Life's Journey

December 2011

2011-12-09T09:11:00.000-08:00

Sara (3 years old) decorating the tree.

Sara's Christmas Performance - She's doing her own thing... :)

Joey 3 month old

Edible Acorns

2011-11-02T16:36:00.000-07:00

Acorn Donut Holes

So Easy & Fun to Make

Just dip donut holes in Nutella or Chocolate Icing then roll them in chocolate sprinkles and insert a pretzel stick (remove about 1/4 of the pretzel stick first).

My Baby Girl Turns 3

2011-09-22T15:09:00.000-07:00

Happy 3rd Birthday Sara

This year we skipped the big party and just went to Wild Rivers Water Park with family and had cake and presents at home afterwards. So much fun!!!

I had too much fun making Sara's Birthday Cake. It's just an angel food cake but I went a little crazy with the icing :)

Playing with my camera....and our newest baby model

2011-09-07T11:09:00.000-07:00

Joseph (Joey) Owen Brock Has Arrived

2011-08-19T09:48:00.000-07:00

Joseph Owen Brock arrived on August 17, 2011 at 2:12am

Weighing 9lbs 15ozs (4.5 kilos) and 20.5 inches long

I was very lucky to only have to push for 10 minutes and he was out.

Both Mommy and Baby are doing great and Big Sister and Daddy are so in love with him.

Nursery & Pregnancy Pictures

2011-08-08T16:59:00.000-07:00

Our baby boy is due August 11th and may take his time. His room is finally all done. I decided to decorate his room in a travel theme with boats and airplanes etc... The room was originally a dark grey and to lighten it up I thought it would be fun to add vertical stripes in a lighter color. That prep process took me about 3 weeks with a laser light and painter's tape (I move slower these days) - so I may never paint stripes on a wall again. I'm happy with the results.

Sara is very excited to meet her baby brother.

Melody, Sara and Emma

Niece's Melody and Emma are also very excited to meet their new cousin.

The tedious taping off process and then painting...

Summer Fun

2011-07-15T10:34:00.000-07:00

First time on the Ferris Wheel

Bike riding in Ventura

Gardening with Mommy

Sara made her own baby cherry pie.

Bubbles with Pappa Gunnar

Sara Spring 2011

2011-06-04T10:42:00.000-07:00

Flowers this Spring

2011-06-03T12:00:00.000-07:00

Sunny day at the beach - Laguna Beach, CA

2011-03-14T09:02:00.000-07:00

We headed to the beach the morning of Sunday March 6th to enjoy our beautiful Southern California weather.

Vacation in the Snow - Mammoth, CA

2011-03-08T09:43:00.000-08:00

While everyone was out skiing - we were enjoying playing in the snow.

Journey With Me to Old Paris - Fundraiser Banquet

2011-03-07T14:39:00.000-08:00

My Mops group (Mothers of Preschoolers) puts on an annual fundraiser - this year's theme was "Ooh la la - Journey with me to old Paris". I was so excited to help with the decorations.

Holiday Table

2011-01-05T13:59:00.000-08:00

Our Holiday Table 2010

My apple/cherry pie before baking.

Opening presents...

Christmas at home with cousins Melody and Emma

Christmas at Grandma and Grandpa's house with cousins Mariella and William

Linking to: Between Naps on the Porch
A Collection of This and That

Our Little Decorator

2010-12-16T09:27:00.000-08:00

The best part of the holidays..... :-)

Holiday Decor 2010

2010-12-15T11:18:00.000-08:00

Christmas Decorations At Our House 2010

Winter display in our kitchen window

Linking to Savvy Southern Style

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-29T10:02:00.000-08:00

Yosemite Park November 24, 2010

Thanksgiving Day at Grandma and Grandpa's House

Having fun with cousins Mariella and William

Fall Decorating

2010-10-08T11:31:00.000-07:00

Craft with Sara - Adding Bling to Our Pumpkins

Disneyland Oct 2010

Sara Turns 2

2010-09-28T11:19:00.000-07:00

Photos from Sara's Minnie Mouse Birthday Party.

