Gizdich Ranch - Summer 2010

Our dear friend, Vanessa, grew up south of San Jose in beautiful Monterey. As a child, her family visited Gizdich Ranch in Watsonville and when we moved to California, she insisted that we needed to make the trip down to try their apple pie. So we did!

We piled into the car and made the hour trip south to Gizdich. We went with the intention of apple or strawberry picking but once we got there we decided to forgo the manual labor and just enjoy our day. On the property there was a WONDERFUL bake shop. We ordered turkey sandwiches and fresh apple juice to eat there and an apple pie to go. The food was absolutely amazing and I am salivating just thinking about it. We ate our amazing lunches in the picnic area behind the bake shop, surrounded by apple trees.

Besides the bake shop, the grounds also held a great gift shop filled with jams and preserves, fresh picked fruits, more pies, honey, and more. We brought home some raspberry jam and honey. There was an antique shop on the property but it wasn't terribly impressive when we went. We were pleasently surprised by the whole trip and we hope to go back this year as we get closer to apple picking season [early fall].

There are not a lot of photos from that day and the ones I did take were with my phone. Our camera bit the dust when we went to the beach with Grandma and we had not replaced it yet. Here are the photos we did take below.

Enjoying the ranch and our lunches.

Dad and James enjoying lunch.

The gift shop.

I've never seen so many pies in one place.

James enjoyed playing with the toys in the picnic area.



A visit from Grandma Ruybalid - May 2010

Way back in May of 2010, we were blessed with a visit from David's mom, Denise. We were so glad that she was able to spend some time with us.

James was on his worse behavior while she was here. Her visit came during the month that James was going through a hitting phase. I'm sure glad that phase is over and I hope Grandma isn't too tramatized and will decide to visit again. James' behavior aside, we had a great time with her. We especially enjoyed our trip to Santa Cruz.

Dining in Scott's Valley before heading to Santa Cruz.

Santa Cruz

Grandma Ruybalid and James strolling down the beach.

Memorial Day BBQ

Photo by Joel Even

Morning at the Park

Conversation with an 18 month old.

Me: 'Do you love Mommy?'

James: 'Yeah'

Me: 'Do you love Daddy?'

James: 'Yeah'

Me: 'Do you know Mommy loves you?'

James: 'Yeah'

Me: 'Do you know that Mommy loves you more than Daddy does?'

James: 'Hmpf'

The Pumpkin Patch [Better Late Than Never]

Over The Hill We Go

I love being able to take quick trips over the mountains to the beach. We headed over the mountains to the beach a couple of weeks ago. We drove along the coast and just took our time enjoying the scenery. We had no map and no agenda. We drove through Santa Cruz and Capitola. The traffic was awful, I felt sick, James got really fussy in the car because it was so hot and all three of those things put David in a slightly bad mood but it was still worth the trip and we had a good time despite all that. It's nice to get out with the family.

This one is my favorite. James is even smiling!

James could only smile for so long. The cold wind blowing off the ocean changed the temperature pretty quickly and let us all know it was time to go home.

Thanks for visiting!

1

James turned 1 on July 4th!!!
We can't believe it's already been a year!

We celebrated the 4th of July with some friends. We were all pretty tired and left before the fireworks even started. We are old.

James showed his patriotism by chewing on the American flag.

Our friend Nichole made him a cake! Amazing!

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We celebrated our son's 1st birthday on Sunday the 5th.

This is what a genuine one year old looks like.

James was looking at the balloons that we hung up.

Someone forgot to buy decorations and candles for the cake so we had to improvise. The "1" is made out of chocolate- that's why it is so wobbly looking.

James wasn't really sure of what to think of the cake.

He kind of just poked at it.

Mom had to intervene and helped him out by smearing frosting all over his face. It's a frosting goatee!

After cake, James got a quick bath and it was time for presents! James was spoiled! Thanks everyone!

Topless Tuesday

Happy Father's Day!

Our wedding. January 2007. David's dad, Rick, was our best man.

The beautiful lady on Kellie's side? That's Renee. Back off. She is married.

Kellie's dad, Herb, walking her down the aisle.

Kim, James, and Rick. Christmas 2008.

Kellie and Herb. April 12th 1986.


Happy Father's Day. Thanks for everything.
We love you.