Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Meet Jasmine, our newest addition...


Her toys, dishes, stuff...

Isn't the bag great for Bill? Ha ha!


Jasmine...she's a 7 week old small Pomeranian, so she'll be about 5 lbs. full grown. Right now she fits in one of my hands!

I have more pics of our time with Brian, Georgiana, and Olivia to post, and more pics of Jasmine, but since I have to work tonight this will do for now. We'll be bringing her with us in August, so everyone can meet our new baby girl!!!

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Girls vs. Boys

Yesterday, Bill & Brian went golfing, while we (the girls) went shopping. It was fun for us girls, and apparently the boys had fun as well. We stayed in last night and Bill made us his yummy tacos. We missed seeing any fireworks. Today we are off to Virginia City, where we are going to ride an old fashioned steam locomotive, so I'm sure we'll have more pics to post later! Hope everyone had a happy and safe 4th!

The In-N-Out Experience...

For their first evening here, we (Bill) thought they just had to try an In-N-Out Burger first thing. I had to work the first night, so before I went to work, we all went out for burgers!





They're heeere!

Our first family visiting from the Land of Enchantment, Brian, Georgiana, & Livie, arrived on July 3rd! We are so happy and excited to have them here with us!!!

Monday, June 23, 2008

What happened to our mountains?


Okay, this isn't the best picture in the world, but it gives you the idea...our beautiful mountain views have disappeared to be replaced by a thick smoky haze. Apparently there are multiple fires (I heard 600 on the radio!!!) burning in Northern California and the smoke is blowing into our area. You can smell it and definitely see it. They say our air quality is still "good", but they are recommending people keep their windows closed and use their air conditioners, don't I wish we could!!! Anyway, hopefully the fires will be under control soon and the relentless Nevada winds will move the smoke out of the area shortly!!!

Bill's favorite way to spend a Saturday!


Bill's new golf clubs...his pride & joy!!!

The ducks at the golf course...aren't the babies cute?


Bill's friend from work and golfing buddy!
Bill showing off his moves...

watch out Tiger!!!

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Eagle Falls

We went hiking on some trails by Lake Tahoe yesterday. It was overcast and cool, but we had a good time.

A picture of the valley


This chipmunk was on one of the trails. I couldn't believe how close it let us get to it! It wasn't scared at all! So cute!




A rock climber.

Eagle Falls.

This is the snow melt off that makes up Lake Tahoe.







There is still plenty of snow up at Mt. Rose! In fact it was snowing more when we stopped to snap this picture!

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Introducing Dylan...

He's just as beautiful as his mom said he is! We just can't wait to meet him in person!

Monday, May 12, 2008

A Belated Mother's Day Post...


Happy Mother's Day to all...we hope you had a beautiful, wonderful day! We miss & love you all so much. xoxo

Friday, May 9, 2008

Just in time for Mother's Day...

Congratulations to our friends, Caroline & Daryl! Dylan Henry was born May 8, weighing 8 lbs. 8 oz. and measuring 21 in. long. According to his mom he has a little bit of dark hair and he's beautiful! She says they are both doing well.
Wishing Caroline a speedy recovery from her surgery, and the whole family all our love and best wishes!

Monday, April 28, 2008

We are fine!

We have not felt any of the earthquakes here in Minden, and our house is fine! I was at work last Friday when the biggest one (so far) hit Reno, and people at work felt it, but I didn't. It seems those of us who were standing or walking when it hit didn't feel anything, while anyone who was sitting felt it. Of course, most of the patients were lying in bed, so they felt it. Our friends Edward and Andrea's apartment is just on the other side of 395 from the hospital and Andrea said she felt it at their apartment. So, we're hoping that all this quake activity dies down without "a big one"!

Rocking & Rolling!

After Quake, Reno Told to Brace for Stronger One

RENO, Nev. (AP) — A day after a magnitude 4.7 earthquake struck northern Nevada’s largest city, scientists urged residents to prepare for a larger temblor as the area continued to rumble on Saturday.

