Happy Fourth of July!!!!

We spent July 4th with our friends at Grand Tradition Estate, in Fallbrook, CA. There was lots of food, fun and, of course, fireworks! Thanks to my friend, Kristin's mom, Dara, for treating us!

Kelly and I are standing by a gorgeous lake in the center of the estate.

My pals, Kristin (center) and Daisy (right). We didn't plan it, but we all wore blue, very patriotic!

What's a Fourth of July without pretty braids and bows!?!?!

The girls had a fun time dancing to the live band.

The night was capped off by a wonderful fireworks display set to patriotic tunes.

Junior Carlsbad 2010

On April 10th Kelly ran her first race, the Junior Carlsbad. Her age group ran 1 mile. We were so proud of her!

The Starting Line

Go, Kelly!

Kelly and Jedidiah show off their medals.

Kelly and I visited the Carlsbad Flower Fields with our friends Michelle, Jedidiah and Evelyn. For those of you who are unfamiliar with The Flower Fields, it is one of the prettiest places around our area. It is only open from early March to May, when the ranunculus are in bloom.

These are just a few of the MANY pictures I took. You really can't appreciate the true beauty unless you're there.

Michelle, Kelly, Jed and Evelyn made their way through the Sweet Pea Maze.

Pancake Time!

One of our favorite cooking stores was closing down so we got a great deal on this wonderful Kitchen Aid mixer. It's the mother of all Kitchen Aids. First, Tom uses the grain mill attachment and grinds the wheat berries into flour. Then he makes the recipe for wheat pancakes from scratch.

I'm more of the pancake flipper. Notice the beautiful yellow cast iron skillet. That was my second birthday present! I'm in love with Le Creuset.

Our second pancake flipper!

Starting her young!

Tom's Promotion

Tuesday was a special day for our family as we celebrated Tom's promotion. At 0730 Tom was officially promoted to the rank of Major. We are so proud of him and his accomplishments in the Marine Corps. Here are some highlights from the ceremony.

Reading the Warrant

Pinning on the Oak Leaves

Hugs

Taking the Oath

Congratulations, Major Brannan!

Family Photo with Tom's Boss

Merry Christmas!!!

Here are a few highlights from Christmas morning.

234th Marine Corps Birthday Ball

On Saturday we celebrated the Marine Corps birthday. Tom and I went to the SD Bayfront Hilton this year. I've lost track, but I believe I've attended at least 15 birthday balls so far. This one was pretty high up on my list. Tom surprised me with a special ride to the ball. On the way there we stopped along the bay for some pictures.

This is a statue of the famous sailor and nurse kissing. Tom and I did our own version.

This is a 1929 Durante. Beautiful, isn't it?

We were sure dropped off in style.

This is the owner of the car and also our chauffeur.

I couldn't miss posting at least one photo from the ceremony. This is when they wheel in the gigantic birthday cake. Happy Birthday, Marines!

Fall Fun

Even though we don't get to experience the leaves changing beautiful colors or the brisk fall temperatures (notice I'm sporting a tank top at the end of October!), fall activities are in full swing in Southern California. One of those activities is a trip to Bates Nut Farm for some pumpkin pickin' fun.

Kelly begins the search for the best pumpkin.

Hmm, maybe this one is better?

She finally found one, and then designated Tom as the official pumpkin taxi. The other pumpkin taxi is our good friend, Rob.

Halloween

Kelly was Robin Hood this year. We put her costume together with things around the house, except the green cape, which we bought at a thrift store. With Tom's help, I sewed the tunic that she's wearing underneath.

Flower Child

Tom's Birthday Party

Tom's birthday was on Saturday, and we had a party for him. It was such a blessing to be surrounded by our church body, especially since we don't have any family close by. It was a fun day of food and fellowship.

Our friends, Brian and Michelle hosted the party at their place. They decorated it so cute. The papers clipped to the bushes had sheet music printed on them.

The yummy food

We had meatballs, lasagna, cold cuts and fruit.

The cake Mandi baked and decorated. It's a little plain, but still tasted good.

"Happy Birthday, dear Tom"

Some of Tom's buddies.

Tom showing off his birthday present from Mandi, the Amazon Kindle.