The Beach House

We spent a week at what we all call "the beach house" recently. It is really a gorgeous resort in Aptos, CA that sits on a cliff overlooking the beach. Evan has been going there his entire life. It is a Millar summer tradition. Lucky us!! Although it was gray every day, we had a great time. For some reason we took very few pictures. I think it had something to do with dealing with a newborn, a toddler, and everything else that we had to carry down to the beach. We managed to forget our camera almost every time we went out to the beach. We loved spending time with family. McKenzie did not even need us there that week! She was so involved with her aunts, uncles, cousins, and especially Grandma and Grandpa. Evan and I also enjoyed morning runs and sitting in the hot tub every day. I am always sad when vacation is over, but this is a really hard one to get over.

This picture was taken last year when it was a bit more sunny. It was still beautiful though!


McKenzie comforting cousin Jack.

Elyette and Kenzie Flying the Google Kite.

Brynn's Blessing

Today we blessed Baby Brynn at church. It was wonderful to be surrounded by family and celebrate our new addition. She is such a joy in our lives and we can't wait to see what the future holds for her. We are grateful to have her in our family.

Women's Rowing

Watching the US Women's Crew win the gold last night, was more than just exciting. I could almost feel every stroke. Many of you know that I was a NCAA rower. I suppose if I am going to post I can even brag and say that I was awarded "All American" my senior year. Rowing is something I hold so dear to my heart but unfortunately do not get the chance to talk about or re-live it very often. The coxwain in the USA boat, Mary Whipple, is the twin sister of my coxwain in our UCDavis boat, Sarah Whipple.

Here is a cool quote from one of the rowers in the gold medal boat:
"We were streamlined. We just looked straight ahead. I can't really remember any other boats out there, to be honest, because it was all about how fast we could go. It was the most beautiful peace."
It is so true. When you are racing, you are in such a focused state that there is no room to think about anything except GO.


Watch us win the gold here.

Although it involved early morning practices and grueling work outs, these are some of the greatest memories of my life. Watching USA win last night reminded me of that.


Right off the starting line:

This is us right after we won Division II National Championships!!!

My mom was always there to support me.

My Heaven on Earth

Kenzie will be 3 this weekend!

Brynn will be 6 weeks old this weekend. She is getting big fast, now weighing 10 lbs.


Daddy reading to McKenzie and Brynn- my favorite thing to watch.

Crazy Dad

This is what happens when I send Evan and McKenzie downtown by themselves. There was a fair/market going on that day. They went straight to the rides apparently. Evan thought it would be fun to put McKenzie on what looks to me like a "mini drop zone" type ride.
These two pictures say it all. On the way up, and on the way down:

Aunt Cami

I have seriously been blessed these past few weeks. It is so nice to have help with the McKenzie and Brynn. After Evan went back to work, my mom came for a week. This week my sister is visiting from Sweden. We are loving every minute with her. I don't ever want her to go back!

McKenzie's Edelweiss

This is a favorite song in our home. I think we may have a star on our hands.