We got one photo at Easter that was worthy of posting on the blog. Here it is. Enjoy!

He has Risen!

What a great day it is! I know Christmas is a big deal, but Easter is an even bigger deal. Jesus came to us at Christmas, but he saved us at Easter. He didn't change his mind, didn't perform some miracle that got him down from the cross; he died, so that we can live forever and ever, with Him. I am awed by it every year. I think the year that I'm not awed by it, I will have to do some major soul cleaning :).

What is Easter without a little ridiculousness! One of the many awesome blessings of having girls... dressing them in ridiculous outfits that are way, way too cute! Have a blessed Easter! Ciao Tutti!

Table Time

Grandma and Grandpa Jones, your table finally came! Daddy set it up and Grace has enjoyed learning how to get up and sit on the chair, have snacks at the table, and play with puzzles on the table top! We are having a very good time with our new piece of furniture! Thank you so much!

A Piece of Heaven

A piece of Heaven is finally ours! Well, technically it's my parent's, but we are going to love being there! After many many years of patiently waiting for the right place, mom and dad found and purchased their forever home up in Traverse City. It's on the water, close to the "Traverse City House" and the best part; Dad has a garage that is as big as the house! I foresee many hours spent in there. Elly, Cait, and I are ecstatic and raiding Pinterest in search of cottage ideas for the house's slow make-over. Daniel is talking about getting his hands dirty and helping Dad renovate, build, whatever needs to be done. For those who know what my Grandpa's home has meant to me and the rest of the Spinweber girls, you know how great of a day this is!

Have a great day! Ciao Tutti!

Grandma and Grandpa Jones Visit Monterey!

The Jones Grandparents came and visited us last week, which we loved, especially because Grandpa made the trip and we weren't sure that he was going to be able to join us! Having family and guests in town is a good reason to become a tourist in your own back yard, which is what we have to do every three years or so. We were able to see a couple new places, namely the wine tasting rooms around the area. I had been waiting patiently to go to the Scheid tasting room over in Carmel, and we made it the other day, became members and tasted some AMAZING wines (for California ;)). We even got Grandpa and Grandma to order some wine for themselves. It's always a big deal when you can get 30% off your first wine purchase!

Wine tasting was new, and we also made it to the Aquarium, a walk down the ocean front path, meeting a new friend, and we also got to enjoy Fisherman's Wharf and some shopping in Carmel. All in all, it was a nice time to be together, and hopefully it will be the first of many visits by the family now that we are in the Continental United States!

Here are some pictures of 17-mile drive:

The twisted cypress that scatters the coast on 17-mile drive

This rock looks like it just has moss on it, or seaweed...but that's actually FULL of harbor seals! They come to this rock to get away from the wind, and they are all hanging out sleeping and talking! You could hear the barking all the way from where were were standing on shore, about 200 meters away. It was a lot of fun to watch them.

The rocky shore of 17-mile drive. This stretch is in Pebble Beach, in the middle of their infamous golf course, and if I didn't look at the course, the surroundings reminded me of Newport's rocky coast.

Grace in all her cuteness!

Fisherman's Wharf was especially fun because of all the wildlife that reside there. Grace loved seeing the Harbor Seals!

We had a fairly lengthy conversation as to how they were able to get up on the railing of that dock... not to mention balancing and sleeping at the same time!

The wharf

Beautiful boats in the harbor

Of course, when any of the Jones ladies are together, planting must take place! I was waiting for the weather to get nicer to plant in my pots, so, with the help of Grandma, Grandpa, Grace, and Daniel, we got a bed of flowers planted as well as some of my pots. It's not a home until you have pictures on the wall and plants growing in the garden!

Succulents in the large pot, first time I've had the opportunity to use them, they are SO much fun! Hopefully they are happy in the pot!

Thank you Grandpa for making us such a nice bed to plant in! Note that the turkey made it into the mix... Grace thought that was a nice spot for him!

"Daddy, she's not doing it right."

"Mom, why are you putting it there?!"

"Woa!! Water comes out of this thing... that's AWESOME!"

Have a great day, ciao tutti!