The Adams Family

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY MAN!!!

2012-02-04T17:38:00.000-08:00

To celebrate my hubby's birthday, my mom came up to Manteca and spent the night at our house. She took us out to lunch the next day to Barrett's Favorite (mine too) Sushi restaurant...MIKASA!! This was my mom's FIRST TIME EVER trying Sushi, and SHE LOVED IT!!! YAY!!! We had so much fun spending time with my mom.

THANK YOU SOOOOOO MUCH FOR COMING MOM!!! WE BOTH LOVE YOU VERY MUCH AND LOVED SPENDING SOME GOOD QUALITY TIME WITH YOU AS WELL!! THANK YOU FOR LUNCH AND WE ARE STOKED THAT YOU LOVE SUSHI!!! YAY!!!

On Friday, February 3rd, we had friends come over to celebrate the combined birthday's of Barrett and one of his BFF's, Rustin.

And, of course, us girlies HAVE to take a "MANTECA CHICKAS" pic together anytime we all hang out.

Sarah. Margy. Me. Lisa. Deidra. Kellie.

I don't think Bear likes that Rustin blew out his candles first

Lisa. Rus. Bear. Me

Not sure what the heck Bear is doing in this pic

The gang

Super great birthday party with our friends!

Today, on Bear's Birthday, my brother Rich called me from Sweden asking me to put this little arrangement together.

Balloons. AMP. Birthday Card.

Rich, Sissela, Enya, Eli, and Hans then all sang to Uncle "BRRRRRT" for his birthday.

HAPPY 36th BIRTHDAY BARRETT!!! I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH!!!

Friends

2012-01-31T23:58:00.000-08:00

We are very blessed to have such wonderful friends here in Manteca...we seriously love our friends and are very grateful for them. We always make excuses to hang with our friends...this one is TACO NIGHT at our place.

Denise. Alex. Me. Margy. Lisa. Kellie.

Some of my awesome "Manteca Chickas"

LOVE THEM!!!

Beginning stages of our son's Nursery

2012-01-31T09:39:00.000-08:00

We sold our home on Charles Avenue that we've lived in for the last 6.5 years, and moved into a beautiful rental home at the beginning of January. Our friend, Kellie, is renting out her home to us. She gave us permission to paint the baby's room...and so the nursery project has begun.

This cute pink room is now changing into a blue "Under the Water/Finding Nemo" theme room for our son.

My man was in charge of rolling on the paint while I worked on all the edges (cutting in).

Painting, painting, and more painting

All 4 layers of the blue color are done...now it's time to get creative and blend the layers together

I'm busy blending and making the "Water-Wave Effect"

All done!!!

I love how it came out!

Now it's time to decorate with furniture, shelves, and all the fun Nemo Characters up on the walls. More pics will be coming as we finish up Juniors Room.

Girls night out!!!

2012-01-30T23:59:00.000-08:00

It's been 9 months since I stopped working at Macaroni Grill as a server. I worked there for over 3 years and made some life long friends. Although I don't miss working there, I miss my friends from there...so on a monthly basis a group of us "MAC SHACK GIRLS" try to get together for some much needed girl time.

Jenny. Jackie. Julie.

Me. Heather. Katrina (or "Mama Kat")

Us ladies went out to eat at Texas Roadhouse...super yummy!!!

Julie. Heather. Katrina. Me. Jenny. Jackie.

After dinner we decided to go to Cold Stone for some ice cream. On our way there, we got lost and ended up driving through a muddy field...we thought there was a road...it was seriously hilarious!!! All of us could not stop laughing!!!

Here's Katrina making her sexy ice cream face

My "Milkshake brings all the boys to the yard"

Heather LOVES her milkshake

Julie LOVES her ice cream

Jackie showing us just how sexy ice cream can be

Why use a spoon when you have a tongue to lick up your ice cream, right Jenny??

I love these girls a ton! We all have so much fun together and I always look forward to spending as much time with them as possible.

More Baby Belly Shots

2012-01-30T19:15:00.000-08:00

7 Weeks

8 Weeks

9 Weeks

10 Weeks

I forgot to take a pic during 11 weeks

12 Weeks

13 Weeks

14 Weeks

I forgot to take a picture during Week 15

16 Weeks

17 Weeks

I was unable to get baby belly pictures for weeks 18 and 19

20 Weeks

Week 21

Week 22

Week 23

Pregnancy Journal

Heart Burn has kicked up a notch, I carry tums every where I go
I've gained a total of 15 pounds...my OB reassures me that I'm right where I need to be with my weight gain
We are getting closer to choosing a name for our son, our list of names has narrowed down
We have painted our son's room..."Finding Nemo" is the theme (pics will be posted up later)
Junior is kicking all of the time, so hard at times that he wakes me up during the night...Barrett has been able to finally feel his son kicking too
I definitely have the "Pregnancy Waddle" when I walk
Having the knowledge of my son's healthy heart has helped me really start loving and enjoying my pregnancy
My joints are extremely achy in my hips...warm baths have been a welcome daily treat to my achy pregnant body
I love Oreos in all forms
I love Salt and Vinegar chips and anything with vinegar, mustard, or Ranch on it
I love the excitement surrounding my pregnancy this time...it's a whole different experience being pregnant with this little guy than it was with Trinity...so much sadness surrounded my pregnancy with Trinity...it's such a different WONDERFUL experience this time around
I am falling more and more in love with my son every day...I talk to him all the time and getting anxious to meet him someday...but NOT too soon...he needs to "cook" for another 4 more months

Bath time

2012-01-25T18:07:00.000-08:00

After our fun up to the Seattle area of Washington, we made our drive back home. On our way home, we stopped and spent the night with Megs and Josh in southern Washington.

One of the fun things Megs does with her boys every night is bath time...I, of course, had my camera ready to take photos of my adorable nephews.

Megs would blow bubbles into Mason's face and he made the funniest facial expressions, we were laughing so hard.

Easton just enjoyed the warm water

Such a happy baby boy

Look at these adorable brothers

Once Easton was done with his bath, Megs poured the bath water on top of Mason

Oh the fun times we have in the bath!!!

Road Trip to Washington

2012-01-23T21:33:00.000-08:00

After we stayed in Oregon for a few nights, we drove up to Bremerton, Washington to go stay with our wonderful friends, Derek and Tiffani Frandsen. We all decided to go spend the day in Seattle. We took the Ferry from Bremerton to get over to Seattle.

Me and my man on the Ferry

Us Girls

The Boys

We spent the day touring around the Public Market Center...trying all the samples of food of course

When we visited Pikes Fish Market one of the guys decided to yell at my belly...it was seriously HILARIOUS!!!

Big Fishy

This shirt boutique was hilarious

We tried a lot of the organic locally grown fruit...and it was fabulous!!

After eating lunch, we decided to find a chocolate/ice cream shop for dessert. Here's our amazing friends, Derek and Tiffani!! WE SERIOUSLY LOVE LOVE LOVE THEM!!!

I love my man!

This is the very first Starbucks, right in Downtown Seattle

Little Payton Frandsen was so excited for us to come, he made us a sign. We love you Payton!

The morning before we left, Tiffani took us to one of her favorite breakfast bakery's...can I just say DEEEEE-LISH!!!!

Here's sweet Porter and youngest brother, Paxton. I love these boys so much!

Sweet Porter has been through a very tough year dealing with a brain tumor, surgery, chemotherapy...to say that I dearly love this little man would be an understatement.

Adorable Paxton enjoyed his Chocolate Covered Doughnut

Porter loved his Chocolate Doughnut too

It was a beautiful sunny day in Washington

It was a short trip, but we loved every moment spent with the Frandsen Family. We love you Derek, Tiffani, Payton, Porter, and Paxton! We can't wait to come visit all 5 of you again.