More than 100 aftershocks were recorded on the western edge of Reno after the earthquake hit Friday night, the most powerful in a two-month-long series of quakes and the strongest around the city since one in 1953 that measured 5.2, scientists at the University of Nevada, Reno, said.

The latest quake swept store shelves clean, cracked walls in homes and dislodged rocks on hillsides, but there were no reports of injuries or major damage.

Seismologists said the recent activity was unusual because the quakes started out small and had built in strength.

“A magnitude 6 quake wouldn’t be a scientific surprise,” said John Anderson, director of the seismological laboratory at the University of Nevada. “We certainly hope residents are taking the threat seriously.”

But Mr. Anderson said that there was no way to predict what would happen and that the sequence of quakes could end without a major one.

A rock slide set off by the Friday night quake was blamed for causing a 125-foot breach in a wooden flume that carries water to one of the two water treatment plants in Reno, a city of about 210,000.

A backup pump was used to divert water to the plant, and the breach was not expected to cause water shortages, said Aaron Kenneston, the emergency management officer in Washoe County, which includes Reno.

The United States Geological Survey said the earthquake’s epicenter was near Mogul, just west of Reno. The upscale area, along the eastern Sierra Nevada, had been rattled by more than 100 quakes on Thursday. The strongest, with a magnitude of 4.2, caused high-rise casinos to sway in downtown Reno.

The strongest aftershock, recorded early Saturday, measured 3.7.

Mike Lentini of Reno said the quake on Friday night felt “like a big truck hit the building” and awakened his family.

“It’s the unknown. It’s shaking, and when’s it going to stop?” Mr. Lentini said on Saturday. “And when stuff starts falling off the shelves, it’s a whole other ballgame.”

Hundreds of mostly minor earthquakes have occurred along one or more faults since the sequence began on Feb. 28, said Ken Smith, a seismologist at the Reno laboratory. The quakes have occurred along an area about two miles long and a half mile wide.

“We can’t put a number on it, but the probability of a major earthquake has increased with this sequence,” Mr. Smith said. “People need to prepare for ground shaking, because there’s no way to say how this will play out.”

Nevada is the third most seismically active state behind California and Alaska. A magnitude 6 quake on Feb. 21 near the Utah border was the 15th of at least that magnitude in the state’s 143-year history.

A magnitude 7.4 quake south of Winnemucca in 1915 is the most powerful in state history.


and today:

Reno, Nevada is jiggled by another in a string of moderate earthquakes

by The Canadian Press

RENO, Nev. — Seismologists say yet another in a string of moderate earthquakes has shaken the area around Reno, Nev..

The latest quake reported by the Seismology Laboratory at the University of Nevada says a magnitude 4.2 tremor shook the city early Monday. It's been followed by at least a dozen aftershocks.

No injuries or damages are reported.

It's the latest in a two-month swarm of earthquakes that started in February.

Scientists say the string of quakes is unusual in the fact that generally they have been getting stronger instead of weaker.

The strongest so far was a magnitude 4.7 quake that shook cans off shelves on Friday.

Monday, April 21, 2008

Noah!!!





Man - Boy Heaven

On Saturday, Bill went to Wild Island Family Adventure Park with Jeff & Joey. He has alternately described it as "kid-heaven" and "man-boy heaven". They played miniature golf & raced cars at the speedway. Then, they let Joey play inside at "Ballocity" (a big maze structure), while they watched the NBA playoffs on the high-def TV's surrounding the place! They also have bowling, arcade games, and a water park in the summer. We met up with them after the little ones woke from their naps and we all went to Red Robin for dinner.












Play time at the park!


We went to the park one afternoon with Noah, and his cousins, Joey & Mikey!


Baby bumps!


