Rodeo Week in Humboldt

Josh, Hannah, Tuck and I traveled up to Humboldt last week to visit family and friends. Hannah experienced Rodeo Week in Fortuna for the first time. Rodeo Week is quite a big deal in Fortuna, each day is filled from start to finish with activities. Hannah arrived to see her Non, Nonnie, Auntie Nicole and Uncle Shaun in her Humboldt onesie that Shaun bought her. She was soooo excited to see them. (it had been a month since her last visit) Wed. night we went to dinner with all the family at the Ivanhoe in Ferndale, and then to Curleys' for a drink afterwards. Thurs. we took Hannah to the Eureka Zoo, Josh was shocked Eureka even had a zoo and to be honest it was quite a disappointment in comparison to when I was a kid. The actual zoo facility has been remodeled, however the animals in exhibit weren't impressive i.e. crow and donkey. Hannah fell asleep about 20 min. into our walk through the exhibits. Hopefully next year it will be more entertaining when she can enjoy the petting zoo. We stopped by and watched the Fireman's Games on main street on our way back into town that night (quite humorous!) Friday morning Hannah went to her grandparents while Nicole and I did some shopping in Eureka. Josh and I went down to the rodeo grounds that evening and then had dinner with Sarah and Pat at the Brewery. We met up with Nicole, Shaun and some friends after their 10 yr. reunion mixer and rode the "party bus" down to the Quadiators at the Rodeo Grounds and then on into Loleta for drinks and dancing at The Gilded Rose. Hannah stayed with Non and Nonnie for her first overnight away from both mom and dad. She did so well! Non and Nonnie enjoyed waking up to her smiles and coos. :) On Sat. we watched the rodeo parade, had lunch at Las Caz and then walked to the carnival and rodeo grounds. Hannah slept through most of the parade, was awake all through lunch and then fell asleep once we got into the rodeo and slept the entire time! Sat. night we did dinner at my mom and dad's and then met up with Amy and Jared at the Rodeo dance. Before heading out of town Sunday we took Hannah up to my aunt and uncle's for a visit and then went out to the Coopers cabin in Bridgeville for lunch. I was so happy to have them finally meet Hannah. Elizabeth couldn't wait to hold Hannah, it was too cute. I began babysitting Elizabeth and her older brother Matt when I was 14 years old and they've been a huge part of my life ever since. We had a lot of fun during our 4 action packed days in Fortuna and look forward to our next trip up for the beer festival "Hops In Humboldt" at the end of Aug.

My little Humboldt Honey sandwiched between mom and Auntie

Eureka Zoo looking for the Black Bear

Sequoia Park after the zoo

World's best Auntie

Party Bus ready to go

dancing at the Gilded Rose

Hannah sleeping through first half of the parade

Kisses from Auntie Nicole

Happy girl hanging with her family at lunch

Watching the rodeo

winning Hannah stuffed animalsHannah with her carnival prizes

Check out her rodeo boot socks :)

Talking to her Great Aunt Karen

With Dan, Elizabeth and Wendy (just missing Matt)

with Elizabethdown at the river

This could be an engagement shot!

Cabin Getaway

Last weekend Josh, Hannah, Tuck and I headed up near Lake Almanor to our good friend Andrea and Devin's cabin for a weekend of rest and relaxation. Josh had his last day of teaching summer school on Wed. (woo hoo!) so Thursday we hit the road for the cabin. We met up in Chester, CA with Andrea and Devin for lunch at the Pine Shack before following them out to the cabin (approx. 15 min. from Chester). The Pine Shack has the most delicious shakes!!!! Over the course of 4 days we had a milkshake 3 out of 4 days. :) Andrea and I loved peanut butter/banana (with real chunks of banana). While at the cabin we enjoyed hanging out by the river/swimming hole, (just a stones throw from the cabin), reading, playing lots of games, eating, laughing, going for many walks and most importantly just relaxing!!! It was the perfect way to start our summer of both being off from work together. Our lives tend to be so hectic while at home, so it was nice to spend time with great friends in an absolutely gorgeous setting.

section of the river behind the cabin

My most favorite face in the whole wide world :)

she pulls her hands to her face when she giggles now

enjoying time with Andrea

Mmmmmm....Shakes at the Pine Shack (30 flavors to choose from!)

Tummy Time in the morning

Morning squats with dad

nap time by the river

Reading at the river (the water is so crystal clear!!)

hike to Domingo Springs

she's into sucking on her hand these days :)

Peeking out from the Ergo carrier

Silly Girl

Fishing

Our family

kisses from mom and dad

Devin and Andrea

ready for a nap on the car ride home