Road Trip to Cannon Beach, Oregon

2012-01-20T21:29:00.000-08:00

Barrett took some time off of work, so we decided to take a quick road trip up to Oregon and Washington. Our first stop was beautiful Cannon Beach, Oregon. We stayed here for 2 nights.

Megs and Josh only live 1.5 hours away from Cannon Beach, so they came and spent the day with us. Look at my adorable Nephew Easton...isn't he the cutest baby boy ever???

Here's handsome, Big Brother Mason playing on the deck of our hotel room

The boys

Us girls...and yes, that's a FRIED TWINKIE!!! Yep, we've officially tried a fried twinkie...it was good, but nothing I need to have again. Mainly it tasted like a pancake.

Mason loved the candy store in Seaside, Oregon

I love taking pictures of my beautiful nephews...Mason was so cute holding the umbrella that I just HAD to take a picture

Here we are in Seaside, Oregon at the end of the Louis and Clark Trail

I love my baby nephew Easton

All of us went out to dinner and had the BEST SMORE'S DESSERT EVER!!!

Yep!!! It tasted as good as it looked

We had a super fun day with Megs, Josh, and the boys...now we are off to Washington to go visit our friends, Derek and Tiffani Frandsen...

Disneyland and California Adventure

2012-01-03T22:37:00.000-08:00

To ring in the new year, Grammy and Grampa Holdaway wanted to take all of us to Disneyland. So we all drove down to Southern California and spent two days at Disneyland and California Adventure. Since Sissela had never been to Disneyland, she (along with the rest of us) were all super excited to go.

Enya and Eli loved pretending to be "TOYS" as they posed inside the toy box

Flying Fun

Barrett. Eli. Enya. Sissela. Rich. Baby Easton

I love my family!!!

Handsome little Mason

The Boys

Cutie Pa-Tootie baby Easton

The Girls

Our Baby Bumps

Roller Coaster fun in Toon Town

Enya loved spinning super fast on the tea cups

We were all so excited that Sissela finally had the chance to go to Disneyland...Yay!!!

Thank you mom and dad for the super fun family vacation to Disneyland. WE LOVE YOU!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Family Pictures

2011-12-31T22:22:00.000-08:00

Sissela. Rich. Eli. Enya. (The Holdaway Family)

Beautiful kiddos

Congratulations Rich and Sissela...little baby Holdaway is due in July 2012!!!

Josh. Megs. Mason. Baby Easton (The Roberts Family)

Beautiful Couple

The Adams Family

Barrett. Me. Angel Trinity. Baby boy Adams

Grammy and Grampa Holdaway

I love my family

Grammy & Grandpa with the adorable grandkids

Merry Christmas 2011 and Happy New Year 2012!!!

Fetal Echo Cardiogram for our baby

2011-12-29T21:44:00.000-08:00

On Thursday December 29th, we had our fetal echo cardiogram, a detailed ultasound of the baby's heart. On our way to the appointment, we were both a nervous wreck...Barrett was quiet, and I was crying...both of us hoping for good news, but dreading our "genetics" reality of bad news.

So at the appointment, the first thing they went to was our baby's heart. Do you see all four chambers? As soon as we got the news that our baby's heart is HEALTHY, I completely broke down again...words honestly can not express the immense stress relief and joy I felt all at the same time. Trinity's heart only developed 2 chambers...seeing a 4-chambered heart is honestly one of the most beautiful things in the world!!!

After the wonderful news of our baby's healthy heart, they did a thorough ultrasound of the rest of the organs. Lungs, kidneys, bladder, stomach, bones, face, liver, etc. all show normal and healthy development!!!

And last, but not least, we found out we are having a baby boy!

A BEAUTIFUL HEALTHY BABY BOY!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

2011-12-26T23:46:00.000-08:00

Monday December 26th, we celebrated Christmas together as a family. Here's Enya and Eli anxiously waiting to open up all the gifts that Santa brought

Santa left a Thank You note along with an empty plate with crumbs showing the kids that he ate the goodies they left out for him.

Time to open up presents!!!

Eli loved his new shirt

Mason was super excited to open up his present

Enya showing us the new shirt she got

A cool new tent/tunnel set for Mason

Grammy with her christmas pj's on and sweet baby Easton who just woke up

Sissela loved her new toy from Rich...HILARIOUS!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

"Christmas Eve" Celebrations on Dec. 25th

2011-12-25T23:12:00.000-08:00

Since Barrett had to work Christmas Day, we did our "Christmas Eve Celebrations" on Christmas Day and celebrated Christmas on the 26th of December. Here on the kids anxious to open up a gift.

We went over to our cousins, the Nordstroms, in Hollister and spent Christmas Day with all of them. Beautiful Christy with my beautiful mommy

Time to EAT!!! YUMMY!!!!

Cousins...Rich and Leif...silly boys

Preggie Moms-to-be!!! Me. Christy. Sissela.

I love my cousin Leif...and his daughter Catherine is one amazing young lady

Family together...I love my family!!!

After we got home from the Nordstroms, it's tradition to open up christmas pajamas from Grammy...Here's Enya and Eli showing off their new cozy pj's

Us 3 girls got matching cozy pajamas

Rich with his new cozy pajamas

After opening up the pj's from Grammy, all of the kids jumped into bed anxiously waiting for Santa Clause to come and visit...

Family Fun

2011-12-22T22:32:00.000-08:00

My nephew, Eli, loves dogs so much, he wanted to hang out with Buddy in Buddy's crate...HILARIOUS!!!

Merry Early Christmas to Rich...he loves Barrett's homemade BBQ sauce, and we decided to name it "Cholopopolito Sauce"...and silly name Rich made up a while ago.

Sissela and Enya prepping for the Swedish party...making traditional swedish meatball sandwiches

THEY ARE SOOOOOOOOOO GOOD!!!

Brothers...Rich and Dean

Cousin...Eli holding baby Easton

Sisters...and yes, BOTH of us are pregnant!!!

Eli had so much fun playing with his cousin Mason

We all piled into the cars and drove to Carmel for the day...beautiful day at the beach!!! Cousins played together...Eli...Enya...Mason

Uncle "WEE-CHEE" had so much fun playing with the kids on the beach

Happy little Baby Mason

Enya and Eli running after their papa

The boys playing in the water

Two of my favorite girls in the world...my beautiful mom and my beautiful sister

My shadow's BABY BUMP!!!

I love love love my niece Enya

Fun day in Monterey and our 14th Anniversary

2011-12-21T07:56:00.000-08:00

We decided to spend the day with Rich, Sissela, and the kids (Enya and Eli) by doing lots of fun stuff. We started off the day having breakfast at good ol' O.D.'s cafe...the best breakfast in Gilroy!!

Look at these two handsome guys!!! Uncle Bear and Eli

Here's Papa (Rich) with his beautiful princess Enya

Rich. Bear. Eli. Me. Sissela...Enya was our little photographer at Breakfast

BROTHERS!!!

After breakfast, we went over to Walmart to finish up some Christmas shopping. Then we headed down to Monterey. Such a BEAUTIFUL SUNNY DAY in Monterey, CA. We started at the Wharf.

Welcome to the Candy Shop

Enya and Eli standing next to the homemade Taffy Machine in the Candy Shop

Rich found his favorite beanie in one of the gift shops...he couldn't stop laughing while wearing it

Enya wanted to get in on the action...hilarious!!!

Boat harbor next to Monterey Bay Fisherman's Wharf

Today was also our 14 year Anniversary!!! Can not believe we've been married for 14 years now. I LOVE MY MAN FOREVER!!! xoxoxoxo

Here's the classic pic that Rich's loves to take when he's the photographer...let's squish the people in the picture

After Fisherman's Wharf, we drove over to Cannery Row and ate at BUBBA GUMP'S Shrimp Co.

I love my brother!!!

