Emily's First Birthday

Emily Rose Ritter turned one on September 8, 2009. We had a big birthday party for her here at home. The festivities included a pinata, a jumpy house, and, of course birthday cake.









We took Emily to the San Diego Zoo on her actual birthday. She loved it.

Yosemite and Bass Lake

During the first week of June, we traveled with family to Yosemite and Bass Lake. The weather was a tad cool and wet for June but we did not care. Emily loved the outdoors with so much to see and do.


Bass Lake was great. For some of us it was our first trip. For others, it had been more than three decades since the last visit. Mike learned to water ski at 5 years old on Bass Lake. Brother Dan caught a, yes, you guessed it, bass.

Flower Fields

On a Sunny Saturday recently, we visited the Flower Fields in Carlsbad just a few minutes from our house. Every year, they plant acres of amazing flowers which bloom on a hill overlooking the blue Pacific. It was great family time and a wonderful opportunity to make full use of my Nikon D60 camera.

Omaha Trip

We recently visited family in Omaha, Nebraska. I had not yet met this side of Elicia's family. They were very excited to meet Emily. We were the guests of Valerie and Jeff who treated us so well.










Emily loves her Aunt Valerie.










Emily had fun playing with Grampa Byers.










Nana, Mommy and Grampa Byers

Easter 2009

This year for Easter we visited Eggapalooza at Daybreak Church. Emily got to spend some quality time with the Easter Bunny and enjoy the many festivities. It's quite an event and we hope you can join us next year. We also spent time on Friday and Sunday celebrating the Greatest Comeback of All Time - the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The weekend was capped off with family time at Grandma and Grandpa Rios's house.

Rollin', rollin', rollin'

Emily has learned to roll over. We think she's had some trouble due to her, um, large mid-section. You can see her first attempt on the video takes awhile but the second one comes quickly. They say you gotta roll before you crawl. Right?

Emily's Christian Dedication

Emily was dedicated back to God yesterday at Daybreak Church on her 6 month birthday. We acknowledge that she is a gift from the Lord and we celebrate with the members of our church who have prayed for us and for her. Thanks to all of you who prayed for our family during the pregnancy. The Bible says the prayers of a righteous person are powerful and effective and we know God answers prayers.