll be close with for life.  I'm so grateful!  What a difference it makes to have good friends!

And the bonus?  The girls I've become so close with have kids about the same ages as Jake and McKenna, and they all get along great.  We get together several times a week and they've saved me when I needed help so many times.  I'm honestly so grateful!

Kim and Darrell in San Jose

I won the sister lottery.  I can't imagine a better sister than Kim.  So when she and Darrell planned their trip to visit us, I was beyond excited.  We had fun showing them all our favorite places that we've discovered around here.

We made a couple of trips to San Francisco, walking the Golden Gate Bridge, seeing all the touristy spots, and visiting Alcatraz.

We also went to see some Redwoods- they were beautiful and so much bigger than any other trees I've ever seen.  We spent an afternoon at the pool, played at the park, and obviously visited a couple of beaches.

McKenna was so lucky to have her aunt and uncle here for her 2nd birthday.  She was spoiled rotten and had quite the big day.  We went to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and to Carmel- an absolutely beautiful beach close to the aquarium.  That night we saw the most exquisite sunset.  It was breathtaking!  She got to eat fast food for lunch and dinner (her favorite!! and a rarity). Plus Andrew made her a darling Minnie Mouse birthday cake.

I obviously cried like a baby when Kim left and am already looking forward to the next time we get to see each other <3