Camping Excursion Part 4 with the Gutierrez

Okay, you may say this is going a bit overboard - 4 camping trips within a span of 2 months?!!! Yeah, that's how crazy we get when we don't get a chance to go to Hawaii. In all seriousness, I think this summer would have to be the most spontaneous summer vacations we've had as a family. Looking back, I can't believe the opportunities we had to just spend time as a family and hang out with brothers and sisters.




Last weekend, we went camping with Cos and Jo; this was a trip planned in less than a week. We went back to our place of choice in South Lake Tahoe. Although we were only able to camp for one night, it was a lot of fun. This time around, we had a lot of time to just....

One of the things we were not able to do with our previous trip to Tahoe was to peruse through their outdoor shopping center. It was a perfect day to hang out and do some "window" shopping.

Camping Excursion Part 3: C&C Annual Camping Trip

One of the events that C&C Ministry has that I look forward to every year is the annual camping trip. I believe this is our 6th year and the most attended. For the past 4 years, we have made Del Valle in Livermore, our camping "home." As I mentioned earlier, this year was the most attended with 32 campers; some being their first time ever camping. I applaud those, especially with kids, who braved the natural elements, yellow jackets, and very hot temperatures to minister and fellowship with the C&C Ministry.

KayKay and Zoe hanging out and sharing some Os

Alyssa cooking her very first meal....ever!!! Great job!

Julian took over cooking the sausages for breakfast; suffice to say he also cooked up a couple of the yellow jackets who came too close to the pan.

Reggie than talked Alyssa into letting him cook a couple of pancakes....

Reggie calls this a "Man cake."

Weekend Getaway with the Harris Family

Last week we spent the weekend at Sea Ranch (about 3 hours north of the bay area); our friends the Harris' have a family vacation home there and they kindly invited us for another "spontaneous" weekend getaway. Not only was the company delightful, but the scenery breathe taking. I had an opportunity to get away one morning to get alone with God while sitting right at the edge of the cliffs; as the powerful waves crash onto the rocks and upon the shore, I was witnessing a glimpse of the power of God.

The week prior, Mike spoke on the freedom we have in Christ; in that message, he mentioned that even creation will find freedom when the new heaven and earth will come - creation will be freed from the affects of sin. How will that look as I gazed on this magnificent scene? If I thought what I was witnessing at this moment to be grand and good, how much more in the new earth! How I long to see this, but more to be with Christ. Until then, He allows us to enjoy creation.

Sometimes it's better no to know where or what my husband is doing; as you can see above, he and Scott are fishing on the side of a very tall cliff. At least they caught 2 fishes.

We couldn't tell what type of fish they caught, but it was good!!!

Daddy and baby

Reflecting on life achievements

Simple Birthday Day

With all the celebrating we did over the weekend, I wanted to celebrate my actual birthday in simple style - a movie. Yes a movie, and for those of you that know us, a movie is an actual treat. And what a treat it was to watch The Dark Knight especially with Mike. We've heard many people rave about the movie but I didn't want to go in with any expectations. Sufficed to say, they were right! The movie is great! Even Christian Bale's voice, when he is Batman, didn't ruin my enjoyment of the movie. Can anyone tell me what is up with that!!

My sister baked me a mango cake; both her and my mom are the best in making their cakes. Since we had staff meeting that night, we brought the cake over for everyone to enjoy. After everyone left, we were able to just hang out and fellowship with Amel and Vangie. What a perfect way to end a perfect weekend.

Thank you all for making my birthday extra special for me; thank you for the cards, the greetings, and affections. I am truly blessed to have each of you in my life.

Birthday Weekend, Thursday - Napa

To celebrate summer, Mike's official last day of vacation, and to kick off my birthday weekend, Mike took us to Napa to take our family pictures and eat at another favorite restaurant - Rutherford Grill.

Birthday Weekend, Friday - Espetus (Brazilian Churrascaria)

A little over a year ago, our family took a trip to San Diego where we discovered one of my all-time family restaurants - Ray Degado (Brazilian Churrascaria). When we discovered that there was a churrascaria in SF, Mike and I took the opportunity to try it out and boy, was it a discovery!! So when Mike asked me what I wanted to do for my birthday, I jumped at the chance to go back to Espetus and we brought several of our dearest friends along.

For those who aren't familiar with churrascarias, it's similar to a buffet but instead waiters come along and serve varies meats on long skewers. Matter-of-fact we found out that "espetus" is Portuguese for skewers. Everyone raved about the food and struggled to say "no" to some of the skewers that were passing by.

QUOTE OF THE NIGHT: As Scott was struggling to keep going, the restaurant lights dimmed and Scott said, "Did the lights just go down or am I passing out."

Cos & Jo (Tuesday date nights and ministry partners)

Er & Becks (Newly weds and ministry partners)

Scott & Jen (Partners in crime and Mike's long lost twin (Jen))

I can never get these two to take a serious picture

She ALWAYS makes me laugh (not to mention herself)

Travel and theological discussion partners

Let the celebration begin!

Appetizers anyone?

There is a lot to chose from; my favorite side dish is the pickled mango salad. Yummy! My favorite meat was the sirloin.

Cos trying the chicken heart

This is not a camera trick; this was prepared by our waiter in anticipation of our desserts

Does this look familiar?

Several of the couples order this; I think it's a sort of chocolate mousse

We ended the night back at our home; the guys sat outside talking story while we (the girls) stayed inside. Everyone left around 3 in the morning; I would say it was one of the best birthday dinner parties I've had. Thanks to those who came along; to share this special time with me and willing to fork out the "shells" for the dinner.

Birthday Weekend, Saturday - Pier 39 (SF)

On Saturday, the Harris' and our family spent the day at Pier 39 in San Francisco; instead of driving into the city, we thought it would be fun with the kids to take the ferry. It turned out to be a lovely, pleasant, even hot day to visit SF. Our first stop - the Farmer's Market; I picked up a couple of nice nectarines (white and regular). About that time, Jen and I decided to go shopping; mainly because we wore long sleeves in anticipation the city would be chilly - it wasn't, the temp felt more like the 80's. After a quick change, we took the long walk to Pier 39 (from Pier 1). Since it was a beautiful day, many found themselves doing the same thing; I've never seen Pier 39 so busy and crowded. We walked around the pier and then took our lunch at the Pier 39 Market Restaurant. Very good food I might add.

The Harris family chillin' on the ferry

Kaykay chillin' more than the rest of us

She finally woke up to enjoy the boat ride. Since it was a clear day, we were able to see a lot - even dolphins playing in the water.

Daddy and Kaykay hanging out at the Pier