Grandpa Walter

This past weekend I flew to Wisconsin for the funeral of my Grandpa Kindt. He died a couple of weeks ago after he fell at his home.
It was such a wonderful opportunity to get together as a family and remember our wonderful patriarch. It wasn't a tragic funeral because Grandpa hadn't been in good health, had recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and was able to rejoin Grandma, who died in December. I didn't write about her death then because I didn't really know how to or what to say and soon it was in the past. She died of acute leukemia a few weeks before Christmas.
This funeral was a wonderful time to remember their life's accomplishments, especially the way they raised their family and dedicated their lives to God.
Sometimes, I am upset because I want to learn more from them now and it is hard not having them around anymore. I miss them very much, but I am comforted by the fact that families are eternal and I will see them again someday.

My Grandma Rosie. This is what I plan on looking like when I'm old.

Me and Annalisa with Grandpa in April. He is a cool man.

Grandma and Grandpa in 1971, while he was a mission president in Germany. The cookie around his neck says, "Trust in me." I love this picture probably too much!

Quick Draw

Ken's hometown (Los Olivos) hosts a the Quick Draw every August. The Quick Draw means they get 20 artist together and give them 45 minutes to create a work of art. And then the art is auctioned off and some of the money is given to support the arts in local schools. This was so awesome to attend. Marcy watched Jared while we walked around and peeked over artist shoulders. It was great to see all the different styles and techniques each artists had. The auctioneer was the best though. He publicly embarrassed and harassed people into buying the art in the most friendly way I have ever seen.
It was such a cool experience.

And GOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

We took a break from art-watching and ate some tri-tip sandwiches artfully.


Some of the finished works! I wish we had the $350 to $1300 to buy a piece or two!

Santa Barbara Zoo

We went to the zoo (a first for Jared) and it was amazing. We were always trying to figure out what each animal says. This took a lot more creativity than I realized. But it was so much fun to watch Jared watch the animals.
A big thank you to Brad and Marcy!

Who rules the roost?

Grandma and Grandpa Ross

My little hatchling!!!

On the tiny train.

California Condors

These are apes not monkeys because they don't have tails.

Looking at the Toucans.

The Beach!!!

Jared's first visit to the ocean! It was really fun. He loved building and smashing sandcastles with his dad and eating sand.
We went to East Beach in Santa Barbara, which actually faces south.

Jared and his rock.

"Dad, there is sand in my mouth!"

Playtime with Grandma and Grandpa Ross

Miniature Horses

In Ken's area, there's a bit of horse industry (I don't know what else to call this- they breed, take care of and sell horses for all sorts of things) going on. One of the farms is for miniature horses. We thought Jared would enjoy seeing the new baby horses born this spring. He was interested, but definitely very hesistant.

I loved seeing how ridiculously small the new ponies were! Crazy!

Another New Haircut

I gave Jared his first real haircut this week! This was no trim, my friends, but a full on cutting of the hair. I used the buzzer which was awesome in that I didn't have to worry about cutting his ears off when he was struggling, but the downside was that his hair is so fine, the buzzer had trouble cutting it.
Either way, it is over. It is uneven and unnervingly toddler looking, but there is no going back now!

P.S. This is Jared with some tomatoes that he picked from our garden because they are, of course, "balls."

New Haircut

I was ready for something new. I've been thinking about this haircut for months now!

Before:


After:

I really like my cut (Thanks to Paul Mitchell Hair School). I thought I would cry, but I didn't! However, this morning I woke up with severe bed head and I have no idea what I should do!
What a fun new adventure!