Fun in CA

Last week we visited Bryan's brother and sister in southern California for 5 days as a "Burningham Family Reunion." Bryan's parents rented an RV and drove us all there from the Salt Lake Airport. Riding in an RV is a very unique experience. I felt like we were driving a fifteen foot tall wall down the highway. I was amazed that we were able to reach 70 mph considering the lack of aerodynamics. I get carsick easily so I ended up in shotgun most of the time. Pearl had the time of her life crawling around and entertaining everyone. The highlights of the trip for me were jet skiing in the ocean with Bryan as he jumped mammoth waves (I squealed a lot), swing dancing with Brenen, and seeing Pearly destroy her birthday cake (video posted earlier.) We love Bry's siblings and parents so it was just plain fun to hang out with them. Bryan's parents had us wear tye dyed shirts for the reunion. Here are a few pics:

Pearly in the ocean with Mari.

Pearly pulling Grandpa's mustache.

The tye dyed clan minus Brenen.


Grandma having a serious discussion with Pearl.

-Nat

Our Japanese Friends

We know some really great Japanese people. I homestayed with them when I was an exchange student in high school. There are two couples; the Aoyamas and the Taguchis. They came all the way from Japan to visit us a few weeks ago and we had a wondeful time. Whenever they come to the United States they are always shocked at how large everything is, including food portions. They would always have to share meals at restaurants so they wouldn't waste food. They took pictures of the long line of check-out isles at Target because it took up so much space.

Here is a picture of us in front of "Domo" restaurant. It was so popular we didn't get in until the second time we came.

This is Bryan sitting in front of the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park. We visited with the Aoyamas over the weekend and had a blast. The Stanley is famous for being the site "The Shining" was filmed.

We took the Aoyamas inside of Rocky Mt. National Park and hiked around a bit until it rained on us. Here is a picture in front of Bear Lake.

We all rode the Georgetown Loop Railroad. Mr. Taguchi is a railroad enthusiest so I think he enjoyed it the most. The ride was full of beautiful outdoor canyon scenery. I would recommend it.

We were very sad when they had to go back to Japan. We feel we love them and miss them very much.

-Nat

Happy Birthday Pearl!

Today is Pearly's 1st birthday. I can't believe she is already 1 year old! It has been a wonderful and difficult year. Even after 6 years of freedom I have never regretted having a baby, well atleast while I was in my right mind.

I have really loved every stage she has gone through- even the fussy stage because I still thought she was so cute. My favorite stage has always been the one she was currently in. Like now for example, I swear she is cuter than ever before. She is crawling like crazy, pulling herself up on things, making the funniest words/vocalizations, laughing at strange things, eating paper, and the list could go on and on.

Today I sat her on my lap and told her the story about the day she was born while she intently stared at the toys she wanted to play with. We went for a walk and I let her play in a big sand feature in the park. Her cute, new outfit that I had just put on her became covered in sand but she loved to run her fingers through it and made adorable cooing noises. My favorite noises she makes lately have been, "Ooi" and "ohyeah." We didn't really do anything special today because we already sort of celebrated her birthday with Bryan's family last Sunday while in California. She got a chance to destroy a cake and rub it all over herself. Here is the proof:

-Nat