We went maternity clothes shopping for Charlotte, and while at the Baby Gap we both tried on the baby bump. She, out of necessity; me, for grins and giggles! Actually, we had a whole "girls afternoon" - we started with lunch at Olive Garden (yummy!), then went shopping. The shopping was an adventure, as I don't know Reno that well at all yet! But, as the pictures show we finally made it to the shopping center we wanted and had lots of time to talk while we found it! Thank you, Jeff! :-)

Saturday, April 19, 2008

The Casey's in Reno!!!!




Friday, March 7, 2008

A little Carson City info.

Located 30 minutes from Lake Tahoe to the west and 30 minutes from Reno, Nevada, to the north, Carson City, Nevada's state capital, was initially a trading post for travelers pursuing the west's gold rush. The city was put "on the map" in 1859 after the largest silver find in world history, the Comstock Lode, was discovered in the hills east of town. Today, with a population of more than 50,000, Carson City is host to scores of recreational enthusiasts who enjoy easy access to an astounding variety of outdoor activities and historical attractions.

Skiers and snowboarders are only a few minutes drive from several ski resorts. In fact, many winter visitors enjoy Carson City's balmy winter days as a respite from the chilly mountain resorts that surround Lake Tahoe. And if you're a hiker or biker, your home in Carson City gives you access to miles of trails for beginners and experts alike. Whether you're enjoying the rim trail around Lake Tahoe, or one of the less renowned trails free from the Tahoe crowds, breathtaking scenery greets you at every turn.

Hunters, fisherman and campers also enjoy living in and visiting the area, with abundant wildlife in the Eastern Sierra foothills and the surrounding lakes and streams.

The Carson City area is also a golfer's paradise. The Divine 9, nine incredible courses in or near the city, provide everyone from beginners to aspiring pros a chance to play challenging courses year round with a stunning visual backdrop.

The great outdoors is not the only attraction the city offers. Carson City is rich in history and culture. The Kit Carson Trail plunges through the heart of the city with a 2.5-mile walking path through Carson City's historical residential district. The trail features more than 60 landmarks along the way. Three museums in Carson City also offer numerous cultural education opportunities. The Nevada State Museum, built in 1866, is rated one of the 10 best regional museums in the West.

Carson City also offers several gambling casinos with most offering family-type entertainment and affordable dining. And for shoppers, the historic downtown shopping district offers a variety of antiques, art and other unique items.

With its beautiful scenery and climate, and a wealth of activities available for all ages and inclinations, residents are happy to call Carson City home.

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Warm & comfy!


The Miss loves the fireplace. It doesn't look like much of a fire in the picture, I know, but it actually puts off quite a bit of heat & warms up the downstairs living area.

Saturday, March 1, 2008

Bill's favorite pic

Another trip to Lake Tahoe...

On February 17th we went to Lake Tahoe again...we wanted to see it with the snow, and we wanted to make the drive around the lake since we missed the turn last time and went up into the mountains instead! We were prepared with a map this time, and our new all-weather tires, and we drove ~3/4 of the way around the lake then came back down through Reno where we finished our day having dinner at Outback Steakhouse. Yummy! The map we had for the lake was one we picked up at the visitor's center (after missing the turn last time) so it has lots of interesting facts, as well as things to do. Apparently, you can see the estate where they filmed Godfather II!
This is Fannette Island, Lake Tahoe's only island.


That boat is one the large glass bottom sternwheeler that offer cruises on the Lake.

We pulled over in the parking area at Sugarpine Pt. State Park to take a picture of how deep the snow was. This wasn't a plowed up pile, this is how it was all along the road the entire way around the lake...even deeper at some points!

The Lake Tahoe Dam. The original Dam built in 1870 at the mouth of Tahoe's only outlet, the Truckee river.


Speaking of the Truckee River...apparently you can go whitewater rafting on the river.

Dam snow!



Dam ducks!


Need I say more?

Sorry, I can't remember where we were when we took these pictures. Maybe Kings Beach, which is the Northern, California side of the lake.


I loved this totem pole or whatever it is!

These pictures are from the Mount Rose scenic overlook.


