Renae Takes a Trip . . .

One day, Renae decided she wanted to take a trip. So Mommy and Daddy took her to the airport, and they all got on the plane.


A nice stewardess showed everyone how to wear their seat belts. Renae did not like to wear it.


Daddy let her drink out of his water bottle, and she remained happy for quite some time.


When they arrived, Renae went to classes everyday. She played in the snow, danced to music and ate a lot of oranges.


She didn't always want to stay in her class, so sometimes Renae cried or tried to leave the room when Mommy dropped her off.

Really, she just wanted to see her Daddy playing the guitar so she could dance and clap along.

On the very last day of her adventure, Renae and the other kids performed some songs for the adults. Renae loved dancing in front of everyone!

Her European Grandparents loved watching her!

On the very last night, Renae's Mommy and Daddy wanted to take a picture with Renae and her old friends. They have all changed so much!

The adventure was so much fun, but Renae was glad to be back home, where she is the coolest kid in the house. The End.

Busted!

Guess who got into the bathroom cabinet?


We call her the "Red-Footed Bandit."

We're off to Alemania for a week, where I here there is snow! Woohoo!

Can you see the resemblance now?

Kickin' It With Matt and Valerie

Some of our best buddies came to visit for just 2 short days. We greatly enjoyed having them here and doing and saying things we would only do and say with them. (And of course, L and K.)


We are VERY close friends . . .


K made it over for a quick visit too!



I've noticed Valerie is a good smiler for pictures. And when she's telling a funny story about Matt. And when Jesse or I do something stupid. Otherwise, she's kind of a serious faced person. Kind of.



See?



This one's for you Lance . . .this one's for you.

Catching Up . . .

Ringing in the new year in Caceres. Renae was still kicking at 1:30!


Renae loves her Daddy.



Guess who can wear a little ponytail now?? She's so grown up!



This was from Trey and Kari's visit. This is one girly girl.



And guess who doesnt drink from a bottle at night anymore? (Jesse stopped 27 years ago)

In Caceres we met a family who is there while the husband plays some bball. There little girl is just a few months younger than Renae. They had fun giving each other high fives.



More to come later. I promise!

We're Back!

You can expect an update later today!

Oh the Woes of Internet Problems . . .

We've been without Internet since Saturday. It stinks. We'll be back as soon as possible with pics of you know who. Until then, peace out.

Short. Post.

Pictures to upload.

Don't know where to start.

Renae is still cute. Sorry no new pics.

See my sister-in-law's blog for our visit with them.

Check back later for pics of the New Year and our visit with Matt and Valerie.

But here are the captions for the pics to come . . .

Loved having family here.

Ate lots of food.

Played some Wii (thanks Papa)!

Shopped with Kari. Amen.

Enjoyed 2 of our BFF's. Yeah. I'm in junior high.

Turned 26.

Took a short road trip.

Had our first New Years Eve party in SIX YEARS.

Hung out with dear friends.

Ate more food.

Back at home.

Playing catch up.

See ya.

Ok . . . here are two pics for you . . .

Renae right after she woke up Christmas morning.

She went straight for her new chair from Nana and Grandpy!

Nacho Libre anyone?

Segovia . . . or Serbia if Your Name is Kari

My blogging sister-in-law sent me the html for the following post. I've changed a few things but overall, I'm thinking I need to contract her as the newest writer for my blog!

Kari and I in front of the Roman aqueduct in Segovia.


The aqueduct of Segovia

So here's a bit about the Segovia aqueduct in a nutshell. It was built at the end of 1st to early 2nd century BC by the Romans during their occupation of the Iberian Peninsula. Why did they build it, you ask? To bring water from the Río Frío (which we crossed over on the ride in) to Segovia. Think about that the next time you turn on the tap.

Quick numbers:
166 arches and 120 pillars in two levels
20,400 large granite blocks
18 kilometers long


Renae's chariot being carried up, up, up the stairs to the overlooks

The aqueduct are preserved so well! It was nothing like the Roman aqueduct in Lyon, which was interesting to have as a comparison. The Lyon aqueduct look ancient and really make you realize how old the ruins are, whereas the Segovia aqueduct show you what they must have looked like when they were in use.


View through two of the 166 arches of the aqueduct


Les Masson at the aqueduct


Exploring walkways over the city


Following Jesse and Renae to the top overlook - such a fearless little leader she is.


Los Masson


I love Kari's scarfs. Especially when she gives me an extra of hers!

Giving the camera a rest and just taking it in


Uncle Trey holding Renae


Trey waiting on Kari to take the picture of the Cathedral and then catch up to them so we could go to the . . . .

One tiny corner of the Alcázar of Segovia

. . . Alcázar! The Alcázar was originally a Roman fortification, later an Arab fort in the 12th century and has served as a royal palace, a state prison, a Royal Artillery College and a military academy.


Checking out the moat before going in to tour the Alcázar of Segovia (the castle-palace)


Inspiration for armadillos everywhere.


En garde!


Jesse and Trey reading up on the armoury


Look who made a friend.


Stained glass with the coat of arms


Windows looking out over countryside


Don't you just want to knock on it to see if anyone is home?


Serious metal.


Big surprise: Trey at the top of the tower. He loves heights and always has to reach the highest point possible.


The view


And where was Renae while we took the tour? Entertaining the masses outside with her 'lobster hands'!

Seriously . . . she was entertaining others! At one point a crowd of around 10-15 people were circled around Renae laughing and taking pictures as she "performed." Renae blew numerous kisses, clapped her hands on command, and waved with her big cheesy smile. I should have put a hat out to earn some money from her . . . just kidding.