big fresno fair - two times!!

This year we went to the Big Fresno Fair two times...well, at least Audrey and Mommy did. Audrey's very first preschool field trip was to the Fresno Fair, and I was lucky enough to go with her!! It was a treat to be able to walk hand-in-hand with my little girl, focusing on her and only her. No distractions. Just sweet time with my precious, Audrey!

first things first, snack time tummies full, we began our "ag-venture"
little cowgirl really wishing it was a real pony
first game of horseshoes(made her daddy proud)
found this cute turtle in the kid's zone rain forest
time for lunch! The second time we went to the fair, Daddy and Madison came... ...and so did Nani and Papa!!
Audrey had wanted to ride on a real pony since she saw one the first day we went to the fair. She was more than ready when it was finally her turn!Madison wasn't so sure about all the action

Mommy putting Audrey in a bubble
Audrey trying to do the same to Papa
Sissy in a bubble
pointing out her discoveries
another cute turtle!
watching the bubble gun
still not really into all that the fair has to offer
giddy-up
getting help from Daddy

panning for gold with Nani

milking a cow with Papa

after a long night spent on her feet can't leave the fair without a cinnamon roll

september celebrations

Our September is filled with very special celebrations!! Our niece, Abby, and my mom, Nani, share the same birthday. On a Saturday afternoon, as soon as Audrey's soccer game was over, we rushed to Vacaville for Abby's 3rd birthday party. We arrived just in time to sing "Happy Birthday" and eat a cupcake, but I didn't get any pictures. Maybe it was because my sister handed me her camera as soon as we got there? : )
That evening, since our family was all together, we took my parents out to dinner to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary. FORTY YEARS!!! Amazing, right?!
We are so proud of you, Mom and Dad, and are grateful for the example that you have been for us. We love you beyond words!!!
Nani coloring with the kids, waiting for dinner all three out for the count On our way home from Vacaville, we stopped in Vallejo to visit with Grandma and Pop. The girls enjoyed spending time with two very special people that we don't see often enough. While we were there, Audrey and Madison learned how to play bocce ball for the first time. So much fun!!
Papa's birthday is also in September! The girls and I made a trip to Papa's work and took him out to lunch to celebrate his special day. We love you, Papa!!

preschool

I wasn't sure I was ready for this day to come, yet it came anyways. I had a mix of emotions when this day came, Audrey's first day of preschool. I was so sad to be giving up three hours of my day with Audrey, to someone else. I was scared to walk away from her the first day, all the while knowing that I needed to trust in the Lord and His safety and protection. And ultimately, it hurt my heart to know that my little girl is old enough to go to preschool!!
Yet with all these not-so-happy feelings, I was also excited for Audrey to go to school for the first time. And, I knew that she was certainly ready, so ready for preschool!!

she picked out her "zebra dress" to wear on the first day
Sissy was happy about preschool too
breakfast of Audrey's choice? McDonald's of course!
"...because, they have pancakes and a play area"
minutes before preschool began
one of Audrey's besties, Gabi, is in her class!
first art project

classroom pet, Cinnamon

carpet time

When it was time to pick Audrey up, Daddy was there as a surprise. Together, we went to Yodiggity to celebrate Audrey's very special day!

Audrey loved preschool, everything about it! It was just Mommy who was a little sad and maybe not quite ready. But would I ever be?

s.f. anniversary

At the end of the summer, Aaron and I took at trip to San Francisco to celebrate our 9 year anniversary! I was so excited to have my husband all to myself for three whole days!!

We rode the BART into the city, checked into our hotel in Union Square, then made our way to AT and T Park to watch the Giants play. I loved going to an evening game!

the view from our seats in the bleachers...what a rowdy group!
our friends, Adam and Samantha, joined us
The second day we were there, we walked ALL over! After leaving Union Square, we browsed through China Town, where we bought Audrey a kimono and Madison a purse. We grabbed sandwiches from a yummy deli in Marina and had a picnic lunch at Crissy Field...

...took a stroll past the Exploratorium...

...stopped for Pete's on Union Street then had a delicious dinner at Betelnut restaurant.

Later that evening, we grabbed dessert at Ghirardelli with our friend, Ben.

Our last day there, we went to breakfast at a wonderful little restaurant where we waited an hour and a half. It was totally worth it!!

We spent the rest of our afternoon down at Fisherman's Wharf before saying goodbye to the city. Grateful for my loving husband, the time we had together on this trip, and for the past 9 years that we have been married!!