I LOVE this little family

We had a super great time together in Monterey!!! It was super fun spending the day with Rich, Sissela, and the kids while we celebrated them being here in California along with celebrating our 14 year Anniversary.

HAPPY 14 YEAR ANNIVERSARY BARRETT!!! I LOVE YOU FOREVER!!!!

More growing belly pics

2011-12-16T09:59:00.000-08:00

7 Weeks

8 Weeks

9 Weeks

10 Weeks

I forgot to take a pic during 11 weeks

12 Weeks

13 Weeks

14 Weeks

I forgot to take a picture during Week 15

16 Weeks

Pregnancy Journal:

Baby kicks are getting stronger and more regular. I've been feeling the kicks for about 8 weeks now.
Morning Sickness has pretty much left...THANK GOODNESS
I have more energy and don't require as much sleep
Heart burn is starting to kick in...Tums are my new favorite candy
I'm craving BLT's on a Daily basis, actually I just LOVE bacon right now
I'm sleeping less and less due to achy hips and a constant full bladder...naps are needed on a daily basis.
I'm already starting to grow out of some of the maternity clothes given to me by my sister, Megs, and my friend, Lisa. This is what happens when you start off as a 32DD and they both are much smaller in that category then I am. So I've recently been looking on craigslist and found a girl with my same "BUSTY-NESS" who's selling all of her maternity clothing for cheap. YAY!!! I'll check them out this weekend!!!
Ironically, some people who have been meeting me for the first time still can't tell I'm pregnant...really??? I guess a basketball shaped gut is the norm for woman these days???
As far as the health of our baby, we will find out in 2 weeks how the baby's heart is doing. I'm very nervous, anxious, and really really HOPING for a good healthy heart. Until then, I'm trying to stay busy to keep my mind off of the worries and stress.

Annual Carey-Holdaway Christmas

2011-12-13T21:13:00.000-08:00

Saturday December 10th, we got together with my parents, Barrett's parents, and Barrett's siblings (and families) to celebrate our Annual Christmas gathering together. I made Melted Snowman Cookies for the cookie exchange.

We all went to visit Trinity's grave. Auntie Cassie, Cousin Conrad and Cousin Reili were all great helpers in cleaning up Trinity's headstone.

We all gathered around Trinity's grave, took pics, and sang Christmas Carols. "Silent Night" was one song that was extremely difficult for me to sing.

Merry Christmas Trinity!!!

~Cousins~

Bear had fun grabbing my preggie belly

~Grandparents~

~The Luce Family~

Katie came out from Utah to surprise all of us. Here's Katie, Cassie, and Barrett...SIBLINGS...(We missed you Cari girl!!!)

Newlyweds ~ Breanna and Daniel (Trinity's Cousins)

Sending HUGS and KISSES up to Trinity...

WE LOVE YOU VERY MUCH TRINITY!!! YOU ARE LOVED AND MISSED EVERYDAY BABY GIRL!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TRINNIE GIRL!!!!

Good-bye Dinner with Gary and Sharon

2011-12-01T12:53:00.000-08:00

Gary and Sharon are one of our dear dear friends. They are moving in December to Kansas City and we will miss them SO VERY MUCH!!!! My parents and us, both decided to take Gary and Sharon out to dinner at The Olive Garden to celebrate our friendship and let them know how much we love them...and how much we will miss them.

My mom. Sharon. Me

Barrett. Gary. My dad.

I love my parents!! They are truly the best parents EVER!!!

Beautiful Couple...Gary and Sharon

Me with my handsome man

Gary. My mom. Sharon

Gary. Me. Sharon.

WE LOVE YOU GUYS!!! WE WILL MISS YOU GUYS SOOOOOOOO MUCH!!! BESTIES FOREVER!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T12:35:00.000-08:00

We spent Thanksgiving at Cassie and Shawn's house (Barrett's sister and Hubby). As a tradition, we like making Turkey Cookies for the Thanksgiving Holiday.

Here's adorable Conrad with his personalized Turkey Cookie that he made all by himself.

Beautiful Payton just wanted chocolate on top of chocolate

TURKEY COOKIES!!!!

Cassie and I were busy in the kitchen making our Thanksgiving Feast

Chandler and Reili both helped out Uncle Barrett to deep fry the Turkey

Appetizers!!! Deeee-Lish!!!!

Breanna, Payton, Uncle Barrett, and Moriah all playing games

DESSERTS!!!

I obviously forgot to take pics of our Thanksgiving Dinner, but overall we stuffed ourselves and had a fabulous time together. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Tribute to my "B.A.R.F."

2011-11-12T22:00:00.000-08:00

B.A.R.F. stands for "Best Amigas Really Forever"

One of my longest best friends is Kristie (Metz) Lawrence. We met when I moved to California in 1990 (we met in 8th Grade)...and ironically the man she's married to, Scott Lawrence, was my first "Crush" in California. I met him at a church activity during the Summer of 1990 and thought he was so cute...I STILL LOVE SCOTTY TO THIS DAY!!!!

So Kristie and I became friends right off. One of our first pictures together was our Sophomore year in Track...aren't we cute? ~Spring 1993~

As the years went on, we got closer and became best friends forever. Here we are at our Junior Prom in 1994

Being Best Friends, we were inseparable at times. So what better costume to do than be Siamese Twins during our Senior Year of High School. ~Halloween 1994~

No best friendship is "Formal" until you have your official "Best Friend" portraits done together right? ~Spring 1995~

During our Senior Year, Scott Lawrence (my first California crush) and my best friend Kristie hooked up and became boyfriend and girlfriend. For my 18th birthday, they kidnapped me out of bed and drove me around in the "Mindy-Mobile"...I was in my pj's all day and un-showered...it was embarrassing but hilarious at the same time. ~May 2nd, 1995~

Scotty became one of my best guy friends in High School...it was the complete perfect friendship when he started dating my best friend. I couldn't be happier!!! Here's Scotty and I being silly on our Senior Trip in 1995

Kristie and I at our Senior Grad Night at the High School...we partied all night til way past 4am. ~June 1995~

During the Summer of 1997, I met Barrett Adams and started dating him. By the end of the summer I was engaged. Kristie was also "promised" to Scott...because someday soon they would be getting engaged. It was time to take "Best Friend" pictures again, and if you look closely, we are both showing off our new rings from the loves of our lives.

Summer 1997 ~ Best Friends Forever

Kristie was living in Riverside, CA going to school to get her Bachelor's degree in Accounting. As one last "BEST FRIEND HOORAH", I drove down to southern Cali. to spend the weekend with Kristie...this was weeks before I was going to be "MRS. BARRETT ADAMS" ~Fall 1997~

No matter what, we always brought out eachother's silly side

December 20, 1997 ~ Kristie was my Maid of Honor in my wedding

January 15, 2000 ~ I was Kristie's Matron of Honor

Two of my best friends, were now Mr. and Mrs. Scott Lawrence ~June 2000~

Over the last decade, Kristie and I have remained close. We love each other like sisters. She and Scotty have been there for us multiple times during our tragic years of Trinity's surgeries, and later on Trinity's death. No matter what, they have always been there for me...I love Scott and Kristie like family. and always wish we lived closer to them.

~2011~ This last summer Scott and Kristie came to visit California (they live in Colorado now). We went to lunch and spent time with them during their short visit to California.

And, of course, we needed to take another Best Friend Portrait...

Little did Kristie and I know that we would be traveling down the same exact path together. Kristie called me up a few weeks ago to tell me that her and Scott are expecting their FIRST BABY!!! I was extremely shocked and excited!!! I couldn't stop screaming on the phone for them. Kristie also told me that, IRONICALLY, their little munchkin is due on MY BIRTHDAY!!! MAY 2nd!!!! I told Kristie that if they end up having a girl, they are naming her after me. HAHAHAHAHAHA!

