Jackson's "Nan-Nan"

With all of this blogging going on about Jackson, we thought it might be a good idea to post a few pictures of our first "baby"--Mishka. Pete and I decided when living in a one bedroom apartment in Davis about 7 years ago that it would be a great idea to go to the pound and adopt an animal. Something small like a weiner dog or a cat would have been appropriate and way too easy. We, on the other hand, chose a fully grown yellow lab who suffered from separation anxiety and an identity crisis.

Someone dropped Mishka off in a night box without identification tags or any information. The instant we saw her we both fell in love. After bringing her home to our 680 sqft apartment, Pete and I searched the internet for name ideas. There was a lot of discussion over her name but, we ultimately settled on Mishka (Mee-shka). Although, Hannah was my first option and the real reason why 7 years later that Jackson calls her his "Nan-Nan".

If you know me or my family you understand that our animals--and now kids, have numerous names, none of which sound or resemble anything close to their real name. "Nan", was my shortened version of Hannah and made me somewhat feel like I got my way in naming her.

Nan is awesome with Jackson and puts up with him tugging on her ears, running his bull-dozer over her belly and yelling at her at least twice a day. He insists that when he is eating that she needs to sit by him only to watch him eat and not to partake. Although, she does appreciate the cheerios and gold-fish crackers that he leaves all over the house.

She is a lazy, over-weight dog who has bad breath and gets into mischief--or the garbage at least a couple of times a month...but, she is our NAN-NAN and we love her!!!!

Squaw Valley & Northstar at Tahoe Vacation

Oh yes! We spent the last eight days and seven nights in two beautiful locations. We headed out on July 10th (my birthday) and enjoyed three nights at The Village at Squaw Valley. Our condo was beautiful, functional and quite reasonably priced. While at Squaw we attended "Yappy Hour" where all proceeds from the wine are donated to the local Humane Society. Pete and I figured since it was for a good cause, then we should do our part and consume a little wine. I enjoyed an hour-long massage at Trilogy Spa that Pete and Jackson purchased for my birthday, and we all had a blast walking around the Village, eating great food, playing miniature golf, hiking and relaxing in the fresh mid-70 degree weather...

After our fabulous vacation at Squaw, we loaded up and headed to the Tahoe City lake for a few hours. Jackson enjoyed throwing rocks in the water and a picnic lunch in the shade. This was a great afternoon and good time-killer until we could check-in at Northstar.

Once we made it to The Village at Northstar we knew we would have a blast for the next four days. Our condo was BEAUTIFUL, spacious and close to everything in the Village. Jackson absolutely loved the sandboxes, swimming, running, playing chess with pieces that were as big as him and enjoying the free movie night from our balcony.

Pete and I have vacationed several times in Tahoe and feel that both Villages are the way to go from now on. We can't wait to go back!



Watching Kung Fu Panda from the balcony


Swimming in the kiddie pool

Splashing

Working hard in the sand

Tahoe City Lake


The next Tiger Woods

Busy


Throwing rocks in the pond and watching a doggie swim


On our hike

Cute hubby

Eating lunch like a big-boy


Just one of the dogs at Yappy Hour!!


Listening to a concert..and flirting with the singer


Taking a break

Travel-made-easy. At least for 10 minutes!

Dinner with "Bob"

While Yaya (AKA Pete's mom Clio) is in Alaska, "Bob" (AKA Pete's dad Rick) came over for a BBQ. We have tried to get Jackson to refer to Rick as "Pop-Pop" but "Bob" is what seems to fit!

Jackson had a lot of fun sweeping the backyard, reading books and eating dinner with "Bob"!

Uncle Randy & Aunt Jessica's Wedding Day

They finally did it! It may have taken 10.5 years together and one child, but Uncle Randy and Aunt Jessica tied the knot on the 4th of July. It was a very intimate and beautiful outdoor ceremony and reception in Redding at Randy's parent's house. The heat was a little intense at times but we were lucky to have a breeze that surely helped.

Jessica chose pink, black and white as her theme and was gracious enough to allow the bridesmaids to wear flip-flops with our dresses--pink of course. The guys were certainly thrilled to wear a casual attire of khaki shorts, white shirts and flip-flops.

Jackson got a bit upset that he was hanging with the bride-to-be and bridesmaids before the wedding and had a few pre-wedding meltdowns. However, when it was showtime, he was a perfect gentleman. And when I say perfect, I mean that he only had two outbursts during the wedding but didn't throw a complete fit. He did have a blast dancing with his cousins, aunts, uncles and giving his first speech on the microphone..This kid may have a future in broadcasting!