Reece Turns 2!

Happy 2nd Birthday, Reece! We had a fun time at Jack and Sara's house celebrating Reece's big day. Kristina was on hand with her awesome camera and great photography skills to capture the little guests during playtime!

Tanner Coos for the Camera

Tanner is changing so much right now.  He is starting to "talk" in his own little way.  He smiles all the time and loves it when we interact with him.  He stays awake a lot more during the day and is just a joy to be around - not to mention, he is a very handsome little boy!

Special "J" Birthday Tribute

Here is my special tribute to my sister J on her birthday!  

When I was little

you were cool

you did gymnastics

and you were good at school.

You taught me your cheers

you taught me math

all in all

i wanted to follow your path

We watched Love Boat

When you babysat me

You would do flip flops

in front of the TV

Then on a commercial break

we's shoot up to 7 Eleven

candybars and slurpees at 10pm

Any kid would be in heaven!

I love you lots

Fond memories, ahh sigh

You are one sexy mama

Happy Birthday, Gemini!

Aunt Jackie's Birthday

The Strand Fam had a blast at Aunt Jackie's Birthday!  Uncle Brian hosted a fun dinner at Buca di Beppo.   Kayla commemorated the occassion by posing for a photo with Uncle B.  Tanner also posed for a photo with Grandpa Don his Grandpa-in-law - (Natalie-all grown up!- on the right in that photo)!  Kyle and I were all smiles because Libby, Mia and Natalie entertained Kayla the entire dinner and we actually relaxed and had a glass of wine.  The birthday girl is not yet pictured...I am working on getting a photo of her...although I am secretly jealous that she looks so darn good that I am having a hard time posting her next to a picture of me on this blog entry!!

Calistoga or Bust!

We spent our one week long summer vacation in Calistoga where we rented a house with a pool, hot tub, bocce court and pool table.  We had many wine tastings, cook outs, soaks in the tub and walks into town.  Our site seeing included the Old Faithful Geyser (where we are Old Faithfuls every year!) and a walk around the Solage resort.   We also attended Music in the Park which was very cool...a walk back in time actually...manicured grass, couples, kids, wine, burgers all together in front of a little gazebo which housed a local band playing numbers from the 60's.  So cool.  Very small town vibe.   The pictures above capture what we did with the rest of our time...Kayla in the pool and Tanner in his gym on the grass.   I am sure we will return next year as this is the most kid friendly getaway that we can handle right now!!  (p.s. Calistoga is named after California and Saratoga - as in Saratoga, NY)

The Kayla Express featuring Tanner