Little baby Lawrence ~ Due May 2, 2012

After Kristie told me her amazing shocking news, I decided I needed to tell her about mine. I was only 10 weeks pregnant and hadn't told anyone yet that I was pregnant, but there was no way I couldn't tell her...especially with the irony of this whole situation. She was shocked and excited for me too.

Little baby Adams ~ Due May 25, 2012

So here are two best friends, Mindy and Kristie

who've had so much history together

Two best friends

who are now both pregnant

just weeks apart from each other

I still can not believe I'm walking down this pregnancy path with my best friend, Kristie...who knows, this may set up our babies to follow the footsteps of their mommies and be best friends forever!!!

Congratulations Kristie and Scott!!! Words can not express how much I love you guys and how happy I am for you both!

Ultrasound at 12 Weeks

2011-11-12T20:09:00.000-08:00

On Friday, 11-11-11, Barrett and I drove to San Jose for the 12 week ultrasound of our baby. Being considered "High Risk", this was my 3rd ultrasound since we found out about our pregnancy.

Little tiny profile

So comfy and cozy inside

I already love this little munchkin so much!!!

To think, this little one is only the size of a Lime

Checking out the spine...and monitoring the heart rate...both are normal! YAY!

Looking at the brain development in this picture...the brain is developing normal! YAY!

The things they were looking for in this ultrasound are any abnormalities of:

1. the neck size, which indicates Down Syndrome

2. the spine development, looking for spina bifida

3. the brain development, looking for any malformation of the brain

So far everything is HEALTHY!!!! We are scheduled for our next BIG ultrasound...the Fetal Echo Cardiogram on December 29th. This will tell us how our baby's heart is. I am very anxious, nervous, and hoping for GOOD HEALTHY NEWS on that day. Just thinking about it makes me cry. I know I will be a teary mess on that day. I will be 18 weeks pregnant with this little munchkin when I have the next ultrasound. We found out about Trinity's heart defect when I was 20 weeks pregnant. Please pray that our babies heart is healthy.

"Breaking the News" to family and friends

2011-11-12T19:23:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday night, November 2nd, we drove down to Gilroy to go out to dinner with both of our parents. We gave each parent a framed picture of Angel Trinnie telling them she's going to be a BIG SISTER!!!

To say we shocked them is an understatement...tears, hugs, and "I can't believe this" was pretty much the theme for the night.

Grammy "to the 6th power"

Me. My Mom. Barrett's Mom.

Steve. Barrett. My Dad

Me and my awesome dad!!

We told Rich and Sissela over Skype...they were totally shocked and couldn't believe it either!

We told Megs and Josh over Skype...Megs and I were BOTH a teary mess

On Thursday night, November 4th, we went out to dinner with some dear friends of ours and told them the exciting news. They were shocked and excited as well!

Me. Sharon.

Jeneen. Me.

Barrett. Tim.

Beautiful Faith Hamilton...one of Trinnie's best little friends. Faith and Trinity met in the hospital and have been kindred spirits since. Faith still has Trinity's picture in her bedroom.

Gary. Barrett.

On Friday night, November 5th, I went out with a group of my girlfriends from Macaroni Grill. We went to BJ's restaurant to go visit one of our favorite managers that we used to work with, Brandon. They were all super excited when I broke the news of our pregnancy.

Julie. Brandon. Me.

Heather. Jenny. Jackie

Saturday afternoon for lunch, I was going to meet up in Merced with two of my dear dear friends, Michelle and Shannon to break the news to them in person. Unfortunately my morning sickness was sooooo bad Saturday morning and early afternoon, throwing up all morning. I had to cancel. So I called them on the phone and told them over the phone. We all cheered and cried together. They were both very very shocked.

On Saturday night, November 6th, I went out with a group of my girlfriends here in Manteca to celebrate Alexandra's Birthday. I almost didn't make it to this girls night out, since my morning sickness was sooooooo bad all day. We, of course, all cried together as I told them the news. They were all very shocked and couldn't believe it.

April. Denise. Alexandra. Me. Margy.

We sent a copy of this picture too all of our siblings...

Many different phone calls with family and close friends over the weekend congratulating us and crying with us. This news not only came as a complete and total shock to us, it came as a complete and total shock to all of our friends and family as well.

On Monday November 7th, I announced our pregnancy through this blog, emails, and on facebook. We have had non-stop emails, texts, comments, phone calls, etc. from so many family members and friends. I have felt so much love and support from so many people praying for a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby...I love my family and friends with all of my heart and I'm soooooo thrilled that they all know now. It really is a miracle that we are pregnant again! I still can not believe it at times.

My growing belly

2011-11-10T22:05:00.000-08:00

I've tried to remember to take pictures every week to document my growing belly. Sorry about the iPhone pictures...I didn't always have someone else to take my weekly belly shot...

7 Weeks

8 Weeks

9 Weeks

10 Weeks

I forgot to take a pic during 11 weeks

12 Weeks

Most of my pants are no longer fitting...and since it's been 10 years from my last pregnancy (yep, I was pregnant with Trinity in 2001!!! She would be 9 and a half now!!! CRAZY!!!), I obviously no longer have maternity clothes. Which is why I'm super grateful that my awesome sister Megs will lend me all of her maternity clothing...THANKS MEGS!!!!

Since this will be my last pregnancy, I want to document the experiences I'm going through, don't feel like you have to read it...I'm doing this for my own journal:

Morning sickness has kicked in full force, I'm nauseated all day, every day and have thrown up a few times
I'm sleepy ALL day long...going to school full time Monday thru Friday has been a struggle to stay awake and alert in class...I have 4 weeks left of school -- TRYING to stay motivated, although it's not working too well.
I'm craving Hamburgers and Fries everyday (SO NOT APART OF MY USUAL DIET...HAHAHA!!!). I'm also craving Jamba Juice's Chocolate Moo'd (which I make at home), whole milk, pomegranates, and Mexican Food...lots of cheese and sour cream = happy tummy!
I'm also starting to feel very faint "Flutters", and since I've been pregnant before, I know it's not muscle twitches or gas...it's my "LIME SIZE" baby moving around!!!!
I have gained 4 pounds and love handles...grrrrrr!!! Those dreaded love handles were GONE and now they are back.
I have had a GINORMOUS amount of love, support, and prayers along with congratulations all over the place...it has been extremely humbling to feel soooooooo much support and love from so many people. I have to say, I am one very blessed girl to have the family and friends I have in my life.
My anxiety has been high for two reasons: 1) My only experience of motherhood is a chronic ill baby...and because of that, it's very easy for me to travel down that same "Chronic Ill/Bad News" path, and 2) I was spotting almost everyday from week 6 til week 10. That was very unsettling, since spotting is associated with miscarriage. I'm doing what I can to NOT worry, but that's like asking water not to be wet.
I'm considered High Risk due to our history with Trinity, my age, and the spotting that took place. I've already had several ultrasounds and have my next one tomorrow (Friday). The baby is still too small to see the development of the heart and other vital organs. But for now, everything continues to come back "Normal". I'm hoping and praying that we will find out everything is HEALTHY with our baby in the next coming months. I do not care about having a boy over a girl or vice versa...I ONLY CARE ABOUT HAVING A HEALTHY BABY!!!

Our ironic journey called "Parenthood" (long post)

2011-11-05T11:22:00.000-07:00

"Will Barrett and Mindy have any more kids?"

Although this question doesn't necessarily get brought up to Barrett and I, we do know this is the question on many minds out there. Why wouldn't it be? I've had the same question in my mind with other families who've lost a child. So let me give some background to help answer this question...

Many of you know that years ago Genetic Counseling gave us a 1 in 4 chance of giving birth to another child with a heart defect, a 1 in 10 chance of giving birth to another child with Trinity's same heart defect (Hypo-plastic Left Heart Syndrome...aka HLHS). Risky statistics right? Well, as the years went by, meeting other heart families who risked it to have other children, many families had ANOTHER child born with a heart defect. So not only were we given these statistics, but we've seen first hand that it very well can happen...AGAIN. So...years ago we decided never to get pregnant again.