Nutella filled Chocolate Minnie Mouse Cupcakes

Recent Photos - Sara 23 months old

2010-09-14T11:30:00.000-07:00

Disneyland Sept. 2010

Coming Soon...Photos from Sara's upcoming Minnie Mouse 2nd Birthday Party

Szentendre, Hungary

2010-08-24T08:42:00.000-07:00

Austria Visit

2010-08-09T09:38:00.000-07:00

This photo on a sunny day was found on the internet of the town we visited called Durnstein.

Sopron, Hungary

2010-07-12T14:27:00.000-07:00

Windows in Hungary & Austria

2010-07-04T09:35:00.000-07:00

Participating in Show and Tell Friday at Romantic Homes

Austria - Stork's Nests

2010-06-15T12:52:00.000-07:00

We spend the afternoon in a small town in Austria called Rust - very well know for their Stork's nests.

Lake Balaton, Hungary

2010-06-15T07:50:00.000-07:00

First Week In Hungary

2010-06-07T22:40:00.000-07:00

The Danube is at record levels and many of the lower roads are closed.

Quick picture of the Parliament in Budapest from the streetcar.

Sara is right at home in Budapest and has even learned a couple of Hungarian words.

Day trip with Mom & Sara to visit family in Szentendre (cute little town along the Danube).

Sara loved the mailbox at Marika & Albert's house.

European Adventure

2010-06-06T06:27:00.000-07:00

We started our journey to Europe.

A month long adventure traveling with a toddler.

Here we are at Los Angeles Airport at the start of our 20 hours of travel (13 of which was flying time).

Keeping Sara entertained at the airport while we wait for our flight.

We brought many toys and Sara even slept 4 hours - yippy! Her favorite was dinner and breakfast that the airline served. She made friends with all the neighbors and kept the crying to a minimum.

She loved looking out the window.

Just Being Silly

2010-05-17T10:17:00.000-07:00

Sara's New Wall Decals

2010-05-17T09:43:00.000-07:00

Participating in BNOTP Met Monday.

Fun in May

2010-05-17T09:39:00.000-07:00

Sara 19 months old

2010-04-29T09:22:00.000-07:00

Sara's New Pink Hat

2010-04-19T11:31:00.000-07:00

Participating in Beverly's Pink Saturday Blog

Flowers and More Fairy Gardens

2010-04-18T15:04:00.000-07:00

While visiting San Juan Capistrano we found so many flowers blooming.

And my favorite store in the Los Rios Historic District "Cottage Home and Garden" always has beautiful Fairy Gardens to inspire me.

And some more gardens in bloom.

Sara trying to catch up to Daddy and Grandpa...

Sara taking a rest with Grandma...

Participating in Met Monday at BNOTP

Picnic at the Beach

2010-03-20T09:34:00.000-07:00

We headed to Laguna Beach for a family picnic instead of the usual dinner at home.

Sweet Sara

2010-03-15T09:36:00.000-07:00

Sara at 17 months old

Sara playing with our dog - Heidi

She loves to smell the flowers...

In Loving Memory

2010-03-05T09:00:00.000-08:00

My Grandmother who lived in Budapest, Hungary passed away at the age of 94. We will forever cherish all the wonderful memories we have of her.Grandma Klara (aka Nagyi)

1916 - 2010

Sara Exploring...

2010-02-11T16:00:00.000-08:00

Sara discovers a ladybug...

Sara in Pink

2010-01-20T13:41:00.000-08:00

Visit Pink Saturday here.

Happy New Year

2010-01-03T11:23:00.000-08:00

Enjoying Christmas with cousins, Melody & Emma

Sara sure loves her Grandparents

Loves her Daddy...

Sara on the phone with Grandma...

Here is my first attempt at making a Fairy Garden ~ I loved the class at Cottage Home and Garden in San Juan Capistrano, CA

First Sunset of 2010 in Newport Beach, CA

Christmas Cards - Past and Present

2009-12-30T10:30:00.000-08:00

2009 2008

2007
2006
2005

Holiday Decor at Our House

2009-12-29T20:06:00.001-08:00

With a 15 month old helping decorate this year - we had and interesting tree.

Here is the top half that Mommy decorated...

And here is the bottom of the tree that Sara helped decorate...

