The Weekend Before the Retreat...And After

We had an extra-eventful weekend before we left for the retreat...

First, our little Hume friend "Abby Slawson" who is 2.5 yrs old came a spent the night with us (allowing our friends Nate and Josie, her parents, to go out on a date!). We took Abby on her first pony ride at the Autumn festival for Talbot students, we enjoyed free apple cider, talked with the Thoennes' and listened to Dr. Horner play acoustic guitar. Then we took her home and fell asleep watching "Looney Tunes!" But not before....

Jono came down to spend the night too!  So we all crashed in our 1 bedroom apartment, Josie, Nathan, Abby, Jono, Keri and me. The family left early, and Jono spent the weekend with us.  We just rested most of the day, doing homework, and then went to Staycie Sodestrom's Family Shower in Temecula.  Calvin and Kenzie Sodestrom made the drive from Las Vegas, where they celebrated their 1 year anniversary, and met us at the shower--it was obviously fun (duh).  We had great conversation on the way home, and talked until bedtime. 

Jono, Keri and I went to Grace Ev. Free the next day, then stopped at the local puppy store on the way home for our cuteness fill-up for the week. We spent the afternoon talking, making tea, and watching Tommy Boy with Chris Farley and David Spade. Then we spent the evening at Calvin and Kenzie's celebrating both Calvin's and Jono's birthday, and just talking and laughing.  We had the unique treat of skyping with Brendan and Rachel, who live in Michigan, and it was really fun to catch up with them. Then Jono crashed at the Sodestrom's that night and Keri and I went home to prep for our 10 hours of class.  

Then we left for the retreat....

...After the retreat, Keri and I had a wonderful weekend with my Mom and Auntie Claudette in the Bay Area.  The video below will help you experience how great this time was!

Also, on the way home, we stopped by the Mellis' Cabin in Mt Hermon!  They were staying there for 2 weeks.  We started the first fire, took a unfurnished tour and then celebrated with dinner at Stagnaro's on the Santa Cruz pier. We arrived home late Sunday night, and began another 12 hour day of classes.  We were tired and very fulfilled.