Team Oakley in SD JAN 2012

Michael, Beka, and Emery had a fantastic time in our hometown of SD this January. We were able to do so many fun things, and see so many great people that we love. Having Emery along makes life in general better, so he is a plus too :) 

Here are some highlights of our fantastic trip:

We stayed in Beka's sister's house while we were there. She and her fiancee, Timmy, are always so hospitable and loving. Beka and Michael take notes from them and their relationship often. 

This is 'the pub room' of their house. It is a happy place for Team Oakley, and many others. 

Emery was BEYOND spoiled while he was here. Books, toys, clothes, shoes, and everything in between! His Auntie Roxanne got him this Manchester United outfit, and his Auntie Ro got him some soccer gear to match. He is learning what sport is the best already, and looking pretty darn adorable doing it. 

He was so cute in his little outfit, that Auntie Ro and Uncle Timmy tried VERY hard to take him. 

Michael and Emery have always been a great sleepers, and Beka...not so much. So on vacation Emery tried to teach his mom the art of napping. She gladly accepted the challenge. 

Beka and Michael never mind getting Emery dressed, but being here around so much family with so many helping hands, it was a nice break from the daily routine of diapers and changes. People would jump to help. Especially when it came to changing him into some cure PJs. Here is Emery getting snuggly before bed. His Aunties couldn't resist putting him in his bear suit. 

Emery got to meet his Great Zizi Rose (Michael's aunt), his Zizi John (Michael's uncle) and his cousin Louisa. Zizi Rose wasted no time in snuggling with the handsome little man. 

Like we indicated before, Emery got lots of fun gifts while we were here. His favorite toy, by far, was his new moose given to him by Uncle Zach and Aunt Robin. We are not sure if it is the crinkle ears, the chewable horns, the bells in the feet, the grabber rings, or the squeaker inside, but Emery loves it! It has not left his side since he first laid eyes on his new best friend. 

Emery also enjoyed all the San Diego sunshine. It was snowing back home in TN, so Team Oakley soaked up as many rays as we could, SD style. 

Emery supports the SD padres! 

And finally, Team Oakley went to Ikea! Michael and Beka have always been fans of the swedish wonder store, but this was Mr. Emery's first time! Michael gave him the hands on, VIP tour. 

It was SUCH a fun trip! Camping, hiking, snow boarding, the stomach flu, friends, family, Christmas, presents, and lots of quality time with the ones we love.  And though it is always hard to say goodbye, it is easier knowing that Beka and Emery with be back in four weeks for Auntie Rochelle's wedding, and Michael will come out four weeks after that! Also, Beka's sister Roxanne is coming back to TN with them to look for collages to transfer to (fingers crossed!).  We will have adventures with her in TN to blog about for sure!

So until we all meet again, Stay classy San Diego.

Love

Team Oakley

New Year's day, and the end of the Beard.

After we partied hard the night before, on New years day we woke up late and packed our things to leave the wonderful cabin we had been staying in for the past few days in Big Bear, CA. 

Michael decided to start the new year off with change...to his face. He had been growing his massive beard for months, and took some time to appreciate his work with some fun. When Michael shaves, he makes it into a theatrical performance (if anyone can believe that :)

And this is the final result! The handsome naked face is back (for a little bit at least). What a good looking guy Beka has. 

Emery, in the spirit of wanting to be just like dad, made some faces to show off his handsome little face too!

After the faces and the shaving, we all packed or cars and headed home! This time Beka took some anti - nausea meds so that the ride would not be as horrible as it was on the way UP the mountain! She happily passed out and woke up in Temecula thankful to not be sick, and hungry! We stopped ate at five guys (better than in-n-out, just saying). 

Emery ate too. He this milk is better than anything! 

After all of our lunches we made the last bit of our trek home. 

We had a great time away at the cabin these past few days, but we are sure happy to be home! There was hiking, puking, and celebrating, so we say that was a good time. 

Thanks for sharing it all with us!!!

Love

Team Oakley

Cabin trip, day four - new years eve!

Happy new year's eve! We are so blessed to be able to celebrate this day in the BEAUTIFUL cabin that we have been relaxing in for the past few days.

The day began with snuggles in bed. Beka was sneaky and captured this father/son moment without the boy's knowledge. It's a little dark, but Beka did not want to wake the sleeping bears. They were so cute!

We all woke up slow and lazy, and came down stairs to wish those who were leaving the cabin (some had work the next day, and some had far more fabulous parties to attend on the new year). 

After our good byes all that was left was Team Oakley, Rochelle (Beka's older sister), Timmy (Rochelle's fiancee), Roxanne (Beka's little sister), Caroline (Beka's Mom) and Steve-Pop (Beka's step dad). We were excited to ring in the new year together! 

We all got ready and went around Big Bear and did some shopping and some sight seeing. It was beautiful! The shops were right on the lake. It was cold out, but it was perfect to set the mood for the brisk winter day. 

Timmy and Ro shared a kiss in front of the beautiful scene. 

Rochelle and Roxanne are striking a pose as well. 

Beka and Michael also took a moment to share a snuggle (we don't ever need an excuse though). 

We all took some time to get a snuggle picture with Mr. Emery. He was especially cute that day in his guitar hooded sweat shirt. 

After a fun time of walking and window shopping, we got a bite to eat at a local restaurant. Emery loved sitting with us and pretending to be a big guy. 

After the nice day out we were all pleasantly tired, so we decided to head back to the cabin and begin the night in.

Emery played hard when we got back to the cabin, then was fed and put to bed. He is a fun guy, but too little to join in the new year's eve fun this year. Sorry bud. 

Timmy did the feeding honors. 

The rest of the night was full of wii playing, news watching, joke telling, and anything else we could do to keep ourselves awake! It was a far cry from a wild party, but after the rough few days we have all had, it was welcomed and just what we wanted. 

After hours of fighting our heavy eyelids, it was time to count it down! 

10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1.... 

HAPPY NEW YEARS!

Beka and Michael locked lips, then kissed the baby monitor to include Emery in the love. 

Then literally minutes after the ball dropped we were all in bed and welcoming the new year with dreams and snores (the snores were Michael's). 

It was a calm, but WONDERFUL way to start 2012. 

Team Oakley has many goals and dreams for the next year, and we cannot wait to share them all with you!

Thanks for reading!

Love

Team Oakley