Sara had a pretty tree in her room covered with pink decorations.

Fairy Gardens

2009-12-16T09:46:00.000-08:00

After seeing all these lovely Fairy Gardens at a local shop - I'm ready to make my own.

Christmas Decor in San Juan Capistrano

2009-12-14T12:12:00.000-08:00

We headed to San Juan Capistrano to take my Mom to the train station and decided to spend a few hours in the historic part of town. Great shops and a fun park for Sara.

Christmas at Disneyland

2009-12-14T11:54:00.001-08:00

Celebrating my Birthday and enjoying the Christmas decorations at Disneyland - so magical.

Thank you Nagymama for all the fun.

Giggling with Uncle Andy

Enjoying the Parade with Aunt Debby.

Christmases Past

2009-12-01T12:43:00.000-08:00

Christmas decorations from 2006-2008

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-23T10:11:00.001-08:00

Thankful for Family - truly one of life's greatest blessings! We are so happy to have Justin arriving back in the USA on Thanksgiving Day after serving in Afghanistan.

Sara and the Snow Globe

2009-11-17T08:39:00.000-08:00

Every store we go to these days has these plastic holiday Snow Globes and Sara just loves them. Here is a video of her enjoying one of them.

Watermelon Anyone..??

2009-11-15T19:30:00.000-08:00

1st Trip to Disneyland

2009-11-13T11:00:00.000-08:00

Enjoying the cars in Toon Town

Sara sitting on a pot of honey - just like Winnie the Pooh.

Yosemite in the Fall

2009-11-13T10:33:00.000-08:00

Visit with Grandma, Grandpa & Cousins

2009-11-13T09:58:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween

2009-11-13T09:51:00.000-08:00

Misc Sept & Oct pictures

2009-10-27T14:35:00.000-07:00

Enjoying the So Cal Coast

2009-10-27T14:23:00.000-07:00

Bill & Chris Diving

2009-10-27T14:16:00.000-07:00

Bill and Chris went on a diving trip to Catalina Island while Chris was visiting us in CA.

Sara Rides with Daddy

2009-10-27T14:05:00.001-07:00

Bill attached Sara's new bike seat to my bike and took it for a test ride - Sara loves it.

Video of her 1st bike ride.

Sara Turns 1

2009-10-08T15:25:00.000-07:00

Sara turned 1 on Sept 22nd - we celebrated with a Polka-Dot Party. That 1st year sure did go by fast.

Our Sweet Girl

2009-09-08T12:29:00.000-07:00

Sara's new Minnie Mouse dress. Sara still loves to eat and gets very animated while doing it.

She started standing without holding onto anything at 11 months old - still haven't been able to get a picture of it.

Ventura Vacation

2009-09-08T12:01:00.000-07:00

Bill and Sara enjoying Ventura Beach - Sara's first time in the ocean (or at least her feet).

Sara had fun playing with cousins Melody and Emma Joy
Many thanks to Mom & Gunnar for making this such a great vacation.

Santa Barbara Butterfly Exhibit

Tea Parties & Garden Decor

2009-08-13T10:56:00.000-07:00

I found this cute tea table and chairs at a great price on Craig's List that will look perfect in Sara's room. I know she is still a bit small for the tea party thing but it was too cute to pass up. She seems to like it.

My new favorite garden decoration. I have been lookimg at these bird houses for years on the internet and finally bought one. It is very large and looks so pretty in the backyard.

Palm Desert July 09

2009-07-31T15:47:00.000-07:00

We spent 4 days in Palm Desert on a timeshare sales promo at the end of July. It was very hot at 114 degrees and a low of 85 degrees in the middle of the night. We stayed cool playing in the pool most of the day.

Sara loved watching the geese each morning from the balcony.

Daddy and Sara enjoying the sunset together.

Hard to believe she is already 10 months old.

Sara loved the baby pool we used on the balcony - the best way to keep cool between her naps.

Happy 4th of July

2009-07-09T21:01:00.000-07:00

Sara with her friend Rachel listening to Bill play the guitar

Del Mar / Solana Beach Vacation

2009-06-29T14:49:00.001-07:00

We had perfect weather in Del Mar and Solana Beach.

