Back in Oklahoma and back to the routine of life as it is. Avery at least seems to be okay with getting back to the program of daycare and the not as exciting parents. We had a great time on the vacation though and i realize now i have not updated since we got to CA in the first place. So why don't i attempt to say a few things just to remind myself later on.

Thursday morning was spent mostly on the back porch watching Avery have a blast since it was 70 degrees, sunny and the grass was very green. So of course she had a great time away from the cold and brown land we have been used to since fall and winter. We got a kick out of watching her fun and play. She even got used to the doggies. She picked up on a lot more words during the trip. It helped to have my parents, sisters, and Uncle Jason there to help. We all gave her lots to say and learn.

Jon and his family arrived and we spent more time on the porch. Then just our little family and theirs headed to the park for lunch. This was the same park i asked Holly to marry me. We watched Lexi and Avery play and enjoy the park together. It was a blast seeing them together and after they got used to each other they became best friends. At first they were shy, but by the end they were leading eachother hand in hand, it was great! Something about those girls, I am looking forward to watching them grow. It was great to have time with Jon and Jess. I gave Jon a copy of the Love Dare book featured in Fireproof. We are going to go through it and keep each other accountable as we learn to love our wives even more. It was hard to see them go but i know we will see them again.

Later that evening I took Holly to the Sycamore Inn the night we were engaged. I owed her a cheese cake, which turned out to be divine! I think i would go back there just for that cheese cake. Anyway it was a wonderful eveing. Friday was mostly stay at home day though we did make it out to the mall a little to show Avery the RainForest cafe. It was good just to spend time with my parents and sisters. Saturday was beach day. We all went out to the hunington dog beach for some fun. Jason wasnt able to go, but the rest of us did along with the two dogs. My sister had her dog along with her.

Avery enjoyed every minute of the ocean and beach as soon as daddy made sure she understood it was safe. We collected shells and felt the sand in our toes! It was so much fun. Sunday was more time spending with family. We also played this future version of Risk which is really fun. I won which never happens so that was a nice treat. I will try to get pics up of the weekend later to show off. Just wanted to recap though.

Its hard to leave California everytime we have to. Being apart from family leaves you with something missing from your life. But I know we will be together again soon for more fun. And I will keep myself busy taking care of my beautiful wife and daugther and see what we can get into. Its also good to have Hollys side of the family here too, it makes it a little easier. All for now, got to get to bed!

As i sit here with my baby girl on my lap in the chill of my parents house, i reflect on the trip so far. I can say this for sure, traveling with a two year old should be avoided if possible, and perhaps would have gone easier if we had given her a little something to make her sleepy. She was already tired and pretty much awake the entire flight screaming her head off making all the other parents on board laugh at memories of their own children being that young. Ah yes.

We are finally in California though and there is a blanket of snow on the mountians. Hopefully today will be warm and sunny and we can enjoy every minute. Part of me wants to hop in the car and go see Jon right now knowing he is at his parents house as well. But that will have to wait till later when they come over after breakfast. It will be so good to see him and Avery will enjoy visiting with Lexi.

So much we will be doing in the next few days, i look forward to the time off. Though leaving work can be hard when you are responsible for so much and you hope its in good hands while you are away. But i cant think about work i need to just relax. At least we are finally here and we will never take a late night flight like that again. Poor miss Avery is so tired, mommy is as well. I seem to be able to operate on four hours of sleep so i think i will make it. My next goal is to find a scanner for some old pics i found here hiding in my parents albums. Those of course way back in the day before digital photos made things so much easier.

Meanwhile i love my dear wife for putting up with the frusteration of tiredness from Avery and me. She is a great wife and i love her so much. Well off to a fun filled day of California.

Yesterday morning we slept in as long as we could, enjoyed a healthy breakfast and cleaned the house for a little while. Once we got that accomplished we hurried off to hollys dads house. Him and Joey watched Avery for us so we could go enjoy the rest of the day together alone. To start off we headed to the beauty parlor to have pedicures and eyebrow wax. This would be a first for me so is was interesting to say the least. I preferred the foot bath more than anything that was fun. After that we went to the bakery for some cupcakes, headed home...
that evening we went to the Air and Space Planetarium where they had a Romance under the stars. It was very fancy, formal, and awesome. We sat under the dome watching the stars along with other people including some board members. It was a great time and very enjoyable Valentines day. Holly got me a new phone and I got her a plate setting Fiestaware Chocolate. Avery got a large stuffed ladybug plush friend. Ill get a pic when i can and post it! Ah so on to the next big holiday which isnt for another month and a half, that being Easter!

It is late into the evening here, and in the chill of my bedroom i hear the sound of my heater trying to kick itself on. Avery is sound asleep and Holly has yet to return from her girls night out. She and some friends went to see a movie so i expect her home anytime now. Its good for her to get out and feel like she is enjoying herself, probably good to get away from me too, just for a little while. I am tired now of course and i wish i was able to get some rest. Its a new month and a new day and weekend. It has been busy too this week which is partly good and keeps me working hard. Anyway i am getting weary even now thinking of it