Family Galore!

Almost two weeks ago now (time is flying!), we had a spontaneous visit from my mom. She was able to fly to CA via my step-sister's Delta perks (standby for some family members-- shout out to Steph!!!), and it was SO nice to have her here. I've settled into a nice summer life here with Alyse during Brandon's long work days and, for the most part, I honestly don't feel like I don't have any friends here :) Not that I don't miss my friends a lot, but it's been a great time to focus on reconnecting with things that are most important-- my relationship with God, Brandon, Alyse, and myself.

Alyse is a really good little companion and I truly enjoy her company (in fact, although it's nice to have break from being a mom, I really miss her when I'm not with her!). BUT, just so I state it once again, it was SO nice to have my mom's company for several days :) We went swimming in our condo pool, explored some new cities (scoping out for possible places to live if Brandon gets a job here), played on playgrounds, went on jogs into downtown Burlingame (and ate lunch/frozen yogurt), went to storytime at the library, and just hung out. Once of the main reasons I wanted to be here for part of the summer is to be with family. To demonstrate my commitment to this goal, let me just say that the week my mom was here, we also got to host the Woodlands for Sunday dinner, and visit my step-mom in the East Bay while my dad was out of town. It. Was. Awesome. Not that I don't love going and visiting people or having them come to us, but to be able to visit for the day or afternoon and then each go our separate ways, back to our own homes, with no one needing to stress over hosting the other family for the night, or weekend, or week, was so great! We got to see each other, but also have some of our own time. Again, I love you family, but you have to admit how great it is to be able to just hang out often instead of once every six months! With all of the family time, Alyse has definitely been the center of attention. We're trying to keep her humble, but when you're so cute it's hard not to feel like you're a princess :)

Alyse (still) looks SO much like Daddy

Even with Brandon's busy internship schedule, we've still snuck in some good hang out time. Yesterday afternoon we all went to the pool, so Alyse could show off her new swimming skills...1, 2, 3, jump!

Grandma Karen visit

Step-mom, Bev, visit