Here's the Latest...

I'm sorry everyone for not updating you all on the Valdivia happenings, but it's been so busy here, we've hardly had time to catch our breath. I don't have time to explain too much about what's been going on over here, so I'll direct you to Garrett's blog, where you will get the gist of what's been going on. I'm sorry for not updating everyone, myself, but once we're through this month, things should go back to "normal" ;)

Have a blessed day!

Family Fun

This past week we were priviledged with the visits of some of our family from down south! My Grandma first traveled up to Fresno on the Amtrak with a friend of hers who was on her way to visit her daughter in Modesto. Since the train goes through Fresno before Modesto, the two friends were able to travel together for most of the ride. It worked out perfectly!

Left to Right: Megan, Clara (our dear friend), Grandma, and Garrett

During Grandma's visit, we enjoyed numerous activities together and enjoyed her visit very much.



One of the activites included scrapbooking!



Ah yes... we also celebrated Garrett's 23rd birthday on the 12th with Grandma. We took him bowling in Oakhurst, which we all very much enjoyed (especially Garrett!), and after the bowling, Garrett and I enjoyed playing some games together at the arcade. That night Garrett opened a couple presents and then I presented my gift to him... a Cookies 'n Cream Ice Cream Pie that was completely homemade! He was very excited, to say the least ;)


Right to left: Aunt Diane, Uncle Alan, Tyler, Garrett, Megan, Alicia, and Grandma

The next day, my Mom's sister and her family joined us for the weekend! We all had a blast together... especially on our "Lewis Creek" hike! But sadly, I wasn't able to take pictures of the hike. The only footage I got is on our video camera, and it's hilarious ;) Sorry about that!

Saturday was a very busy day! Full of fun and family :) In the morning, my Aunt took her family and Grandma to the Rock and Mineral Museum in Mariposa. An hour after they left the house, we re-grouped at the museum and continued on to Mariposa to have lunch at Happy Burger!





After Happy Burger, we took a pit-stop at home where a couple adults took naps while Garrett entertained the kids with our Wii (indoor sports ;) ). At around 5:30 we took off in two cars to Bass Lake so Uncle Alan could fish with the kids. It was a very nice evening by the lake.


Family Time!


Father and daughter fishing


Young Fisherman!
(he caught a 2 ft. Dorado at sea the week before with his dad! That's pretty good for a little tyke like him ;) )


Grandma and granddaughter time :)


Catch!

After our outing at Bass Lake, we returned home to enjoy the rest of the evening on the front lawn.


Garrett teaching Tyler how to make his first song (very cute!). You should've heard the words! It was kind of like a lullaby =)




Grandma watering :)


Nearing bedtime!

Sunday was "take-off" day for everyone (except us ;) ). Before they left, Alicia wanted me to do her hair, and then me asked me if Mom could do my hair exactly the way I did hers. She was very cute. Her eyes just made my heart melt and I had to give in to her small plea :) So Mom did my hair the same way, to Alicia's delight. It made her so happy, it was cute!


'icia and me ('icia is our affectionate name for her ;) )



Take care 'til we write again! =)

Father's Day & Mom's B-Day!

Sunday was a busy day! We celebrated the Lord's day, Father's day, AND Mom's birthday all in one! For Father's Day, we made chili dogs for Dad (his special request); Mom asked for homemade Cookies 'n Cream ice cream; And in the afternoon we spent an hour singing songs unto the Lord for His Day =)

Let me back up a bit though, so you know what our day was REALLY like on Sunday ;)

At 10:30am we visited the Becker's morning church and enjoyed a sweet time of singing and praising the Lord, and Jeremy blessed everyone by speaking about Fathers (well, it was Father's Day!). We weren't the only ones who visited the Church of Christ in our circle of friends, though! We enjoyed seeing the Polachs, Buggs (Cherie's mother came too), and Callis' as well! After church, we invited the Buggs and Cherie's mom to spend a few hours over at our house for a BBQ and fellowship. Here are some pics to show for it! ;)

Heidi and Leslie keeping Garrett company

Gettin' ready to grill 'em onions and zucchini!


Yum!


Leslie and Heidi under the umbrella!


Mom, Cherie, and Diana.


Dad and Heidi


Again!


Ah yes. Our Father's Day gift for Dad! A new shirt! Who in the world are those kids on the sleeves?!


Even the back has something to say :)

Well, that's about it for Sunday. We just relaxed the rest of the evening, ate the requested homemade ice cream, and played some games before bed. It was a lovely day for everyone =)

I'll post again when other events take place ;)

Late Update (again!)

I'm sorry everyone! I know I'm a terrible "blogger" and I don't give you many updates, but things have been rather hectic around these here parts the last couple weeks. Garrett, my Mom, and I have all put together websites on the net that's caused a bit of commotion and a lot of hours of research and design on our part. So yes, I've neglected all my devoted readers for the sake of personal interest ;)

Garrett's website is pretty much an informational "how-to" computer help site with awesome weekly how-to videos on practical and fun applications to aid in your internet experience. Really cool! Check it out sometime ;)

Mom's website is a support site for those who have Hashimoto's Disease and thyroid problems.

My website is a growing database for Biblical names and offers a weekly newsletter with in-depth studies (for those expecting babies, or for those who are just in love with names like me!). Stop by sometime and have a peek! ;)

So there you go. That's the best I can do at this time :)

Oh, I forgot! Here's a bit o' a glimpse into the next few weeks!

We'll be having our friend Diana up this week from down south for a week or so, and then when we drop her off at the station in Fresno (for her trip back home), we'll continue down to Springville for the weekend to visit with some of our friends. When we come home, we'll have a week to get "back into the groove" of things until my Grandma comes up, on the 3rd of July, and stays for 1-2 weeks or so (or until she can't stand us anymore! ;) ).

As these visits take place, I'll upload some pics and let you know how things go up here :D

Take care and God bless!