Sarah: Molly Came to Visit

You know those times when you haven't seen someone in almost two years? When you crave to be together after such a time and distance has separated you?

Well last week, those feelings were assuaged. Molly came to San Diego. And it was glorious. We ate California burritos, traveled to LA, went to the beach, and made pie. We also had a little friendship photoshoot because the ONLY recent picture we had together was from our graduation from college (and apart from that, most are from freshman year, and let me tell you a lot has changed since then...).

Here are some images from our shoot:

Molly Girl, thank you for coming. I've missed you so much and it was beyond nice having you here in my home.

Sarah: Life in iPhone Photos

Happy February everyone! Where did Januaray go?

Sarah: Tiff, Dave, & Luisa Came to Visit - Part I

Just try to comprehend the cuteness

Look at those cheeks

Right before she peed all over (seriously. all over).

The infamous California burrito-which we
practically lived on all week.
Can you see the french fries??

"Skippyjon Jones was one naughty kitty boy." Does anyone
else know that kids' book? It's awesome.

Baby Lu just chillin' on the quilt I made her for Christmas.

Here is Part I of my family's visit to San Diego. I just got home from taking them to the airport. They stayed with Frank & I for 8 glorious days. I loved having them here so much.

I might have cried as I drove away from the airport....more fun photos to come this week!

Sarah: Big Year

Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!

I took an unintentional leave of absence from the blog for the holidays I guess. It certainly wasn't planned, but I'm glad it happened. It was nice to just take a break and focus on on the holidays, my husband, & our families. 

For both Christmas & New Years Eve, we just chilled out at home. Everything was low-key, lovely, & perfect.

2011 was a big year:

I made a commitment to take care of my body & followed through on it//I finished up my degree & graduated college//I helped Kels pack up her stuff & move to Uganda//I ran my first 5k//I watched as my sister gave birth to my first niece, Luisa//My husband lost his job & we made a really big decision//Frank & I traveled to Uganda & I met my in-laws for the first time! And I love them//I saw the source of the Nile//My womb was blessed by one of my husband's aunties//We packed up our cars & moved across the country//We almost moved into our cars while living in San Diego//I became an official Californian//I had a big personal revelation//I got new glasses//Kelsey & Denis came to the US//Kels & Deno got engaged//

I think 2012 is going to be an even bigger year. Bring it on.

Kelsey: Scary Baby

Aunt Kitty this one is for you!

A while ago I posted a blog and my relatives started commenting on it about how when I was a baby I had a ton of hair and I was cute and stuff. So I had to dig up some pictures to show what  actually looked like as a baby (any excuse to post an ugly baby picture!) I was like an evil cabbage patch doll come to life.

So I tend to do this thing with my eyes where I kind of open them too wide and look possessed or like I might be trying to move something with my mind.

I get it from my dad.

Crazy eyes. 

Lets just say it was not an adorable quality on a baby.

Semi cute with eyes shut.

This is where it starts to go wrong...

This is what I looked like right after I burst out of my mothers stomach Alien style.

It is still not ok when it is smiling.

I don't know why but this is my favorite. I think its the stache.

So while looking at scary baby pictures I was distracted by this gem of my mother pulling me around the front yard in a pampers box. White trash style.


But then there are these adorable photos which basically look like they came out of the 1950's except for the haircuts.

My mom with her mom at the Jersey Shore.

My mom and her dad. Pretty standard for them. How cute is my mom!

Sarah: Oldies but Goodies

Look what I came across today! These pictures of Kels & I were taken by my good friend Margaret. She took them for her photography class my junior year (so about 3 years ago--wow! three years?! time flies...).

Look at Gordon! That picture captures him so well as a kitten who was incredibly playful, curious, & loved water. These photos were taken during the 9 month period Kels & I lived together & shared a room. Really, where our friendship was cemented. This is where we first got Gordon, battled a crazy roommate, & discovered our kindred spirits. As you can see, things have changed since then. Kels went to Uganda that January (and met Denis & is now engaged!), I got engaged that March & married in August, we both graduated college, Kels moved short/long term to UG, I moved to San Diego...I'm thankful to have these photos to look back & remember these times. Thanks, Marge.

Oh! By the way, Happy December! I love this time of year. I've been listening to Christmas music nonstop : )

Kelsey: A walk around Mpumudde

I miss Africa. These are pictures from around my neighborhood.

Tryin to hide.

This foundation has been dug for a while now.  Long enough for corn to grow.

The worlds tiniest market. But its ours.

Empty house = sweet digs for the crazy man.

Our house is in there somewhere.

The main road. You will notice the small strip of pavement in the center of the road.

I love babies with tons of hair. Like how old are you? How did you grow so much hair in such a short time?

The sun on the cliff.

Fifteen minutes into our walk this was the group of kids that was following us.

Helping some dude stack his sacks of grass.

Miss it.