After Trinity passed away in September 2007, we were heart broken (obviously)...but continued with the same mind frame of not getting pregnant ever again. We knew someday we would adopt when we were ready.

Well, a few more years passed, and after Barrett graduated the CHP Academy in February 2010, we both decided to TRY AGAIN to get pregnant. We did not make this public news. Why? First of all, it really wasn't anyone's business, but mainly we didn't want the pressure or questions of curious people.

So long story short, we started trying in February 2010, 6 months passed with no baby in site. During the Summer of 2010 we decided to let our parents know that we were trying.

January 2011, still no baby...so we both got tested to see if maybe our bodies are no longer able to get pregnant. Tests came back normal. So we continued to try.

After a year and a half of trying, getting tested, taking herbal Indian root pills that increased fertility, doing everything the fertility books told us to do...Summer 2011 came, still no baby.

When we got back from our trip to Sweden in July 2011, we had a long talk and decided not to try anymore. We decided to make things permanent, Barrett scheduled his vasectomy, we both felt good about this decision to close the "Pregnancy Door" in our life. I had a huge sense of relief. I no longer needed to worry about my age or risking our chances of having ANOTHER heart baby. Adoption is something we can do anytime, and there are hundreds of beautiful healthy babies born looking for a loving mommy and daddy. We now opened up the "ADOPTION DOOR" permanently. We then informed our parents (who knew we were trying) about our change of plans.

Our "CHANGE OF PLANS" consisted of:

1. Me finishing school (I'm in the process of getting my Bachelor's Degree in Nursing)

2. Working out to the point of insanity (aka. body building)

3. And lastly, plan to adopt in a few years.

August 2011, I started fall semester at school. Life was busy, but we were happy about the new path we were walking in life...

However, as we know, life usually doesn't go with our "Plans" right?

Because look what we found out on Friday September 23, 2011...

YEP...WE ARE PREGNANT!!!!!

Angel Trinity's younger sibling will arrive sometime around May 25, 2012!!!

(don't worry, we were just as shocked as all of you are right now)

Annual Halloween Party at the Nelson's

2011-10-16T21:35:00.000-07:00

For Halloween I dressed up as a Female Jock...look at them ROCK HARD ABS!!!

You like the crazy long eyelashes?? Nope, they aren't real

Lisa - The Indian, Me - The Female Jock...we were each others date to the party

Sarah as Garth, Amanda as an old big booty lady, Lisa as an Indian, and Me, the Jock

Me and Margy

Lisa. Me. Margy.

Me with the "Wayne's World" duo and the "Static Cling" duo

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

Easton Taylor Roberts

2011-10-10T21:01:00.000-07:00

I'm an AUNTIE AGAIN!!! Easton Taylor Roberts, born September 21, 2011, to Megan and Joshua Roberts.

On Thursday, October 6th, My mom and I took a quick road trip up to Washington to go meet Easton. Here's Big Brother Mason...who's THRILLED that he opened up the marker all by himself

Grammy with her newest grandchild

Auntie "Minit" (the nickname my brother and sister's kids call me), LOVES baby Easton

Mom was hard at work in the kitchen cooking up 5 meals for Megs and Josh to have throughout the week.

Auntie and baby nap time

BATH TIME

Big brother Mason LOVES reading books...Grammy loves reading to Mason

TICKLE TORTURE!!!!

precious newborn baby feetsies

We Love You Easton!!! Welcome to the family!!!!

It was a quick 3 day trip, but we had a wonderful time

HAPPY 60th BIRTHDAY MOMMY!!!!

2011-09-29T22:22:00.000-07:00

To celebrate my mom's 60th birthday, Barrett and I took my parents on a double date to San Fransisco. We started off our double date touring through the "Palace of Fine Arts"

This park is one of my FAVORITE places in San Fransisco...it's beautiful architecture reminds me of the architecture you find throughout Europe.

We went inside the Exploratorium, but didn't pay to go through. So we just enjoyed this super cool digital monitor...can you see all four of us?

We continued to walk around the Palace of Fine Arts to enjoy every bit of it's beauty

Beautiful Swans taking a break from the lake

We then went to "The House of Prime Rib" for dinner...can I just say AMAZING FOOD!!!

The house of prime rib is an English style restaurant that serves ONLY prime rib with authentic English trimmings (creamed spinach, creamed corn, mashed potatoes, and yorkshire pudding)

Here's our BIRTHDAY GIRL!!!! I can not believe she is 60...because MAYBE she looks 40?? You are one beautifully young person mommy...and I LOVE YOU!!!!

You can't go to San Fransisco and NOT go enjoy Ghirardelli Square

I've NEVER been disappointed by the amazing Ghirardelli Chocolate Sundae's

HAPPY 60th BIRTHDAY MOMMY!!! WE HAD SUCH A WONDERFUL DOUBLE DATE WITH YOU AND DAD!!! WE LOVE YOU VERY MUCH!!!!

My ankle injury

2011-09-22T21:55:00.000-07:00

During an early morning run at the beginning of September, I stepped on an apple that I did not see. My ankle snapped, and instantly I fell to the ground. Luckily a neighbor saw me and came to my rescue, I could not walk home...I would've had to crawl. Here I am icing my ankle before I decided I needed to go to the E.R. (sorry about the iPhone pics...that was the easiest way to take pics at the time)

My wonderful friend, Lisa Stephenson, took me to the E.R. to x-ray my ankle...is it broken???

Luckily my ankle didn't break, but it was sprained pretty bad. I was given strict instructions to follow "R.I.C.E." (rest, ice, compression, and elevation)...I was an obedient girl.

Later on, we went out to dinner so I could show off my flashy new crutches

One swollen ankle

As the weeks passed, the swelling went down, but the bruise continued to stay

This ankle will take a long time to fully recover...which will prevent me from working out the way I normally do. :-( Bummer :-(

~ Trinity's 4 year anniversary ~

2011-09-16T18:08:00.000-07:00

Today marked 4 years since our precious Trinity passed away...

Balloons. Flowers. Family. Friends

We each wrote messages of Love to Trinity

Sending up "Hugs", "Kisses", and a lot of "Love" to our Angel Trinnie Bin

WE LOVE YOU TRINITY MELINDA ADAMS!!! We can not believe it has been 4 years since had to say good-bye to you. You are always remembered, we miss you everyday, and we love you FOREVER!!!

After visiting Trinity's grave, we all went to Famous Daves to eat lunch together.

Andy, Liz, and their precious new baby boy, Bradley joined us for lunch

Forever Loved...Never Forgotten

2011 Charity Garage Sale

2011-08-06T20:57:00.000-07:00

Every year, in honor of our precious angel Trinity, we do something special for the sick kids in the hospital. This year we needed to raise money for therapy iPads for the chronically ill kids at the Children's Recovery Center.

To help raise money for the chronically ill kids at CRC, we've been collecting everyone's unwanted "JUNK" to sell in a huge garage sale...

Our garage was transformed into a small "Thrift Store". We then opened up a 3-day Garage Sale at our home. Our goal was to raise $2000 for the kiddos at the Children's Recovery Center. We were able to raise $1700!!! It was a lot of work, but was worth it!!!

Thanks to those of you who donated items for us to sell, thanks to those of you who donated time to help us out in the garage sale, thanks to those of you who donated money towards our cause, and thanks to those of you who came to shop!!! WE COULD NOT HAVE DONE THIS HUGE EVENT WITH OUT ALL OF YOU!!!

WE LOVE YOU BABY GIRL!!!! WE MISS YOU EVERY DAY!!!!

Mason is 2 Years Old!!!

