...thanks for all you have done and will do...

*this handsome sailor is my Grandpa George back in the 1940's.  He was very proud to have served this country. He loved the USA*

Today on 11.11.11 I'm reminded of how extraordinarily grateful I am to those who have served & will continue to serve our nation...to protect our freedoms & our ideals...there are no words that can adequately convey our thanks.

...pumpkin patch & preschool fun!

We LOVE the pumpkin patch & had the best time hanging out with Paige's preschool class last week (even though it is still way too hot here and did not feel like fall)!

The past few weeks have shown me that...

...it's fun to be FOUR!

 ...small birthday party at home...

...preschool girl again...

...celebrating the big 4 with her class that week...

 

...sunflower girl...

I'm pretty sure Paige would tell you that it sure is fun to be FOUR...but pretty exhausting too!

...9 years...

...of wedded bliss {or at least of happiness mixed with craziness mixed with everything in between} and I'm more in love today than the day we took this engagement picture! Aaron you are an amazing husband and a great example to me & our kids of how to treat people with respect, honesty and a servants heart!  We are blessed to call you our own and I continually thank the Lord for allowing us to meet 13 years ago...so glad I became your bride and have remained your friend! I love you!

Happy Anniversary!

...xoxo...

...one of my favorite pics...

 (summer 2010)

i love my little girl & when i came across this picture the other day i just had to post it...for no reason other than how happy i feel when i look at it {it's one of my favorite pictures of all time}!

...a great dessert year round!

 

Here is one of my favorite treats (I think I got the idea from the wonderful Barefoot Contessa) that I have been making variations of for years.  I try to throw together desserts like this because I cannot bake to save my life! This is great for one or 10 people...think date night or entertaining or for a late night snack. And it is never out of season! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!  {Also, I sort of LOVE coffee more than any other food on the planet!}  

{freshly brew strong Coffee or Espresso}

{scoop good quality Vanilla Ice Cream into fancy bowls or mugs}

{pour hot Coffee over the Ice Cream}

 

{garnish w/ dark chocolate covered espresso beans...yum}

...a life on hold...

While Aaron has been in fire academy & we've been living here at my parents our life has felt sort of "on hold" and temporary. Needless to say this is kind of tough on a marriage and the occasional date is required to stay in tact. So thanks to the help of family to watch our kids we had the best date in the City last Saturday {we were unofficially celebrating the close of academy life and welcoming a new life in the Bay Area and the hope of great new things to come}!

{most of our time was spent in "Little Italy" & by the water...great food, great company, words with friends, perfect weather, great photos & the hope of doing it again sometime soon...maybe we'll even let the kids come next time}

Happy...

...Aaron...

To know you is to love you!

You are a wonderful husband and amazing father and we wish you the best today & everyday! 

...we love you...

Summertime...

...and the living is easy!

...these are just a few of my favorite summer colors & things...

{What are yours?}