Grandma comes to town

Last weekend, Grandma Kelley came to visit because she was running a half-marathon in Paso Robles. She came a few days early to hang out with us:) 

Annaliese was very excited to see her (and she was quite disappointed that Grandpa wasn't along too) and was quick to start playing.

Friday night we enjoyed a delicious dinner out at Ventana Grill. 

Annaliese was very cuddly and had her arm wrapped around mine for almost the entire meal! She was all about taking pictures too! 

On Saturday, I had to work, but Kyle, Annaliese, and Grandma headed to Avila Barn to feed the goats and check out some of the seasonal decor.

 corn maze

Even Brodie got some loving while Grandma was here!

My little cutie

Sometimes I just can't get over how cute Annaliese is...and all the cute things she does. It makes me smile. I love watching how she processes things, how she absorbs new things, and how she mimics the things that Kyle and I do. 

Last weekend, I was perplexed as she walked around the kitchen table pushing away all the chairs. She then went and got the swiffer and started 'cleaning' under the table! 

Recently, she also demonstrated an amazing amount of problem-solving. Apparently she was hungry, because she took the step stool, which is stored folded up next to the washer, dragged it into the kitchen, opened it up, stood it up and then pushed it up to the cupboard. She climbed up it, realized she couldn't open the cupboard, so she climbed down, moved the ladder over, and then climbed up again, this time opening the cupboard and finding a snack. (She picked chocolate chips...a girl after my own heart!) I just watched the whole thing, rather impressed.

The weather is finally starting to cool off a little bit, so Annaliese got to wear her black boots. She wasn't very excited about her 'boops' as she calls them, but I thought she looked adorable. Thanks Auntie Laurie for this outfit...it's a 12 mon outfit that still fits!!

 Making fish-faces!

A fun wedding weekend

Last weekend was cousin Melissa's wedding in Visalia, so we headed out to the valley for another fun weekend. They asked Kyle to marry them, which meant we got to be part of all the fun activities! Friday night included rehearsal and a delicious rehearsal dinner followed by a fun night of bowling! 

Because we knew we would be out late both Friday and Saturday night, we stayed at Jon and Sarah's house so that we could find one baby-sitter for Annaliese and Reed, and so that she could go to bed and not have to be woken up once we came home. It was a wonderful plan and I think Annaliese and Reed had a great time together!

On Saturday, Kyle didn't have to be to the wedding early, so we were able to spend the day at home with Jon and Reed. Grandpa, Grandma, and Mama Joan came over for a little while as well.

 Looks like they were discussing something serious!

 Thanks Mama Joan for the cute pants...they came with an adorable jacket that Annaliese did not want to try on for the picture!

Goodbye kisses

 

The wedding itself was absolutely gorgeous. Melissa looking so beautiful and happy. And Kyle looked pretty good himself, standing up there in the front as Deputy Commissioner of Civil Marriages. Yep, that was his title for the day. In California, anyone can marry anyone...you just fill out a form at the courthouse, pay a small fee and they give you the title:) (Granted, it's only valid on that specific day, in that specific county, for that specific couple!)

 Our best attempt at a family photo before we headed off to the wedding

Before heading back home on Sunday, we were able to stop for a quick, unplanned visit with my good friend Julie and her husband Travis. We haven't seen them in quite some time so it was good to catch up...they were gracious enough to put up with Annaliese making a mess of their house and trying to play with their cats (who had no interest in playing with Annaliese!) Kyle was also able to catch a little Sunday afternoon football! Unfortunately, I left the camera in the car.