Since I got the job at the Boulder Police Department, and it doesn't start until January 11th, I decided to go home to California for almost two weeks. Ashley wasn't able to come out until Christmas Eve and had to leave on that Sunday. It was a rushed visit for her but we both had a great time. The day before Christmas Eve my brother wanted me to take some photos of his daughter Lola and him so he could print them out and give them as a gift. Lola is so cute! She is about 17 months old.
Since learning how to walk, it's really hard to keep her in one place, even for one photo! She wants to explore and always learn.
I can already head the conversation. Lola: Dad can I pleaaaaaaaaaaase get a blackberry???
Up Up and Away!!!
Even on Christmas Eve Eve, my brother still had to knock out a last email before the new year.
Scott says that Lola really likes airplanes, so often after work he takes her to a softball field near the San Jose Airport and watch as planes prepare to land.
Giving a ride on Uncle Brian's shoulders.
On Christmas Day Scott, Vida and Lola came over and Ashley joined us to exchange some gifts. It was fun watching Lola open up the presents that Ashley and I got for her.
Among other gifts, Lola got a Dora doll from my mom, and she was really excited to play with it.
Uncle Brian's attempt to put Lola's hair band back on her head.
Lola really enjoyed playing the keys on grandma's piano.
On Saturday after Christmas, Ashley and I went to the San Francisco Zoo with our friends Courtney and Budge from Redding, CA and their son Parker. It was a pretty cool zoo, and this bird was amazing. A very nice zoo worker talked with us for about 15 minutes about this bird that's from New Zealand I think, and even scientists aren't sure about everything relating to this bird.
Ashley and Courtney
Courtney and Budge's son Parker. He's a month older than Lola.
Coincidentally my brother and Vida wanted to take Lola to the zoo, so we met up with them halfway through.
It was so cool watching Parker and Lola interact with each other. Looks like Lola way checkin' Parker's Cheerios snack pack.
Puddle Time!
After hanging out together for about 15 minutes, Parker and Lola decided to give each other a hello kiss. So cute!
Budge is an avid photog like myself, so it's always fun to talk about different photo techniques with him. It was so good to see Court and Budge. Hope to see you guys soon!
Big black gorilla was crushing some trees for lunch.
Ashley had to leave on Sunday and I headed back on the 30th. What a great 2009. A lot of changes. We left Texas to start a new adventure, and we got engaged. On the last two days I was in CA I looked a few potential sites for our wedding. Nothing jumped out at us yet, but we are still hoping to find a place that we can do it in September or October of 2010. Hope everyone has a great new year!