2011-07-29T20:27:00.000-07:00

Megs, Josh, and Mason came to California to visit family, enjoy the Gilroy Garlic Festival, and celebrate Mason's 2nd birthday at our house...Do I hear, SWIM PARTY???!!! (oh, and yes, my sis isn't fat, she's just 7+ months pregnant with another BOY!!!! WOO-HOO!!!)

This adorable couple is Melanie and Justin, BFF's to Megs and Josh

Buddy and Tia reunited...and they were two very happy pups to play together again

CARS THEME!!! To say that Mason loves Cars, would be the understatement of the century.

It's time for Presents!!!!

Everyone loved presents...especially the other kiddos who wanted to help Mason open up his gifts

CAKE TIME!!!!

Mason was super excited about his "MAA-KEEN" cake (translation: lightning McQueen)

And Mason DIGS IN

3 GENERATIONS...Grammy, Mommy, and Mason

The cutest messy fingers and toes EVER!!!

Mason was hilarious to watch as he got messier eating his cake

Then the "Sugar Coma" kicked in

ULTIMATE DESTRUCTION OF THE "MAAA-KEEEN" CAKE

Now it's POOL TIME!!!!

Everyone had a fun time swimming, it was a super hot day...

But the most important thing...Mason had a super fun Cars Birthday...he was a pretty happy kid all day.

HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY MASERS!!! AUNTIE MINIT, UNCLE BEAR, AND ANGEL TRINITY ALL LOVE YOU VERY VERY MUCH!!!

Yosemite

2011-07-24T17:31:00.000-07:00

After we got home from Sweden, Barrett had a few days off still before going back to work, so we decided to make a quick trip up to beautiful Yosemite, and hike around all day.

We first hiked up to Bridal Veil Falls

Next we hiked up to Vernal Falls...the misty trail had a BEAUTIFUL rainbow

The top of Vernal Falls

Beautiful Surroundings!!!!

Beautiful Nevada Falls

Getting ready to hike up to the top of Nevada Falls

We're at the top of Nevada falls, enjoying a much needed break

The water was refreshingly freezing to our hot bodies. We put our feet in, I drenched my hat and shirt in the water, and put them back on...it felt GLORIOUS!!!!

After our break on top of Nevada Falls, we turned back to hike back down to Yosemite Valley

The rainbow on the misty trail was more prominent on our way down...it was breathtaking and I HAD to snap another shot of it

So much rushing water...nature is amazingly beautiful and powerful

Beautiful Half Dome

There are many of these little guys running around waiting for you to feed them

It was a HOT day up at Yosemite, so the freezing waters were a popular retreat for all the tourists

Beautiful Half Dome, Beautiful Yosemite Valley, A Beautiful Sunny Day...and we had a BLAST!!!

Sweden (day 26) - Our last day

2011-07-18T00:01:00.000-07:00

Today, our last full day in Sweden, was also Sissela's 25th Birthday. We started the day with balloons, a banner, and an American Snowball with a candle in it for Sissela

We then woke up Sissela and sang happy birthday to her

Later we went and had American Hamburgers at MAX's burger joint in downtown Goteborg.

BURGERS!!! YUMMINESS!!!!

Later we went to the mall, and look what I found...CALIFORNIA!!!

Beautiful Enya hanging out with Uncle Barrett

For dessert, we all went to our favorite dessert cafe, Eva's Paley

Swedish "Cloud Cake", definitely one of my FAVORITE desserts!!!

Swedish lemon cheesecake with raspberry sauce

Our last day was a wonderful day! WE LOVE YOU RICH, SISSELA, ENYA, and ELI!!! WE HAVE ENJOYED SPENDING THE MONTH WITH YOU GUYS AND WILL MISS ALL 4 OF YOU SO MUCH!!!!

Goodbye Sweden...early tomorrow morning, back home to America we go...

Sweden (day 25) - Sissela's Homecooking

2011-07-17T23:37:00.000-07:00

As our days in Sweden were coming to an end, Sissela made us a really special Swedish Dinner...

Sissela is one amazing cook!!! Her Swedish dinner was AMAZING!!!! Thank you so much Sissela!!! Thank you for introducing us to so many amazing things with your Swedish Culture

Sweden (day 24) - Birthday Celebrations for Sissela

2011-07-16T23:27:00.000-07:00

We went "Undercover" as we began Sissela's Birthday Celebrations

Once her blindfold came off, she was given her first clue...and then her scavenger hunt began

She found her first present!!!

She also found her 2nd set of clues at the beach

Her 2nd set of clue took her to this fabulous restaurant

The chef had her next gift

The third set of clues have been presented

Sissela and the kids run to the pier

Sissela was led to the church, for her next birthday present, and the 4th set of clues

Sissela found her next present!!

The clues led Sissela to her favorite icecream store

Sissela found her next present!!!

Hans enjoyed the WALL-OF-CANDY at the icecream shop

We enjoyed some DEEEEE-LISH-OUS Swedish Ice Cream

After our ice cream break, Sissela was given her next set of clue that led her to Eva's Paley Cafe

Sissela LOVED her scavenger hunt that Rich did for her

After the scavenger hunt, we went to Sissela's parents to celebrate Sissela's birthday dinner

PRESENTS!!!!

FABULOUS SWEDISH HOME COOKED FOOD!!!!

Family gathered together enjoying dinner together for Sissela's birthday

Time to open presents

I love my brother!!!

Hans is one of Sissela's and my brother's best friends in Sweden, he's an awesome guy!

Sissela's God Parents...such a sweet couple

Sissela with Gramma Ebba

Time for the birthday cake...also known as birthday TORTA!!!!

HAPPY 25th BIRTHDAY SISSELA!!! It was a super fun day!!!

Sweden (day 23) - Trip to Copenhagen Denmark

2011-07-15T19:21:00.000-07:00

Today, we all piled into the car, and took a road trip to Denmark. We got to experience a Ferry Ride over to Denmark, but this particular Ferry lets you drive your cars onto it.

After we drove our car onto the Ferry, the back of the Ferry closed, and off we went

Oh what a BLUSTERY day

LOOK!!! IT'S DENMARK!!!!

Back in the car, drove off the Ferry, drove into the country of Denmark, and now we're on our way to COPENHAGEN!!!

A typical, Beautiful Home, that you find in Denmark

The Beautiful Copenhagen Temple

Time to tour around and see beautiful Copenhagen!!

We couldn't come to Denmark and not try a true DANISH!!!

A TRUE AUTHENTIC CHOCOLATE DANISH!!!!

Can I just say...DEEEEE-LISH-OUS!!!!

"LAGKAGEHUSET"...the cafe with authentic Chocolate Danish's

I loved the colorful buildings in Copenhagen

Beautiful Flowers

We couldn't come to Denmark and not try their authentic Red Hot Dogs...I forget what they are called

It was actually really good!!!

Cool colorful buildings in downtown Copenhagen, Denmark

More beautiful churches and architecture

Do you see the dragons tails that make up the church's spire??

We met a nice lady with the cutest little dog that totally loved Eli

DENMARK POLICE!!!

Downtown Copenhagen

Hello Sissela, Rich, Enya, Eli, and Bear!!!

More cute colorful buildings

And...of course...we had to try authentic chocolate and icecream from Denmark

WE FOUND THE LEGO STORE!!!

Enya and Eli were in "Lego Heaven"

Downtown Copenhagen had multiple statues of elephants...not sure why, but I love "ELA-PENTS" and so does Enya and Eli

We also toured around the palace of Copenhagen, Denmark

It amazes me how beautiful the architecture is inside the Palace

The Palace was HUGE!!!!

Arches, Statues, Chandeliers...amazingly beautiful!

Time to get back to the car, and start heading home

Beautiful Copenhagen...it was a super fun day!!!!