The Mount Rose ski resort. Looked kinda' small to me, but not being a skier I don't know. It was packed, though!


In addition the the water and mountain sports, there are several mansions open for tours in the summer around the lake. There is a "historic steam locomotive", 4 wheeling, horseback riding...lots of stuff we want to check out. And a lot we can take you all to see and do when you come out and visit. (Hint, hint!)

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Heeeeeere's Robbie...


Introducing Robert Randolph. These are from the hospital a few weeks ago. My opinion, if anyone cares, is that he has Crystal's eyes & cheeks and Mongo's nose! Crystal says his hair has lightened up some.
So happy that Robbie arrived safely & everyone is healthy!

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Good riddance to the snow!

So, after having snow fall nearly everyday for the last 3 weeks it looks like there is no snow in our weather forecast for the next seven days!!! On Sunday morning I could not leave work because I was frozen into place! I had no idea why my car wouldn't move, I kept trying to dig the snow out from around the car and the tires. (I thought the eight inches the Sunday before was too much...it was way worse this week!) Thankfully this lady tried to park next to me while I was waiting for Bill to take a taxi to rescue me, she nearly slid her car into ours trying to park, then she came and asked if I would have room to get out. I explained I couldn't get my car out and was waiting for my husband. She said she was just running in for a quick lab test and would be leaving again, I said she probably had plenty of time. Well, when she came out she brought a cup of coffee...she comes up to my window and says, "Are you frozen or will your car not start?" I told her my car was starting, but had no idea why I couldn't move. She said she was going to pour the coffee under my tires to see if that would un-stick me, and I said, "That works?" She said it might, but she also had sand or salt for traction if we needed it. So, she poured the coffee, but the car still would not move, so she went to the front and gave me a push and it moved...a little. So, she pushed some more and I was out of the space, only 2 hours after I got off of work! Too bad I didn't have our camera or I'd have taken a picture of my good samaritan. There were guys in plows driving around the parking lot who saw me at the car going around & around, digging out snow, looking at the tires, and they never once offered to help...then here comes this wonderful lady and her coffee! I didn't even know I could get frozen into place. Now, the snowfall is gone, but it's still colder than a whisker on a polar bears rear end...a whooping -5 degrees this morning!!! So here's hoping you are all much warmer than we!!! :-)

Thursday, January 31, 2008

Beautiful, adorable faces

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Our last hoo-rah!

Before we headed out of town we were able to enjoy a really nice lunch with Bill's family - his dad & step mom, grandma, Aunt Carmen, brother & sister-in-law & niece! Again, we had only seen them on Christmas Eve, so it was really great to be able to spend a little more time with them, though Christmas Eve was fantastic, as well!

Our last night in Albuquerque...

On our last night in Albuquerque we stayed in and were able to spend some time with my parents, grandparents, and Robert. Even though we were staying at my parents (Thanks, mom & dad!!) we were so busy that we did not see them very much, other than Christmas Day. Bill made his delicious tacos for all of us and we were able to spend a nice couple of hours with everybody. After dinner, we stayed up with my parents to watch the Bourne Ultimatum. It was a great evening!



Wednesday, January 23, 2008

M'mmm, M'mmm, Good!


So other than our family and friends, it has to be the food that we miss the most in Albuquerque. Namely, the red and green chile. So, suffice it to say that while we were home we ate and ate and ate! The day before we left we went to lunch Garduno's with Bill's mom. It was really great to spend some time with her and get a nice fill of some really good food. We also shared another New Mexico favorite with her on our second evening in town, when she & Mac had us over & we had some Blake's Lotaburger.

Dion's....yummmm


One of the things Bill has missed the most here in Nevada is Dion's pizza, so he indulged in it twice while we were back in Albuquerque! Of course it had to have green chile, which we both miss desperately!!!

Congratulations!!!

Congratulations, Best Wishes, & Love to our friends Crystal & Mongo who are brand new parents this morning! Robert Randolph was born via c-section, he was 11 pounds