Family Vacation

Two weeks ago, we had the chance to go on a family vacation with my 3 sisters, their guys and my mom and step dad.  We rented a little cottage right on the ocean and just enjoyed a very relaxing laid back vacation.  We relaxed on the beach, played games, ate a ton of amazing food, took Hudson to the park and just enjoyed each other's company.  It was really nice to get away and just be with family.   Here are a few photos (I stole a few photos from my sister's blog):

look at that form :) haha:

And of course, what is vacation without ice cream:

Taylor and Summer are AMAZING cooks and we all were so thankful for their talents:

This was Trever's contribution in the kitchen.  Brooke wasn't there to see this, so I had to take a picture to prove that he was indeed cooking in the kitchen:

We had several nights of bonfires, coffee and smores:

Hudson and Uncle Tay Tay:

Playing games:

Taylor and Trever getting cozy:

And one really weird picture of Trever...

Hudson had a lot of fun with everyone :)

Ministers' Wives Retreat

A couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to go to Jenness Park in Northern California to help lead worship with my friend from college, Merea.  The retreat was for the ministers' wives of the Southern Baptist Convention, so there were women from all over the state of California. 

I have a few friends from college who have always asked if I was going, but I have never been able to make it.  I was really excited to be able to go this year and it was so much fun catching up with other CBU alumni who are serving at other churches across the state.  We took a CBU girls picture, but I didn't have my camera, so I have will have to get it later.  There were about 20 of us there!

Merea and I have played and sang together all through college and we lead worship together for a women's retreat about 3 years ago.  It was sooo great getting to spend time with her again and I just love her voice and her heart for the Lord.  It was so refreshing to get quality time with her.  

Then there is Noemy.  All I can say is that she is amazing.  She is from Spain and has studied violin in conservatories throughout her life.  This week she is actually at Juilliard University playing for a special event that only amazing violinist are invited to.  She is the kind of musician that when you hear her play, you can't help but to cry.  Merea and I kept looking at each other just laughing at how amazing she was.  Merea would sing a line for her and Noemy could instantly play it back on her violin.   I could go on and on, but seriously probably one of the most talented musicians I have ever played with.  And she her heart for the Lord is just as sweet.  I am so glad to call her a friend :)

There were a few of us who were pregnant, so of course, we had to get a picture ;)

Some of my favorite people...

About a week before the retreat, Chaundel, who is one of the Ministers' Wives at our church contacted me to see if I was going to the retreat.  She had seen my name on the list, but wasn't aware that I was going to play piano.  Come to find out, she was the speaker!  It was great to spend a little time with her and she did a amazing job speaking!

In college, I played piano for the worship team and even for a couple of years when Trav was the worship leader.  However, since we have been married I have been involved in other ministries at church.  So, it was really fun to get a chance to play again and it really made me value my husband even more.  I think I just get used to how talented he is and to his genuine and sincere heart for worship.  Being a part of leading again, just made me realize even more the calling that God has placed on Travis' life.  

Mother's Day

I am still about a month behind, but on my way to catching up :)  For mother's day this year, it started out by receiving two really sweet cards from Travis and Hudson... and the news that Travis was going to take me shopping for some clothes.  Being that I was beginning to grow out of my wardrobe, I was really excited to get some things that would fit.  

The three of us at church:

At the end of the last song, Hudson was able to crawl up into Uncle B's lap and pretend he was playing piano with the band:

Then of course, the weekly tradition of playing the drums after the service:

Here is a picture of me with my baby #2 belly... I was 16 weeks along and the best part about Mother's day was that I felt the baby kick for the first time!!!

I wanted to go to Friday's for dinner because they have a really great deal going on and I was craving one of their brownie obsessions.  I was a waitress at Friday's through my college years and we all used to love their food.  Unfortunately, the food was not as good as I remembered.  

Hudson was not too thrilled about going out that night... and you can totally tell in this picture...haha

The following day we just wanted to spend the day together, so we went to Disneyland.  Hudson has never been afraid of the characters and loves the chance to get to see them up close:

Travis took Hudson on the cars ride for the first time.  We didn't realize, but he has been tall enough for a long time now and could have ridden this ride a while ago.  Now that I am pregnant I can't go on this ride, but it was fun watching the boys.   

And here is just a cute video of Hudson on the way back to our car to head home. 

I am so thankful to be a mom and I don't take it for granted.  I always knew as a child that I wanted to be a mom and wife... and so far this is my favorite season of life.

Hudson's Birthday Party

For Hudson's 2nd Birthday party we decided to incorporate everything he loves... family, little friends, the beach, the birds, swings, a slide, delicious food and of course, a bonfire.  What else could a 2 year old ask for? :)  We had a beach barbeque with family and a few of our closest friends.  The weather was amazing and it was just a really relaxed time enjoying the company of those who came to celebrate the life of little Hud bud.  

After the bonfire, we headed back to our house for coffee and to spend a little more time together in the warmth of our home.  Hudson was able to play his drums for everyone and he loved every moment. 

Here are a few photos our festivities:

Funny side note: We didn't realize it until later that night, but all these girls were my bridesmaids in my wedding.  we were only missing my sister-in-law (who is in Ohio) and my sweet friend Ally (who was running a women's retreat that weekend).  I am really thankful that they are all still in my life: