Noni

Anna Dow, better known as Noni, passed away on August 11 from pancreatic cancer. She is Chris' grandmother on his father's side. Noni was born and raised in Gera Lario, a tiny town on Lago di Como in northern Italy. We had the privilege of visiting her home town on our trip to Italy with her and the rest of the family in 2006. One of my favorite memories from that trip was Noni saying, in her thick Italian accent, "I don't understand this country."
She was a very loving woman, proud of her family, and an excellent cook. One of her most famous creations was her pasta frolla, a staple at any family gathering. She welcomed me right into the family and made me feel just like any of her other grandchildren. She was wonderful with Hannah, and one particularly fussy day (Thanksgiving last year), she was the only one who could calm Hannah down. Noni and her husband Neal (Doc), have a ranch in Oregon where they raise cattle and hunt. We miss Noni greatly, but have confidence she is in Heaven because of her faith in God and Jesus Christ. Like Jesus said,"Most Assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life." -John 6:47 and "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." -John 14:6

We will miss you Noni! We love you!

The Ventura County Fair

A couple weeks ago we took a trip to the fair. We were hoping to watch the demolition derby but there was a wait to get into the stands. So instead we enjoyed the animals and displays. The cookies I entered didn't win an award this year. :( I've gone downhill with my entries ever since the pumpkin pie that took 2nd place a couple years ago. Hannah had her first fair ride on the carousel. She also really liked all the lights of the midway. We tried for another goldfish this year but no luck.

My First Fruits

I have successfully grown a tomato plant in our backyard! This is a huge feat for me, seeing as I couldn't keep an ivy plant alive in the house. My $1 plant from the local farmer's market is thriving and we have already picked two delicious tomatoes. 

More Summer Travels

We were traveling again at the beginning of the month to a family wedding in Lockwood. Congratulations to Lacey and Bob! If you want to go somewhere hot in the summer, that is the place. But it was a nice wedding and a good visit with family. We also got to spend a little time in Cayucos and Hannah got to crawl on the beach. Sand was a new texture for her and she didn't seem to mind the face plant she took in it. 

Can you see Morro Rock?