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| Lawyer in training |
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| Being silly at dinner |
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| Corpse Bride- Halloween 2010 |
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| My little Monkey- Halloween 2010 |
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| Being super cute and contemplative |
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| Doctor wanna-be |
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| What a good Dada! |
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| His new favorite thing to do- splashing in the bath! |
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| Hooray Dada! |
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| The happy family! |
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| Laura, to whom I am indebted for the support |
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| The guys |
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| Me and my little love |
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| Crawling practice! |
We had a very exciting week here, Emilio lifted himself up on his hands and knees and tried crawling to his toys! It was so amazing and I was so happy but so sad at the same time. Sad because he is changing so quickly. Sometimes I wish I could just press the pause button on life and enjoy him just as he is this very second. But I know there is a lot of beauty in the change that is to come as well. All this time with him at home has been so rewarding. I couldn't have planned to have him at a better time! Since his birth in December, we have been together all but two and a half months. One month when I had to go back for a block in medical school and the other month and a half to study for Step 1. What an unexpected blessing! I have especially enjoyed the last couple months. He has become SO aware, we can really play. He laughs at funny faces, recognizes sounds and makes my life simple, light and fun! He has even began to notice when I eat without him and he reaches out and looks at me like I forgot about him!  |
| "Hey, what about me!" |
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| Our future kitchen |
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| Our future porch, living and dining rooms |
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| Our future Zen garden |
On the road again, still heading north on Highway 1. Although, we had few problems with the van since leaving San Diego, we were still uneasy after the rough start. The slightest hitch put lumps in our throats, but we pressed on. Although we were supposed to be heading to Fresno, we couldn't resist another day at the beach. Spending the morning and afternoon in a beautiful little spot just south of San Luis Obispo. Emilio was relieved, I'm sure, to be free of the confines of his car seat and able to roll around on the sand! We took in the fresh air, napped on the beach and couldn't resist our last opportunity to jump into the chilly water. It was time to hit the road again and unfortunately leave the cool air of the coast for the dry heat of inland California. Equipped with a huge ice chest filled to the brim with ice, water and snacks, just in case something happened, we were off again. Although it got hot, Emilio was kept cool with the occasional ice bath and we passed the time by reading his books and napping. 
It didn't take us long to arrive to Sanger and we were welcomed to the house by Great Grandma Houghton. She had been anxiously awaiting our arrival, and was sitting right at the front door when we arrived. She too, like Grandma Rose, is doing so well, her mind is so sharp and it makes you realize how frustrating it must be to be trapped in these bodies that cannot keep up. The aches and pains of age must be difficult, but both these women have aged with such grace, and that is inspiring! Our time visiting with Papa, Wan and Great Grandma Houghton was so much fun. It was a nice change of pace from being on the road. Emilio got to sleep in his own little crib, take his much needed naps and have lots of playtime! Kris and Papa spent the evenings catching up well into the night. Too much to talk about and so little time. 
We talked movies, politics, history, genealogy, but mostly about family it seemed. It's trips like this that make me sad that our families are so spread apart. California, Oregon, Hawaii, Florida and New Mexico. 
Wan spoiled us thoroughly with amazing food! French toast with fresh berries and pure maple syrup for breakfast, Thai salmon dinners with fresh jicama salads... it was amazing! My mouth is watering just thinking of it. We stayed there for four days: days spent floating down the creek, reading and resting. Nights filled with laughter, good conversation and food! It seems there just never seems to be enough time with family and upon leaving there is always the deep sense that you are leaving something real and valuable. There are always plans to return soon, but life gets a grip on you, and before you know it, it's been years. 
We left again for Albuquerque early Tuesday morning. We decided to make it home as quickly as we could, but had to stop in Needles, CA for a rest from the heat. We stayed the day in a hotel and left at midnight. Kris and I took turns driving and passed the time singing and playing games. The time went quickly and it stayed cool, even cold as we went through Flagstaff, AZ. Driven by the desire to get Emilio home and the bad news we got of the passing of Uncle Paul, we trucked on. 
