Oktoberfest

We travelled to Idaho a couple of weeks ago to attend Oktoberfest 2010.  This annual celebration started 35 years ago as a modest Family Home Evening (honoring Germany where my father served his mission) and has grown to become a large gathering of family and friends, many of whom travel long distances to enjoy the magnificent feast.  I think we had 35 attendees this year!

A few of these pictures are borrowed from my Aunt Joan and Aunt Pam (thanks!!).  They took some great shots of the set-up and food.  Hansen and I were too busy cooking schnitzel to document the whole evening.

These plates won't be empty for long!

Hansen on schnitzel duty

 

My favorite dish: Rohtkohl

The menu included: Schnitzel, Rotkohl, Wurst, Spaetzle, Lemon Meatballs, Rouladen, Potatoes, Pickled Veggies, and Sauerkraut.  It was DELICIOUS.

The Founder with two long-time attendees, lovely sisters Pam and Joan

Eloise and Joan

Blake likes Chester

Grandma Jeanie and the Babies

3 Generations of Oktoberfesters

After dinner, enjoying one another's company.  Except for Jasmine--Hansen said we should forgive her since she's obviously got GREAT taste in literature.  

Temple Day

Last Saturday, my dear friend Leslie went to the temple.  I had the honor of being her Escort.  Leslie joined the church a little over a year ago and it's been beautiful to witness her conversion, baptism, and growth over the past year.  She has been a great example to me, and a support to our family.  My Mom and Dad have gotten to know Leslie over the past couple of years so they flew in from Idaho after Oktoberfest (post detailing that event to come soon) to support her in this special event.  It was a beautiful day!

It was also a personal milestone, as it was the first time I've been away from Eloise for that long (5 hours!!).  She was in the loving hands of Grandma KL and Grandpa Smith.  I'm grateful for such a loving, supportive family.  

By the way, Leslie is gorgeous (obviously), intelligent, successful, etc. and also happens to be single.  Just throwin' it out there...  

5 Months

I'm a couple weeks late in getting this posted, but here is Eloise's 5-month photo.  Our lovely lady is getting so big!  This month brought many happy memories: starting solid foods, beginning to propel herself forward (pre-crawling), beginning to sit unassisted (as you can see) and her first swim are among the highlights. 

Love at First Bite

I've been a little behind in posting memories from the last weeks.  Here's a BIG event I need to document on the blog: Eloise's 1st Cereal Meal, September 24, 2010.  It was a great milestone for all of us. She wasn't sure what to think at first, but gave it a try.  By the end, she seemed to like it!

First Bite

Happy Eater

Happy Mom

 "I want to do it myself!"

All done!  All down the shirt.

Sister Visit

Ali and Emelia came to visit a couple of weeks ago.  It was a wonderful, relaxing weekend full of much-needed sister time.  It was so fun to see the young cousins, Eloise and Emelia, together.  We didn't take many pictures because most of our time was spent chatting, eating and watching movies (not much to document there).  But we did manage to snap a few shots of the babies. Thank you for coming, Ali!

Cousins

Eloise likes to hold hands

Me, Emelia, and the Ladybug quilt I made for her

I love this face

Ojai

A few weeks ago I told Hansen I needed a vacation.  I was craving a getaway for our little family.  He loved the idea, and we immediately booked a long weekend in Ojai, CA.  It's only an hour and a half outside of LA, but it seemed like a world away.  Perfect.  

Night of arrival.  Caught yawning.  We clearly needed a weekend of relaxation.

We stayed at a place called The Blue Iguana. 

Our Casita

Most of the weekend was spent lounging by the pool: 

We also found time to do a little shopping.  We found this great used bookstore where we picked up a 1st edition copy of the Velveteen Rabbit for Eloise.

Bart's 

Downtown Ojai

We also found some great places to eat (I confess: food is always my favorite part of a good vacation).  Saturday night we ate at Bodee's.  They had a lovely outside dining area, with a waterfall as a back drop.    Sunday night we stumbled upon a little Italian place that had Flamenco dancers.  It was so fun!  Eloise LOVED the dinner show.  

Bodee's

Eloise, entranced

Flamenco Fun

It was a wonderful weekend, full of many happy memories.  

  

Labor Day Weekend

We had a wonderful getaway, this last weekend, full of fun time with extended family.

First, we headed to San Diego to visit Hansen's brothers.  Phil graciously hosted us.  Saturday morning we had a delicious pancake breakfast at IHOP, then we met Anders and Cami at Balboa Park.  That night we enjoyed a nice dinner and a movie.  It's so fun to see Eloise spend time with her Uncles and Aunt.  They are already an important part of her life.  Here are some pics of San Diego:

IHOP! Phil treated us to a delicious pancake breakfast.

Balboa Park

Meeting up with Anders & Cami

Enjoying the day...

After attending church at Anders and Cami's ward, we packed up and headed north to Santa Clarita where Hansen's parents live.  We were able to spend a fun Monday off with them.

Purple Pretties

Look at those gorgeous legs!

The highlight of our stay was Eloise's first swim!  I was nervous that it would be too chilly for the inaugural run, but she LOVED it.  She splashed around, tried to float on her back, and spent a lot of time relaxing on a float toy.

Ready to swim! Outfit courtesy of Aunt Rhonda & channeling Sir Elton John.  

"Please, no photos!"

She loved it.  It was a great day!

4 Months

Eloise turned 4 months old on August 26th.

14 lbs 2 oz

24 inches tall

Beautiful Joy of Our Life

A few more shots from her 4-month photo shoot: