We Love The Rev.

Did you know that Ron was ORDAINED last weekend? Although nothing is really changing with his job at YSSC, it was a true exclamation to his hard work at Fuller and a calling that he has felt for a long time. He has become a parish associate at our church and will be working with the young adult ministry in his spare time. 3 out of Ron's 4 brothers came out for the wonderful event. We also had friends from Oakhurst, Washington, and all over California head south for the weekend. We had so much fun being together. Saturday night I threw a gathering together with my sister-in-law, Gayle's help. She is the true hostess with the mostess.... I'm just her trusty sidekick. I had 30 shirts made to surprise Ron, and we whipped up a great BBQ. Everyone enjoyed being together. Dave topped off the night by reading an amazing testimony to Ron, and gifting him with their dad's stole that he wore in their wedding. It was an amazing moment. Late afternoon Sunday, we went back to the church to set up for the Ordination Ceremony. We set up the patio for a post-ceremony fiesta for 150. I suddenly felt like I was planning Ron's wedding... 

The ceremony was incredible. It was a perfect combination of Holy moments and fun. The words spoken to, and about, Ron were heartfelt and genuine.  

Ron was surrounded by dear friends and family. It was a great evening. Monday came too soon and everyone headed home. Ron and I were sad to see everyone go and spend most of Monday feeling blue. 

Rosie spent the weekend surrounded by her family that she doesn't see too often, but adores. Rosie was enthralled by Allison, our niece, and the makeup that she brought with her from Minnesota. After everyone departed on Monday, Rosie wandered from room to room asking, "Ally?" ........."Uncle Dave?"........ "Gayle?"............ Mom and Dad are just not as fun.

We spent part of Friday showing our niece and nephew the sights of Laguna Beach. The Shake Shack was my idea...... are you surprised?

Our dearest Rosie decided to try her hand at makeup artistry, using Ally's supplies. I think she was going for kitty whiskers and a beauty mark, what do you think?
Ready to hit the beach with Uncle Steve
Pre-party decor

I'll give you 5 dollars if you can name the movie!
Surprise!











Sunday night... The Mentors, minus Dave Downs and Jon Crantz
All Eckerts! Believe it or not, there is more where this came from!!
The Eckert Brothers, minus Doug
Monday came too soon.... :(


What a gift to be surrounded and supported by such an amazing family, great friends, and an incredible church we are BLESSED!!

Make Way for Ducklings

Look at our big girl in her "new" bed! We have this Eckert family heirloom bed that Ron's grandfather made. It's a beautiful four-poster bed fit for a queen... or a tiny princess, in this case. As we're anticipating another baby Eckert girl in December, we wanted to give Rosie plenty of time to adjust to her new bed before "baby sister" comes in and takes over the crib. Rosie has not yet slept in her new bed, but she likes reading, playing, and of course, doing some hearty jumping! 

Laborious Labor Day

On Sunday afternoon, we headed back up to Bass Lake. You may be wondering why, since we've been home only a short time. Well, my dearest husband...ehhmm... got a ticket on Hwy 99 during the summer. Rosie and I were not along for that ride. He was going just a "yittle" too fast on the 99 pulling a trailer full of stuff for camp. Because of his commercial driver's license, he had to appear in court in the LOVELY little town of Lamont, off of the 99 on Tuesday. We made lemonade out of our 400 dollar lemon and enjoyed some fun activities at the lake...

We relaxed, spent time with friends, and enjoyed glimpses of fall that we will never see in San Clemente. If you sense a little bitterness in my writing, it's because I'M SO READY for summer to be over! I know, feel sorry for me because I live in San Clemente. I'm schlepping my boxes of ceramic pumpkins, fall leaf wreaths, and pumpkin spice candles from the garage while our neighbors walk by in their bikinis on their way to the beach. I'm just ready for fall.

The main event on Monday was to check out the Peddler's Fair. In my memories from childhood, this was a magical bi-annual event where the streets of Oakhurst were closed off to traffic and there were hundreds of booths selling wonderful handmade treasures and tasty treats. One might even be able to trade a hotdog in exchange for a pet turtle. Really. This happened. Now, the Peddler's Fair has been moved to a dusty parking lot in Coarsegold, and the whole thing resembles a big rusty yard sale. There were a few treasures to be had, but certainly no hotdog-for turtle trading going on. It truly was charming in its own way.

Rosie checked out an authentic TeePee.

.....and posed for a picture with "Sunny."

..... and searched for treasures with Daddy and Wrigs.
.... and checked out the finger puppets with Mama.
.... and goofed around a little, too.

We also ate at Danny's Pizza..... twice. Don't judge me. I'm pregnant and my family does whatever I say when it comes to food.

 We ate there once for dinner and then again for delicious turkey sandwiches the next day. We did get to enjoy a home cooked meal by our favorite chef, Joyce Mueller and co. but, we also stocked up on our always-craved-Danny's Pizza.

We searched for baby deer roaming the property. We saw 2 baby spotted fawns with their mama. 

And as if our escapades in Bass Lake were not enough of silver lining in our weekend, Mario Andretti,  my husband, was shown traveling mercies (literally) and walked away from his court date with no ticket and no fine! His CHP officer didn't show up! No file in the cake needed! Hurray!

Eckert Family Camp Out

Where did we head on our camp out? Was it The Grand Tetons? Yosemite Valley? Tuolumne  Meadows? The Grand Canyon? Nope... it was our own backyard! Yesterday afternoon we pitched a tent, dragged in Rosie's mattress, inflated the Aerobed, and gathered our supplies for the 1st annual Eckert Family Camp Out.  We made Hobo Stew (gourmet style), roasted Smores, sang a few renditions of "Emerald Cove," and snuggled in our tent for the night. Lucky for this 6.5- months- pregnant- mama, the bathroom was just a few steps away, for my quarterly visit.... The best part of the night, however, came from Rosie of course. I had just laid her down on her mattress, said goodnight, and zipped up the tent. We were sitting around our little campfire and we hear a little voice coming from the tent:

 

Rosie: "Ron?" (pronounced "Won")

Ron: "Ummmm..... yes, Rosie?"

Rosie: "Ron, I need just a yittle drink of water."

Everyone looking well rested!

....And It Continues!

We celebrated Rosie's birthday......again! We're finally (all) home and settled. We had not yet celebrated Rosie's birthday with the Welch/Hunt side of the family. We had a great evening together celebrating, once again, little Miss R.