Our little angel napping in our bed

We visited the Design District which was walking distance from our hotel in Solana BeachSo many great Art & Design features

And some really fun shops

We fell in love with this wherehouse converted into a store with the biggest ceiling fans I've ever seen.

Father's Day June 2009

2009-06-29T14:38:00.001-07:00

Happy Father's Day Daddy!!! I love you so much.

Daddy pointing out the birds.

Exploring Crystal Cove

Home Grown

2009-06-22T10:49:00.000-07:00

Our first home grown Zucchini.

It was so delicious grilled.

Yosemite Park visit on June 6th

2009-06-11T10:46:00.001-07:00

It was a chilly day in June to visit the park but a little rain didn't stop us.

Sara meeting wildlife in the gift shop.

Enjoying the waterfalls.

Enjoying the day with Grandma and Grandpa Brock

One last picture as we were driving out of the park - the clouds were coming in.

Sara trying a Lime

2009-06-10T20:12:00.000-07:00

Yes we are cruel parents.... :-)

Sara at 8 months

2009-06-08T17:45:00.001-07:00

My 1st Mother's Day

2009-05-12T09:02:00.000-07:00

On Mother's Day we went to Laguna Beach and had a picnic on the beautiful grounds of the Montage Hotel. It was the best day and I enjoyed every minute.

Our little Sara was wearing her movie star shades.

Dana Point Cycling Race

2009-05-12T08:31:00.000-07:00

On April 26th we headed to Dana Point to enjoy the one day event. It was a fun day with many bike races - everything from kids to pros. The racers do about 50 one minute laps through a beautiful Dana Point neighborhood. Something for everyone - Bill enjoyed the bike race and I enjoyed looking at the homes and pretty gardens.

Weekend Getaway - Monterey, Carmel & Santa Cruz

2009-04-22T12:53:00.000-07:00

We headed up to Monterey for Bill's annual Sea Otter Classic mountain bike race. It was a picture perfect weekend with above average temps.
Bill getting his bike ready for the race with Sara keeping him company. The event had bikes for all ages .... ..when will Sara start riding with Daddy?

Foggy morning in Monterey before the race.

Later we had a picnic enjoying the wonderful weather.

Feeding the ducks.

Next we were off to Carmel - another one of our favorite spots to visit.

A few doorways I found in Carmel - such a charming town.

Our last day we decided to check-out Santa Cruz. They had unusually high temps in the 90's - so we made it a short and sweet visit since it was getting hot and crowded.

Some sea life doing synchronized swimming off the pier in Santa Cruz

Natural Bridges State Beach in Santa Cruz

Happy Easter

2009-04-13T13:30:00.001-07:00

Video of Sara waking up - Good Morning.

Photo Shoot Week at Home

2009-02-19T14:58:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-15T16:44:00.001-08:00

I am having so much fun playing dress up with our little girl. She is the perfect Valentine's Day present since I'm used to being in a house with guys it's such a treat enjoying girly stuff now. I see more pink, hearts and flowers in my future :-)

A break from the rain

2009-02-13T13:53:00.000-08:00

We have been getting tons of much needed rain in Southern California. There was a break in the clouds with beautiful sunshine so we quickly went for a walk to the park before the soaking began again. Sara had her first try at the swings in the park - she seemed to enjoy it. Her Daddy likes to introduce her to everything on our walks (flowers, trees, people, dogs, swings etc...) It's fun to watch a Father and Daughter interact - priceless!!

Just a splash of red...

2009-02-12T16:41:00.000-08:00

I always go overboard decorating the dining room table for the holidays and we never have any open space to put the food (isn't that why we have sideboards?) So this Feb after finally putting away the Christmas decorations I decided to leave just a splash of red for Valentine's Day.

Homemade Baby Food

2009-02-10T10:12:00.000-08:00

When Sara turned 4 months old on Jan 22nd - I decided it was time to try solid foods. I was also hoping it would help her go back to the 7 hours of sleep at night that seems to be a thing of the past. I bought a great book on making your own baby food and so the fun began. I make large batches and then freeze it in ice cube trays. Sara loves it.

Sara is really enjoying her toys now - each day is a whole new adventure and we are enjoying every minute of it.