Season of Sojourning

Monday, June 16, 2014

South of the Border

Over the weekend, we were extremely blessed by a quick trip to Magdalena. It's been almost a year since Jonathan and I were there (when Eddie was just the size of a grape, or something like that), and I've been itching to go. Mostly to share Eddie with those people that have meant so much to me and whom God has used to shape who I am today. Eddie brings me so much joy, and I wanted to spread it around! And our joy-buckets were filled too!

Keyla shares her kitten. Eddie thought that was pretty cool.

Tia Jacks.

Tia Yaneli did a great job spoiling Eddie!

And, as always, Pau's enthusiasm is so catching!

Gabby spent a few months living with us right before we moved to Magdalena.

So crazy that just a few years later we're meeting up while I'm back in town

to introduce our little ones to each other.

I'm not sure who was more excited, Eddie or Pau.

The picture doesn't do justice.

As always, we were encouraged and challenged. I faced a little apprehension as we began the 10-hour drive Thursday evening. It's easy enough to be excited about seeing friends that feel a whole lot more like family, good food, and fun, but realistically I had to prepare myself for how things have changed, people have changed, since I lived there and was a part of that community. In some way, I'll always belong there, but in other ways, I don't belong there anymore. Which is strange. And bittersweet. I can't expect to be able to "pick up where we left off" with everyone, although, praise God, that happened in some cases. But I wanted to embrace whatever God gave during the trip. And there were some sweet, sweet times.

And we made some wonderful memories with my parents too, since they were game enough to not only come along, but do most of the driving which included all night Sunday for the return trip.

First stop: Cafe Sed. Mmm, nutella frappe!

Riding on Dad's shoulders.

My mom and Queen Victoria.

Old friends and new friends.

Tori warmed up to Eddie in a hurry. He wasn't so sure how to react to her affectionate squeezes! She wanted to hold him, hug him, and he sometimes looked like he just wanted to escape!

Antonio. Now there's a big dog.

I was surprised Eddie wasn't more intimidated by him.

Oh, and Uncle Nate was there!

Such a good time! And it was easier saying goodbye knowing we'll be back soon! We have another weekend trip planned in July for a wedding! For now, it's good to be home. We saw my parents off this afternoon and now we're hoping for a quick transition back to "normal" life. As I type, Eddie is rolling around the floor complaining. Why? Hmmm...missing Grandpa and Grandma already? That's my guess. I sort of feel like joining him!

Thursday, June 12, 2014

A Visit from los Abuelos Zobrist

Eddie's Zobrist grandparents came to visit us in California!

Actually, they're still here, but since we're headed to Mexico this weekend, I'd better get these pictures posted before there are a million more!

My dad and mom have been here for a week, spoiling a certain someone... We've also managed to have a lot of fun--

like visiting JPL.

"Hmm." I think he's thinking.

Actually, he's not that enthusiastic about how

they make the mars yard like the surface of mars,

in fact, he's fast asleep.

This time, since the tour was during working hours, we actually got to go into the mars yard and get up close to the almost exact replica of the rover currently on mars.

See? He's totally out.

We spent Saturday at our old stomping grounds: Manhattan Beach.

Watching the waves.

Family picture on the pier.

Jonathan and Steven took the surf boards out

while we enjoyed the sun and sand.

Yup, this little 6-month-old is

mastering sitting up!

Making faces. Think he might be feeling something in there?

I love how he'll sit on my lap and let me play the piano.

(Although he's exploring his pounding abilities, so that will be short lived!)

With Grandpa and Grandma at church!

A not-so-fun activity my parents tagged along for was Eddie's 6 month check-up.

He's was such a brave boy, but those shots hurt!

A ride in his fancy new bike trailer made him feel better!

We haven't been able to use our bikes since Eddie was born and have been hoping to find a trailer to pull him now that he's sitting up. It's incredible, but my dad did one search on craigslist and there was a really nice brand trailer just a few miles away in Pasadena that had just been posted. We called right away and in less than an hour Eddie had some fancy new wheels! Grandpa and Grandma have done great introducing him to bike rides in just a few days!

Love this! He's such a voracious eater!

Except when we try to sneak in some peas.

He shuddered from head to toe and back out they came.

We visited some of Eddie's biggest fans and got to go for a swim in their pool!

The Klotzle boys love on Eddie! (and he eats it up!)

Swimming with Grandpa

And, last but not least, we spent a few hours at the Huntington Library and Gardens. Jonathan and I bought a membership for our anniversary a few weeks ago, and we were eager to try it out!

Watching the waterfall at the Chinese garden.

Playing in the water at the children's garden.

He loved it! We'll be back--all summer long!

Sweetie!

This little guy is going to miss his Grandma and Grandpa!

(Oh, I'll miss them too! Believe me!)

Saturday, May 24, 2014

Celebrating Big Accomplishments

Wait, who graduated?

There we go! The real Dr. Sauder.

While Jonathan technically already has his doctorate and received his diploma in December, the formal ceremony at USC only happens once a year in May. So last week he took a day off work from his real job to participate in the hooding ceremony which was, thankfully, inside an air conditioned auditorium. It was an extremely warm day, over 100 degrees, I believe, so it was hot enough just taking pictures outside--in the shade!--in all that getup!

Eddie's Grammy came all the way from IL to carry his diaper bag all over campus.

Oh, and to make sure Jonathan's collar was tucked in right!

And to celebrate the big accomplishment, that too, I guess!

I'd never been to a PhD hooding ceremony before. It was waaaaay more entertaining than your typical graduation. The "candidates" walked across the stage where they were met by their thesis advisor who did the hooding. Literally the student sort of squatted so the professor could try to maneuver the hood over their funky square graduation hat (what are those called anyway? oh yeah, a mortarboard). Sometimes they ended up with it caught about halfway over or maybe gagging the poor graduate. It was supposed to be this somber moment but actually had the audience cracking up half the time. Then they were handed their diploma by the dean, got their picture taken, and walked off stage.

There he is,

(posing with the dean and his advisor in the bottom left corner)

and the projector screen has his name, his professor's name,

and the title of his dissertation.

And that was another source of entertainment--reading the titles of everyone's dissertation. Some sounded interesting, some might have sounded interesting if I'd have had any idea what they were talking about!

Family photo under the arch!

So proud of Jonathan, and all the hard work and long hours he's put in for our family!

Speaking of working hard for our family, we got a tour of JPL again, this time with Mom Sauder and Rachel while they were in town, and also Grammy. And Eddie got to tag along too and see where Dad works! I think he was impressed.

Getting an explanation of how something works.

Even Eddie is an engaged audience!

And he looks pretty comfy there, too!

He sure did get comfortable having a doting Grammy and Aunt around all week. Now he's missing them something fierce! And I'm sure the feeling is mutual!

Checking out Dad's office.

Grammy enjoyed the tour too!

Especially since she used to work there years ago!

Here she is standing by the sign that marks the spot where her boss's office was.

And finally, this post would not be complete without mentioning some of Eddie's latest accomplishments! So it's not earning his doctorate (yet!), but they are still noteworthy!