Michigan

Felt serene looking out at the view at Bryan's parent's place. Fortunately, it was warm enough this trip to go outside in the backyard a little.

Cincinnati Zoo Pictures

I loved the colorful trees! It was the perfect time to see them.

This is the 2nd oldest zoo in the country, opened in 1875! This is definitely the oldest carousel we've ridden on. There wasn't even music playing while you ride.

Maybe I am related to a peacock! I love how they are always allowed to roam free at every zoo.

Sierra's favorite pose nowadays.

Monkeys hugging :->

Additions to the Backyard

Sandbox boat we got on Craigslist.com for FREE. We refurbished it a little.


We're trying to make the backyard more kid friendly with the swing set and slide.


We trimmed the fig tree so it looks more like a tree, to try and make it look less scary.

Sierra's b-day pool party

We had our first of many pool parties this past weekend. Thank you to Sarah who took most of the pictures!

Happy 4th Birthday, Sierra!

My precious Sierra,

Four years ago today, we were in Overland Park, Kansas and just finished watching the World Cup finals when around 2:30pm my contractions started getting more noticeable. Around 5:00pm we went to St. Luke's South hospital down the street and gave birth to you naturally at 10:58pm with the help of your daddy and Vanessa and Bridget, my wonderful doulas.

Today I love you more than ever and am enjoying seeing you blossom into a big girl. I love how you are sensitive, yet strong, resourceful and kind. It is so special to see your love for your sister on most days and the hugs you give her. It been challenging being your mom at times, as you are very strong and passionate, like your mommy. But I hope I am learning everyday how to love and care for you better.

Enjoy your special day, my Sierra!

The Shiposh Sisters

Working in the Garden

Memories from the Move

Here comes all our stuff!


One of the movers, who helped us with both moves, was the first to christen our newly remodeled pool after he was drenched in sweat and needed some refreshment.

Good Friends

Sierra has been enjoying her friendship with Luca. It is so fun to see how comfortable they are with one another, as Sarah and Luca were the first attachment parenting family we met and developed a friendship with 3 1/2 years ago.




There are 2 turtles, one of them a baby, on the stick in the center of the picture.


Luca making friends with the baby ducks by feeding them rice cakes.


Sage right before I ran after her so she didn't end up in the lake.


The serenity of a beautiful day at William Mason Park in Irvine.

House Remodel - 1 week until move-in

Moving day is this coming Saturday. We are dragging into the finish line to some degree. Bryan is exhausted and has come down with a fever. But he is taking off the week after next so we can settle into our new home and rest with one another.

This week they'll be staining the wood, hooking up the kitchen appliances, and finishing up other loose ends. Here's some pictures from this morning. I am not sure that the pictures capture the actual colors very well. You'll have to see it in person.