The new testament expanded Bible

The purpose behind the Expanded New Testament Bible by Thomas Nelson publishers is to help you find deeper meaning in the Word and be able to read and study the bible at the same time. While reading it, you will be able to learn many different terms, expressions and synonyms for key words in each verse. I thought it was an "okay" bible. I wasn't a huge fan. It was very distracting for me to keep having to stop and look at the additional words/comments for each word in the sentence. It also didn't see very user friendly. But, I am also not used to reading study bible's. I would definitely not recommend this as a take to church bible or as a "first bible." On the other hand, I can see how this would be very helpful if you are just focusing on individual verses and wanting to research additional information about each key verse.

It's cold enough to wear slippers!

It's finally gotten colder here in the Sacramento area, so we pulled out the kid's slippers. They were so entertained by them. Andrew kept saying "EMO...EMO," for Elmo. Ahhh, these are the fun days...memories...memories.

Everyone loves high heels

Andrew got to try Hannah's princess high heels out, and of course he LOVED them. Of course he had to pick the pink ones out. This will be a good bribe picture for Andrew when he gets older. :)

Sacramento Fair

We went the beginning of this month to the Sacramento Fair. Travis had to work at a SMUD booth there, so we decided to join him afterward. Here's Hannah and I riding the choo-choo train. It was the only ride that she was tall enough to ride. :)
The kiddos had a great time at the petting zoo. Andrew especially loved petting this white goat...mostly because it was the only creature sitting still in the whole place. :)

This donkey kept following Travis around the petting zoo. We got a good laugh out of that. Maybe he smelled like his favorite food. :)
Hannah had a great time petting all the animals.
This is my favorite picture of Hannah right now. It really captures a moment of cuteness. Happy Fall everyone!

The many faces of Andrew

Andrew has so many expressions that I wanted to share some of them with you. This one above is his "watching Hannah being silly" look.
This one is his "I'm curious" look.
LOVE this picture! This is his "I'm just the silliest guy ever" look...or actually I think Travis was tickling him in this one...
This one is "I love...." look. Usually he gives me this look when he points to his shoes and wants me to put them on in the morning.
This one is "I'm frustrated" look. He gives me that one a lot too. :) Hope you enjoyed the many personalities/features/persona's of Andrew. :)

Good-bye Grandparents! We miss you!

This is all of us at the airport going back home. We had a great trip overall, and really miss everybody! PS. Don't you just love Hannah's ladybug luggage?

Hannah the fish

Hannah was a big fish in the swimming pool in Colorado. I can't wait to take her more in the water. She learned how to float all by her self on her back, and if I had a little more practice, I think she might swim by the end of this summer. Wait...the summer is gone! Okay, maybe next year.

Fun on the Grandparents boat

One of the high lights of our trip to Colorado was going on the Grandparents boat. That was a lot of fun! Here's a picture of Justin and I attempting to Kayak. That's right Justin...whose got the muscle! :)
That's me holding on for dear life on the inner tube that is tagging behind the jet ski. Talk about a face full of water.
Travis and Justin on the jet ski, saying "See, we're okay. Didn't flip the jet ski."
Travis holding on to the inner tube.
Here's me holding on to the inner tube. Note to contact wearers: Might want to take them out before trying this... :)
Hannah and I kayaking. She had a fun ride.
Travis and the kids hanging out on the boat.
Grandpa Pat and Uncle Justin manning the jet ski.
And saving the best for last...this was taken after Justin's 4th attempt at trying to stay afloat on the kayak. Maybe it just wasn't your thing Justin. Actually, I think you finally did manage it, didn't you? :)

Connecting with the Bowersoxes

We got to connect with Erin and Kristin Bowersox, whom we went to High School with, while we were in Colorado. Fun times!

Visit to Focus on the Family

We got to visit Focus on the Family while we were in Colorado Springs, and had a great time. It's such a great ministry! We actually went twice, because it was SO "cool." This is Hannah in the Wardrobe of Chronicles of Narnia. They had a Narnia room there that was all decked out.
This is the whole family, minus me whose taking the picture. But EVERYBODY is looking at the camera! Go Rhodes Family!
Uncle Justin showing Hannah something fun in a display case.
Hannah and Grandpa Pat got some bonding time over ice cream.
Hannah and Andrew being silly. Love those kids!

Tea at Glen Eyrie Castle

This was the tea and scones we were served at Glen Eyrie Castle. It was very ooh-la-la!
Hannah's favorite part of course was the...CHOCOLATE!!!!!
This was a special experience for Hannah, because we are always pretending to have "Tea" at home with our ladybug tea set, so this was the real thing for her.
Grandma Sherry and Hannah enjoying themselves.
Got a good shot with the kids. At least one kid is looking at the camera! :)

Thorn Boy

So...we are doing a little catch up. This happened the day before we were leaving for Colorado. Andrew ran in to the rosebushes, got a little beat up, and even got a thorn souvenir. He sure is our tough boy...he didn't even cry very much. I've definitely got my work cut out for me!