California Birthday!

We had a great time celebrating Diane's 70th Birthday in November. It was wonderful for our family to all be together. These opportunities are rare since we all live in different places. We went out to San Diego and were lucky to all stay together in our good friend's beach house at Mission Beach. Thank you Janet and Don! Andy was excited to make a portrait of Diane with her two grandchildren on the beach. Pretty sweet. 

 

Could these cousins be any cuter? June was enamoured of Quinn. 

The super cool mosaic dragon by Niki de Saint Phalle at Balboa Park. We learned there is a Niki de Saint Phalle sculpture park nearby in Escondido so we will have to visit that in the future.

Visiting the San Diego Zoo was very fun. Highlights for June were looking at the fish up close, playing at the polar bear exhibit and hearing a kookabura laugh (in a gum tree).  

Mama and baby Giant Pandas were so sweet

Lot's of Nana time!

And time with Aunt Alex!

A trip to San Diego wouldn't be complete without a visit to Torrey Pines

We also had some great beach time and took in some amazing sunsets

 And there was one good hike in the desert with Quinn and Jeff. There was a lot of talk about Mountain Lions during this outing.

But mostly we had lots of QT at the house together. Here is a favorite pastime: the Houston's all working on a jigsaw puzzle together.

Quinn built some amazing castles

Bonnie came to visit! And so did Don and Janet. Diane was also sent numerous videos from family and friends, all whom were there celebrating with us in spirit.

Happy Birthday Diane!

Apple Butter

Because we are absolutely crazy people we decided to make apple butter the weekend after throwing June's first birthday party. two big parties. apple butter is so special to us though and we are really glad to keep this tradition going. it was a beautiful day and we always love the community of family and friends that pitch in to pull it all off. thanks to all of our loved ones for all of your help!!!