On our way out of town, we saw these tourists riding this very weird MULTI-bicycle

Sweden (day 22) - Crab fishin on Styrsso

2011-07-14T20:00:00.000-07:00

Today's another fun day...we're heading to Styrsso to go spend the day with Sissela's family...here's comes the Sporvong to take us to the ferry dock

Riding the Sporvong to the Ferry Dock

We're off!!!

I LOVE the cute homes on the different islands off the coast of Sweden

WE HAVE ARRIVED!!!!!

Gramma Ebba's table is already set and ready for FIKA!!!

Traditional Fika at Gramma Ebba's house consists of homemade bread, homemade cinnamon rolls, swedish cheese, butter, cucumbers, hard boiled eggs, and bell peppers

Now it's time to walk off all the FIKA, and walk to the beach

CUUUUUUTE homes on Styrsso!!!

This sun decided to come out!!!

HI BEAR!!!!

One tradition they all do during the summer on Styrsso is crab fishing...Here's Sissela teaching the kids how to fish for crabs

Sissela's mom, Lisbeth, had no problem getting "HANDS ON" with crab fishing

It was a beautiful Sunny Day on Styrsso

Hangin out at the dock while waiting to catch some crabs

We hiked around as well, the scenery is just BEAUTIFUL!!!

Hello Beautiful Enya!!!

Enya loved helping Sissela catch crabs

Look how many we caught!!!

The Kids wanted to show off their cool crabs before we put them back into the ocean..."Catch and Release"

Hello there Mr. Crab!!!

Hello Bear!!!

More beautiful scenery around Styrsso

Rich and Sissela brought their swimsuits to jump off the pier

Now there goes Sissela!!!

After the "Catch and Release" of crab fishing, we walked back to Gramma Ebba's house for some AWESOME DINNER!!!

The amazingly delicious, family secret...FLAN TORTA!!!!!

After dinner, it was time to go back home. We walked back to the pier to wait for our ferry to take us back home. While waiting, this cool sail boat passed by.

I can't pass up beautiful flowers

Do you see our Ferry??? It's coming to pick us up...

Goodbye Beautiful Styrsso, I can't wait to come visit you again!!!

Sweden (day 21) - Liseberg Amusement Park

2011-07-13T21:32:00.000-07:00

Today we went to Liseberg Amusement Park in Goteborg, Sweden

We are super excited to have a fun day!!!

The "ELA-PANT" ride!!

The Peter Pan and Princess Castle

Here's Enya on her first BIG ride with Me, Sissela, and Uncle Bear

The Swing Ride

The 50's Car Ride

LOOK!!! A picture of the Giant Dipper in Santa Cruz, CA

Here we all are on the Ferris Wheel

Cuddle time with Eli

I love my Handsome Man!!!!

And up we go...for our first Free Fall

Time to ride the mid-size roller coaster that BOTH Eli and Enya can ride

One of the fun treats they make in the park are homemade waffles...they were DEEEE-LISH!!!

Cute Family!

The Fun House of mirrors

All of us couldn't stop laughing with how silly we looked in the mirrors

Finally, we decided to try the largest free fall drop ride, called ATMOS-FEAR

Here we go...up...up...up...

We are almost to the top!!!

WE ARE FALLING!!!!!

WOO-HOO!!!! WHAT AN ADRENALINE RUSH!!!! It was a super fun day!!! We all had such a great time!!!!

Sweden (day 20) - Beach Day!!!

2011-07-12T20:33:00.000-07:00

It's a rare treat to enjoy a Sunny Hot Day in Sweden...so when the sun came out, we all decided to spend the day at the beach!!!

All of us getting some much needed Vitamin D and Rays of Sunshine

I love my lil' Eli-Man

Enya-Benya with Uncle Barrett...warming up after a dip in the ocean

Self Portrait

Sissela, Enya, Rich, and Eli all playing together in the water

We had a super great time together at the beach, enjoying a much needed Sunny Day in Sweden

Sweden (day 19) - HAPPY 1st ANNIVERSARY RICH & SISSELA!!!

2011-07-11T20:15:00.000-07:00

Rich and Sissela have been married for 1 FULL YEAR!!! Now it's time to eat your wedding cake, the Anniversary portion!!!

Happy Anniversary you guys!!! WE LOVE YOU!!!!

Sweden (day 18) - Stockholm Trip, day 2

2011-07-10T16:32:00.000-07:00

We started off our 2nd day in Stockholm by walking around the town to look at more beautiful architecture.

This bridge connects downtown Stockholm to an island that has the #1 tourist museum.

The Vasa Museum

This museum resurrected the 1600 Vasa Sea Ship, when she sunk on her Maiden Voyage centuries ago.

The divers used these suits as they dug up the ship

This Ship was GINORMOUS!!!!

The wooden details and craftsmanship was AMAZING!!!

After the museum, we walked around, then enjoyed some fun in the sun at an outdoor cafe

More cool architechture

Afterwards, we met up with some friends, Jonas and Maddie and their adorable kiddos

Then we jumped back on the bullet train and headed back "Home" to Rich and Sissela in Goteborg!

Sweden (day 17) - Trip to Stockholm, day 1

2011-07-09T14:09:00.000-07:00

Barrett and I decided to take a road trip up to Stockholm. We took the bullet train, the X2000. Normally what takes 6 hours to get to Stockholm, took us 3 hours on the bullet train.

Taking this super fast train across the country side of Sweden, was a super fun experience

More amazing architecture in Stockholm, Sweden

The Stockholm Parliment

Beautiful bridges and skyline in Stockholm

I can't even explain how beautiful and amazing all of the European Architecture is in Sweden, I couldn't stop taking pics of all the buildings

For lunch, we found Polpetto, a Swedish-Italian restaurant...and it was SUPER DEEEE-LISH!!!

Salad and bread to start

I ordered the Shrimp and Salmon dish...YUMMY!!!!

Barrett ordered the Swedish Beef and Potatos

After Lunch, we walked over to Old Town Stockholm...can I just say...AWESOME AND SUPER BEAUTIFUL

Beautiful statues, Fountains, and Architecture

Tiny streets alined with adorable and colorful European buildings

Time to try some Swedish Ice-cream at SIA

Do you see what you're looking for??

Look how cute this building is??? I love all the cute outside Decor

A GINORMOUS door to this super old Swedish Bank

Me and my man in Downtown "Old Town Stockholm"

This Building had tons of letters, yet I found the name HANS...so this building is dedicated to my Swedish Friend, HANS!!! ("HEY, HEY APPLE!!!")

The ROYAL PALACE of Stockholm, Sweden

The beautiful Front Entry way to the palace

Here I am at the front entrance, do you see the female guard behind me?

The Palace is GINORMOUS!!!

Palace Soldiers Marching

Here's the side entrance

We went inside, and words doesn't even describe just how AMAZING and BEAUTIFUL the palace was inside

Outside the Palace stood the guards next to the old Canons

After the Palace, we went downtown

There were street performers downtown, so we decided to stop and watch them. The funny thing was that the hula hoop street performer lady pulled Barrett out of the crowd to help her with her act

France Guy. Spain Guy. Barrett (American Guy).

Instructions on how to throw the hula hoops

Throw that Hula Hoop Bear!!!

The 3 guys were "Firemen" throwing hula hoops on the hula hoop girl

15 HULA HOOPS!!!!

The Finally!!! 4 Hula Hoops

A Standing Ovation

The Entertainment Gang

The center of Stockholm had this super cool HUGE water fountain

Our hotel, The Nordic Sea Hotel

The lobby had a HUGE fish tank

Our Hotel Room

Small room, but comfy bed

Super cool Church in downtown Stockholm

Dinner time consisted of more DELICIOUS Swedish Food. Here's Lingonsylt (sounds like Ling-gone) Berry Jam and Sweet Pickled Cucumber

Swedish Bread and Crackers

Appetizer was crawfish salad on toast

Bear's meal was fresh cod

My meal...Swedish Meatballs

After our amazingly deeeeeee-lish-ous dinner, we walked around downtown a little more before we went back to the hotel.

