Backes Family Thanksgiving 2011

We have a tradition of getting together with my dad's side of the family for Thanksgiving the Saturday after the official Thursday holiday...and for years it's always worked out great! Our family continues to grow and grow, yet there is always room for more love, more friends, more kids, more food, and more fun! We are blessed. : )

Thanksgiving 2011 - #1

We spent Thanksgiving day with Leah, Lukasz, Hayden and my parents on Thursday out in Manteca. It was such a relaxing day and we all hung out in our comfy pants. : ) Since we have two more Thanksgiving dinners this weekend, we opted to have lasagna, salad and french bread instead of turkey and the traditional fare. And my dad made a delicious spiral cut ham...yummy! I'm thankful for my beautiful healthy family. The holidays are here!

CREAM!

SUPER YUM!

Hunter's 1st Birthday!

Our adorable little cousin (well, cousin 1st removed if we're getting technical, e.g. my cousin's son), had his 1st birthday on Sunday - what fun! It was a gorgeous day, and we enjoyed lots of laughter, yummy catered Italian food, presents, cake and family fun. Mommy Heidi went all out to plan a great party for "Hunty" as she calls him, and even prepped a cookie-making station for the older kids. What an adorable little guy! I can't believe it was already one full year ago that he was born about 5 weeks early! Happy Birthday lil Hunter! ; )

Cassie came to visit!

Cassie, one of my oldest and dearest friends, came up to visit from LA this weekend - it was so great to catch up and spend some QT together! We met when we were around 10 years old via our Camp Fire clubs. Oh the memories. : ) Zoey also loved having Cassie visit - she warmed up instantly and made a new friend/playmate! We love you Cas!

Zoey and the Felines

Our life is FULL of love, laughter, silliness, cat hair, smiles, and FUN. Zoey loves her kitties, and her kitties love her!

Humanity

One relaxing, rainy day at home....

.....in my life with Zoey! Fun Fun! : )

Is it Monday already???

Yawn!! If only we could have an extra hour of sleep every night!

Warm Evening Walks in Alameda...I'll miss you!

Brrr........it's crazy how fast the seaons can change here in the Bay Area! I feel like it was just yesterday we were wearing shorts, enjoying our "Indian Summer" in late October, and going for warm evening walks along the beach (one of the things I miss the most when Summer departs!). Not it feels like Winter is here! At least that means the holidays are coming soon as well!

Art is Everywhere!

Especially in Berkeley! : )

My Grandma Ruth

I wanted to take moment to remember, and to honor, the life of my Grandmother Ruth. She passed away last Saturday 10/29 from lung cancer after 80 full years of life. While her sickness and her passing has been really hard for my family, her last day was peaceful, sunny, and pain-free and she was surrounded by family and loved ones the whole day. I love you and I'll miss you Grandma Ruth, and I am so glad that Zoey Ruth has your name to keep your memory alive. I wish you the best in your journey onto new adventures - you will be in my thoughts and in my heart always. xoxo