The Cuttest thing in the World....

(Zoe) is Ike. He is adorable, furry, cute, loving, and loyal (well, most of the time).Plus picture perfect!

With our new camera I couldn't help myself so here are some more: 









And this is from when Michael came back wearing the new "stylish" hat we gave him:

Relaxed and Happy

(Zoe) Today was a relaxing day for us. All day we crafted our Christmas presents and played piano, (well, I, that is, played piano), and had fun. Christmas is edging nearer and nearer and I wanted to finish all my presents by the end of November but it does not look like that is going to happen. But then, while we were crafting, Dad came and told us that he had just been talking to Michael and that Michael was coming to our house on Wednesday! This day was just getting better and better! And then, to finish off the day, Dad said that we are watching a movie tonight! Relaxation and Happinessation here I come!

Missing the Slobber

So..............at the end of August, the B's took two full weeks to traverse California - seeing more of it than ever before.  We started in Vancouver, WA, driving the I-5 corridor clear down to California wine country and enjoyed a brief respite from the yellow line syndrome.  After being refreshed, we headed south a bit then west to the Pacific.  Continuing south along the coast, cutting east through L.A., turning south again and east another little bit until Escondido!  Catch our breath!  Sightsee.  Gather hugs to last 'til Christmas, then about face.  Drive north through Anaheim, veering east to Visalia, over and through Sequoia N.P., then up to Yosemite N.P., back out to Redding and home via the I-5.  Whew!

Here's a few of the particulars along the way:

We hoisted the cartop carrier onto the Jetta and filled both to the hilt.  Needless to say, the big dog wasn't able to take the trip with us. (see title)  At 4ish in the morning, we pulled out of our driveway.  At 6ish that evening we pulled into my sister's driveway in Napa.  It was great to be able to see her hometown and spend time with her & her husband!  We toured some fabulous wineries, tasted several delicious local wines and saw some lovely country.  The Jelly Belly Factory was a delightful tour that had been promised since '06.  :)  And, of course, we had to have In and Out burgers.  Although they weren't as noteworthy as I had remembered.  While we lounged in the comfort of their beautiful and inviting home, Rolf bbq'd some scrumptious tri tip & chicken, and we ate yummy champagne grapes & pistachios, along with a plethora of other fineries for the palete. Andrea shared stories of her youth in the church & school at St. John's - just a few minutes from her home.  The beginnings her folks gave her in our Lord have formed her loving heart.  And now we are truly sisters, eternally!  What a blessing to attend worship services with her here on earth!  She & Rolf were currently fostering two adorable kittens, Leo and Cleo, which gave us quite a show.  So cute!  Rufus didn't seem too impressed (their dog).  And, Dudley, the true cat of the house, did his best to ignore the whole thing.


Rolf and Andrea deserve the Host & Hostess of the Century award!

These photos are not from the bzillion we took on our new camera - unfortunately.  At this techno-challenged juncture, this is all we can retrieve for your enjoyment. 

books & movies

(Zoe)  The word 'sick' is not a very pleasant word. When I think of it I imagine barf and all sorts of gross stuff. But, on the bright side, if you're lucky you might just get to watch movies all day. However, that did not happen with me. I have only watched three movies so far (but there is always the hope of one tonight!). Plus I was put to work on school (OK, only a little, tiny bit but it still counts). But, overall I guess it was OK because I got to read 2 books and have already started on my third. And I am glad that I got sick after Cider Saturday and not before (we did take pix but have not downloaded them yet...coming soon)! No worries, however I am on the mend and will be back at normal (boring) school, hopefully tomorrow.