Megan's Party!

My cousin Megan and her husband Dusty had their wedding reception and a small ring ceremony last weekend for everyone who missed their wedding in December...like me...but not for lack of trying.  If you don't remember from my previous post the wedding was at the end of December in Reno during a snow storm!  The ring ceremony was very special and fun and was followed by an awesome party/ reception.

The reception consisted of a nacho bar during pictures, a photo booth, awesome comfort food dinner and a ton of outside games for kids and grown ups....

AND a bounce house!

Uncle Chad was such a trooper to go in their and help the kids.

We had such a fun time!

Sienna has since started playing "Megan".  She pretends to wear a beautiful dress and hold pretend flowers while jumping in a bounce house.  I think it's safe to say it left an impression on her and I'm so glad that we got to celebrate the great couple.

We Went to the Zoo!

A little while ago we were invited to go to the Sacramento Zoo with our friends, the Ricks Family.  Sienna and I were so excited that we had the day off so that we could join them!  We got to see all the animals, spend time with friends and ride the merry go round, which was of course

 Sienna's favorite part. 

Sienna told me I was "the best mommy in her whole life" on the way home so I'm going to say that it was a successful outing.  Thanks again Ricks family!

Sienna and Daddy Date.

I had a bridal shower to attend a little bit ago and so Sienna and Nick were left to their own devices.  It warmed my heart to see some of these pictures via text message through out my morning.

Nick definitely won the best daddy award with Sienna that day.

They walked around the temple and checked out the flowers.  Daddy even let her touch the fountain...heaven in the eyes of a two year old.  They picked out new shoes and even got a 

Jamba Juice!  She absolutely loved it.

Santa Cruz Camping

  I was kind of awful about taking pictures this year.  Seriously, no pictures of our unheard of perfect weather beach day or just hanging around the camp site....lame.  We did have a lot of fun although we definitely missed and felt a little lost without Grandpa and Grandma with us.  We did all the usuals, like the tide pools and the Redwood hike, then added in some new stuff too!

The Tide Pools (Natural Bridges)

A fun little museum near the tide pools.

We went with the Riddles and some of the highlights were the GIANT blue whale skeleton and touch pools.

After the museum we headed over to one of our favorite burger places for lunch!

 The one picture we took on the "Ice Cream Hike".  Grandpa was nice enough to still pay for the ice cream at the end of the hike even though he wasn't with us.  Thanks Grandpa!

We had so much fun as always and Sienna especially loved that not only did the Riddle Family come up, which gave her even more friends to play with, but Sam and Jake were there too!

First Trip to the River

We live very close to the river right now and so I mentioned to Nick that would be fun to take Sienna this year.  He decided that since we had a free day today we would try it out after her nap.

She looks happy in these pictures but mostly she whined.  She didn't like that her flip flops kept getting dirty and overall just wasn't that excited about it.  Nick and I agreed that it's good that we live so close so it wasn't a total waste.  She did try though and we will go back later this summer and see if she warms up to it.  Not a great first trip but definitely memorable. :)

River Cats Game!

On Friday we went to a Sacramento River Cats game to celebrate this guy:

 

 I can't believe he will officially be one in a week...crazy!  Sienna loved hanging out with her cousins and sharing their cotton candy.

 We even got to see some of California's past governors.  Nick and Sienna took a picture with Arnold for Papa since he used to be on his protection detail.

 We had a great time as a family...

 

 watching the game...

 

 

 spending time with family...

 and just hanging out!

 Sienna's favorite part surprisingly was the fireworks.  She thought that they were a little loud at first and then she sat with Nick and really got into them.  If you see her you have to ask her what sound fireworks make...it's our favorite thing right now.

We will definitely have to go to another game this season.  Until then I'll be dreaming of Merlino's freezes and fireworks...

Graduation

On Monday and Tuesday of last week Nick was able to take and pass his final exams making him an official Registered Respiratory Therapist! Then on Friday Nick had his official graduation ceremony.  I was so proud of him as he walked up on stage multiple times to accept all of his awards and honors.  Let me tell you, he earned every single one of them too.  I'm amazed at the dedication and determination I have seen from him since the start of his program.   He even received an unexpected award for Clinical Excellence for his desire to learn and professionalism in the clinical setting!  Here are some pictures from that awesome day:

Accepting one of his honors

Family Picture

She tells daddy all the time how happy and proud she is!

Nick and his friend Ashley

 She has been such a great source of motivation and support throughout school!

Our families

 

Nick and his mom

 

Nick and Dennis

Dennis' girlfriend Katie also came but in the picture of us all together I had my eyes closed!  We are so grateful for such wonderful, supportive friends.

 

Generations

Nick, Sienna and GG

Nick's friend Chad also came but wasn't able to stay the whole time.  I was so glad that he made the effort to show his support even if he had to leave early.  We are so grateful to everyone who made this special day possible.  

The job hunt is now officially on!