Planes, Trains, & Automobiles (minus the planes)

We headed up to Mark's parent's house for XMAS. Now, being 35 weeks pregnant, the prospect of driving for 7 or 8 hours was not sitting well with me. Having to stop for bathroom and stretching breaks would've added at least a couple hours to our drive. Lynn came up with the wonderful idea of taking the train... For a mere $130 roundtrip (3 passengers), we could all hang out on the train and enjoy our stress free ride up north. We packed the van and headed up to Bakersfield (a short 2 hour drive) to catch the train up to Motown (Modesto), where Mark's dad, Art, would be waiting for us.












We were fortunate to grab the "family" seating area, which consisted of a table and 4 seats facing one another. We had access to a couple of outlets so Shayna could watch a movie or two, while mom and dad slept.




This was pretty much our view on our way back through the San Joaquin Valley!





We got into Motown a little behind schedule (because Amtrak is NEVER late - just behind schedule) and headed up to Sonora. We had a wonderful XMAS! Lots of family, fun, food, and presents!







Here's a cute picture of Cooper, Kaitlyn, Shayna, and Grace. Next year, we'll have to make room for William!

Here's a great shot of Mark and Shayna!

Here's Shayna with her Grammie Lynn!
















All in all, it was a wonderful XMAS and I'm so happy that we made the trip up north! Thanks again to Art & Lynn for everything (oh and my awesome Snuggie, which I'm wearing right now as I post to my blog!)!

My Little Princess

Shayna was so cute last night, as she decided to dress up as a princess and dance for us. She is so adorable!

34 Weeks - Boooya!

WOW! 34 weeks! This pregnancy is flying by! Baby is getting bigger and bigger every day. He has the hiccups at least 10 times a day, which I heard is normal. Shayna never had the hiccups at all! Here's a cool picture of baby at 34 weeks... sorry for all of the womanly parts which are pointed out!

Thanksgiving - 2009

This year we had a special treat! Mark's parent's, Art and Lynn, came down and cooked us a spectacular feast, with all the trimmings!! It was so wonderful! Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, and of course pumpkin pie! The pie was broken into prior to dinner (and for breakfast the next morning) but that was OK because we had more AFTER dinner, too!




YUM!

















On Friday, Mark and Art took Shayna to pick out a XMAS tree. They came back with a gorgeous 6' tree! Here's Mark modifying it for the stand.




...and here are Shayna and Grammie decorating it with new and old ornaments! I think that they did an awesome job, but what do I know... I'm jewish!