Sweden (day 16) - Trip to Oslo, Norway

2011-07-08T13:07:00.000-07:00

Our morning started off with fresh pastries...a cinnamon bun and a pistachio bun...SUPER DEEEE-LISH!!!

Then we drove to Norway to go spend the day in Oslo. On our way, we saw TONS of seriously cool bridges...

Crossing the boarder...WE ARE IN NORWAY!!!

We stopped at a gas station and got some NORWEGIAN CHOCOLATE

This bridge was the COOLEST bridge of all...

When we arrived to Oslo, Norway...we saw the Opera House...AMAZING ARCHITECTURE!!!

Downtown Oslo had more churches and architecture that was just amazingly beautiful

Downtown had tons of restaurants, shopping and tourist attractions

Can you see the Palace at the end of the street?

Look how short this ladies restroom door is...crazy!!!

Beautiful downtown Oslo, Norway

We stopped in at a local Norweigan Chocolate shop...super deeeee-lish!!!

Many beautiful fountains in Downtown Oslo

cute little red-headed Norwegian Girl

This was our favorite fountain! Looks like a peacock

Beautiful landscape

The palace was HUGE and super amazing!!! Sissela and I asked the guard if we could take a pic with him...he nodded yes. YIPPIE!!

Here's Rich trying to squish me in the picture...silly brother

More of downtown Oslo

A PINK ELA-PENT CHAIR!!!!

Oslo, Norway, is full of statues...we only photographed a few of them...

After so much touring around, we were famished...time for lunch!

The guys ordered the super fresh fish-n-chips...

Us girls ate the Swedish Shrimp Sandwiches (Norway is also known for these sandwiches). DEEEE-LISH!!!

After lunch, we walked around more to create an appetite...we weren't gonna leave Norway without trying out their cafe's and delicious pastries

We found the coolest pastry cafe in Oslo...

And, of course, we had to try tons of Norwegian desserts...

YEP....DEEEEE-LISH-OUS!!!!!

Norway is known for their trolls...so we couldn't leave the city of Oslo until we took a pic with a troll

Sweden (day 15) - Movie, Cafe, and Markets

2011-07-07T12:37:00.000-07:00

Today was a day for the four of us to go to the downtown Goteborg Market, movie, and even try out another cafe.

Here we are inside the market looking at all the cheeses, chocolates, candies, meats, etc.

Look how colorful these baby macaroons are

Walking to the cafe

Yumminess

MORE Yumminess

Even More Yumminess

SUPER DOOPER YUMMINESS

Ultimate Yumminess

Sissela. Bearman. enjoying swedish cafe yumminess

SISTER AND BROTHER

More cool architecture

After the cafe, we went to the movies

HELLO!!!!!

HELLO RICHIE!!!

We didn't get home til after 10pm, look how light it was still outside. The sun never really goes down in Sweden during the summer...it's super cool!!!

Sweden (day 14) - Date day

2011-07-06T11:49:00.000-07:00

A year ago Rich and Sissela had their wedding reception at an amazing restaurant in sweden called Jungman Jansson...we decided to go back to this awesome restaurant and enjoy the fabulous food there.

Cute Couple...been married almost a year now!! WOO-HOO!!!

Enjoying our awesome food, atmosphere, and company

The food was super good!!! Salad. Beef. Fish. Potatoes. DEEEE-LISH!!!!

YUMMINESS!!!!

It was a beautiful sunny day

Us four peeps...having a blast together

Beautiful Scenery

Repeating the wedding pics from a year ago

KISSY KISSY!!!!

I LOVE MY BRO!!!

Hi Sissela!!!

The ocean and beaches of Sweden are super BEAUTIFUL!!!

Look how adorable these outhouses are!!

This is Rich & Sissela's current steller vehicle that's been driving us around

Sweden (day 13) - Goteborg Town Touring

2011-07-05T10:39:00.000-07:00

We started our day downtown with some meatball sandwiches...then headed over to Rich's favorite cafe for some more FABULOUS SWEDISH PASTRIES AND DESSERTS!!!

This berry pie is covered with vanilla cream...SUPER YUMMY!!!

Sissela. Me. Chillaxin at the cafe

Bear. Rich. ROCK ON!!!

After the cafe, we walked around other parts of downtown Goteborg and saw super cute buildings

Strike a pose!!!

Here's Barrett and I on a bridge that goes over one of the main rivers that flows through Goteborg

Love is in the air

We rode around town on the Sparvagn (sounds like SPORE-VONG)

Another super fun day in Sweden with Rich and Sissela

Sweden (day 12) - HAPPY 4th of JULY!!!

2011-07-04T02:43:00.000-07:00

Today, July 4th, is the big party at Rich and Sissela's...Enya was a great little helper to Sissela as we prepped the food.

Enya loves Uncle Barrett

Me with my hottie tottie

It's BBQ TIME!!!

Eli and his new friend, one of the families brought their cool dog

A lot Sissela's family came, along with tons of friends

Here's Hans...he loves his new DC's from America!!!

More family and friends

We played a fun, but super difficult game called, KUBBSPELL

Rich was the leader in charge of the 4th of July Party. He did such a great job!!!

Sissela and her cousin, Lisa

We did the Pledge of Allegiance then sang "The Star Spangled Banner"...very patriotic!!! I LOVE MY COUNTRY!!! GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!

More Friends...

"BIG!!! HIGHER!!!"

After the BBQ, we set up the desserts...

Astrid's amazingly patriotic and SUPER DELICIOUS TORTA!!!!

Sissela's super fabulous carrot cake!!!

Barrett and I did an Insanity jumping contest...we had full tummies...but we had to do it since it was a dare!!

RED ROVER RED ROVER, SEND SOMEONE RIGHT OVER!!!!

It was such a great party! GREAT JOB RICH AND SISSELA!!! Super patriotic, super delicious food, super full tummies, and super great peeps!!!

Sweden (day 11) - 4th of July prep

2011-07-03T11:04:00.000-07:00

The light in Rich's iPhone went out, don't you like his temporary "fix it" light? And aren't the kids soooooo flipping CUUUUUTE!!!!???

The kids LOVE Uncle Barrett

TICKLE TORTURE!!!

Later, we went to the store...look at this HIGH TECH RECYCLING (called "Pant")

Sweden's version of a Super Walmart (but prices aren't as cheap)

Mom, do you recognize this package???

This high tech recycling center is located inside the MAXI store

The kids LOVED eating Bananas

It's even Better when "MAXI the Store" asks the kids to eat bananas

One of our favorite Swedish candies are strawberry flavored cream filled licorice! So the kids and I decided to do "CHEERS" with our super yummy Swedish licorice.

Enya (along with me) LOVES the candy sections

To prep for the big 4th of July party tomorrow, Barrett and Rich did a lot of yard work.

Grocery shopping done, Yard work done, now it's time to cook and prep for the 4th of July party here in Sweden!!!

Sweden (day 10) - Rich's Family Birthday Party

2011-07-02T14:11:00.000-07:00

Sissela's family came over on Saturday July 1st to have a family birthday party for Rich. Sissela made a super delicious meal, MEAT PIE

Here's the family

Handsome lil Eli-Man

Gramma Ebba. Me. Sissela.

Sissela and Enya getting the Birthday cakes ready

Strawberry Almond Torta

RICH'S BIRTHDAY CAKE!!!

The Birthday Boy...he laughed hysterically when he saw his birthday cake

Cute baby Fanny

Oh man, the birthday cake was...DEEEEE-LISH!!!!

PRESENTS!!!!

Christer (Sissela's daddy). Sissela. Me.

Everyone went outside to watch Enya and Eli ride their bikes all by themselves

Sissela with her brother, Stephan

Enya. Eli. Papa. All three riding together

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRO!!!! WE LOVE YOU!!!