Our Vacation out West

It seems like we've just returned from a trip around the world when in reality we only went out west for a week. We started in Malibu, CA at my good friend Mark's beach house. It's an awesome place to relax!!! Carson loved standing on the deck watching the ocean and birds. There really aren't any other people there this time of year so you feel like you are all alone.

The birds and of course the "big sandbox" were the hit of our Malibu trip. It was even extra special that Uncle Teddy came out for a few days.


After our rest and relaxation, we headed to surprise my Aunt Jayne at her 80th surprise birthday party. We'd been in California for 3 days and it was so hard not to call her. She was really surprised to see Jason, Carson and me but she was also surprised to see Teddy too! It was a great day for a very special lady.


We spent a day and a half in San Diego and took Carson to the world famous San Diego Zoo. He loved the giraffe and will tell you all about it if he ever gets a chance!



And finally, the last part of our trip took us to Albuquerque, New Mexico for the International Hot Air Balloon Festival. I was a little hesitant going into it because we've all seen a hot air balloon before, right? This my friends was absolutely amazing! There are more hot air balloons that you can count! The pictures don't do it justice but if you get a chance, you must go next year. The link to the festival is www.balloonfiesta.com. It was great fun because my aunt Jayne, uncle Edwin, cousin Mike and his wife Linda, and Dad and Brenda were all there!






The cool thing is that you are right in the middle of all the "action." They even let Jason, Carson, and me take a picture with a pilot just before a balloon was taking off.


Another very special part of the trip to Albuquerque was Carson getting to meet Brenda's Mom (Madeline or "Granny") and her sister Janie. They took great care of Carson one day and gave Jason and I a much need break! This is a picture of Madeline, Carson and Brenda. I failed to get a picture of Janie...next time, Janie.


For the most part Carson was a great traveler but we are glad to be home! The other big news is BB and Mac (Mom and Eddy) have moved to Nashville! They said they are here to be close to me and Teddy but we know the real reason for the move...CARSON!

Carson Turns Two!!!

September 29th was a great day for Carson because it was his second birthday AND because BB, Big, and Tine were all in town to help him celebrate. Uncle T came out and joined us all for dinner and even helped Carson blow out his candles....

The other birthday boy, Carson Beck (aka the "other" Carson) came over to play in the afternoon. The boys always have a great time when they are together. It's so much fun watching them grow up.


On Saturday the 30th Carson had his party with a few kids at our neighborhood clubhouse. The kids loved playing with the toys in the children's center and I loved the fact that there weren't a bunch of people in my house ;o) The big surprise was a visit from Elmo!!! The kids were so excited he was there but as he got closer they weren't so sure. Elmo was having his picture taken with me and Carson wasn't too happy about this so he said to Elmo, "don't touch my Mommy." Too cute. After Elmo's big arrival, he led the kids on a wagon ride around the block.





We are on vacation right now (October 8th) and will post vacation pictures when we return. So far we've been to Malibu, CA for a few days, to my Great Aunt's 80th birthday party and to the San Diego Zoo. We've had a blast so far and tomorrow we head to Albuquerque, NM for the International Hot Air Balloon Festival.

Maggie Winn, Sept 29, 1994 - Sept 8, 2006

Today Maggie has left us to join others before her in doggie heaven. It was a very peaceful ending to such a full and joyous life. Maggie will be greatly missed! The picture below was from this morning, just before she passed on. We very much appreciate everyone's kind words and prayers as we struggle with this difficult time.


She was the central player in some of the happiest chapters of our lives. Chapters of young love and new beginnings, of new careers, many moves, and the birth of Carson. Maggie came into our lives just as we were trying to figure out what they would become. She became part of our melded fabric, a tightly woven and inseparable strand in the weave that was us. Just as we helped shape her into the family pet she would become, she helped to shape us, as well - as a couple, as parents, as animal lovers, and adults. Despite everything, Maggie had given us a gift which was priceless and free. She taught us the art of unconditional love. How to give it, how to receive it.

The above was adapted from "Marly & Me" by John Grogan. When I read this book it reminded me so much of how we felt about Maggie.