Sweden Trip

For the past few years I have been trying relentlessly to convince my sister to move back home to California. It only took a few days of being in Sweden to figure out why she was not listening. It is beautiful and she is surrounded by incredibly talented and kind people.

It was so much fun to enjoy a wonderful vacation, experience a new culture, and be a part of my sister's wedding. The trip was worth every ounce of stress and every penny spent. A big thanks to my mother in law who watched my kids for a week and thanks to my husband who was supportive and even played Mr. mom for a bit. I hope to go with him next time! Here goes more pics than you care to look at from my trip:



Getting ready to leave for the airport. I was so sad to leave these kiddos. Once I got there, I was fine!


Hanging out in the city center where many people eat lunch and soak up the sun. The Swedes do NOT take the sun for granted. There is very little daylight during the winter.



First day in Stockholm. Roberts kids reunion!


Stockholm is just so beautiful. They are really proud of their clean water. The water and the architecture make it a picture perfect place.



Eating our 18 dollar hamburger for lunch. Right now the dollar does not go very far. Sweden is expensive.



Being silly at the Vasa museum.
This ship, called the Vasa ship, sunk in 1628 into the Baltic Sea right in Stockholm's harbor. They pulled it out of the water 300 years later and now have it inside this museum. It is quite the site to see!



Our good friends Dan and Kathy (Kathy pictured here) even came to Sweden for the wedding. It was so much fun to have them there! They even shared a hotel room with me in Stockholm!



After dinner in Stockholm. Loving being together again.




Night before the wedding. Hanging out in a small town called Sandviken at Klas's mom's house.
Ian, me, Anna (Cami's best friend) and of course...Cami.



Mama Liz getting ready for her baby's wedding.


She was a beautiful bride.



The bride and groom with his family. It is tradition to wear the Swedish outfit to a wedding.


Me, Cami, and Anayansi (our sister in law).



The church where they got married. I somehow forgot to take a picture from the front view.
Here is a side view.


Before we sat down for dinner at the reception site.


Cami's bouquet at the head table.



Right after dinner. Swedish receptions are lengthy programs. Cami's was from 5 until 1am! And every second was so much fun.



Anna and Sofia are sisters and they are Cami's closest friends.


Jamie, Me, Anna, and Sofia. Cami has some great friends!



The summer cottage where we spent our last day hanging out from morning until evening. It was so relaxing!



The fam, the day after the wedding.




The lake was right near the cottage. It is so beautiful there.



I miss her already!



Saying goodbye to the lovebirds.



18 hour journey home. 2 train rides, 2 plane flights, and 1 car ride...and I am back with the fam!

True Colors

Tri Valley Swim America

McKenzie was tested at swim lessons today and she passed. More than anything I am just happy that she finally enjoys going under water! Yay for McKenzie!

Happy Birthday McKenzie and Here's to a Great Weekend...

We love you McKenzie and words don't do justice to how much joy you bring into our lives. You really are an amazing kid. Happy Birthday!

Grandma Liz came to visit again and we had a good time. She was here for a little mother daughter date night, some grandma time with the girls, and of course to help celebrate McKenzie turning 4!

My mom and I saw Wicked on Friday night in SF. I haven't decided which would be my dream role: Elphaba or Galinda. Did I mention how much I LOVE this show?! My mom had a great time too!


And yes..I am such a nerd that my mom even bought me a shirt.

Brynn also enjoyed wearing something cute this weekend. We walked into the garage and found her like this. She loves to "go shopping." She puts stuff (anything she can find) into her cart and pushes it around the garage for as long as you will let her. Oh, and she would also wear those Minnie ears all day if she could! I am guessing McKenzie put the backpack on her.

Another highlight of the weekend was my Saturday morning run. Because of my training and awesome running pals I have been able to run in some pretty incredible places. The destination this weekend was Lake Chabot in the east bay hills. It was a very challenging yet rewarding trail run that went around the lake. Half the battle of training for long distance races is getting to the starting line. This weekend's run reminded me never to give up. There is beauty in running, literally.
And after Grandma left we had more visitors! Evan's brother, Boz and his family, came over for dinner and cake. McKenzie had fun with her cousins! Here is Kenzie and Elyette hanging out:

Hat Lover

Folded Arms

Brynn is learning how to be reverent. (Unlike her mother who was snapping pictures during family prayer.)

Laundry Divas

Folding clothes is my least favorite chore...


...but having two cute helpers makes it almost fun!