I'm back...

So it's been a season of life where the blog hasn't seemed too important. Until last weekend I hadn't uploaded any pictures since May or maybe early June and I just didn't feel much desire to be at the computer in general. I am not sure why but between little twinges of guilt I felt fine about it- and I still do. It was a season. It seems many of the blogs I follow have been sort of slow lately. Maybe it's summer? Who knows- but real life is always more important and since that is going well I think that's what matters. I do miss the feeling that I am communicating with those I love who I don't talk to all the time.

That being said...all of sudden the blogging urge has returned so here I am, back to the blog! I have to admit the fun pictures I have to share and my new discovery of cute blog backgrounds does have something to do with my sudden inspiration. Rachel is leaving for a missions trip to Utah tomorrow morning. She will be gone for 9 days. I was thinking about how this blog has mostly been the journey of becoming a mother in the most unusual way (....ok Virgin Mary's experience was probably the MOST unusual). I am hoping some interesting thoughts come to me while I experience the most adult time I've had in a few years- if so I will share.

We started the summer off with Rachel's graduation from 8th grade. She got an award for the most improved student at the school. So exciting! We had a big luau style party afterward. My Nana passed away that week so my mom had to miss it but Dad did a great job BBQing for the strange variety of folks there. Rachel's mom and brothers were able to come which was special to her.

On July 3rd a bunch of girls from work did a fun wine tasting excursion... after all we do live in wine country. We ended the day with a big dinner at my house. It was so fun! One of the wineries had all these funny wigs and hats to try on.

Are things getting a little fuzzy or what???

Autumn came to visit and as usual things got a little wacky at the Cone household. Dad & David started doing headstands and Rachel had an emotional melt down. I think she remembered why she moved so far away. It was great to see her!

We did our annual church camping trip to Big Sur. It was great to see all the people who came from out town, including Jesse & Kelly.

These family pictures show we are all dorks!

The shadows in this picture make Rachel look like an old lady- funny huh?

Last week we went to the California Mid-State Fair and saw a great Kelly Clarkson concert. Rachel and I got to meet Kelly thanks to our friend Dawn but you have to go to facebook to see those pictures.

We also got to have a great time with my sister Emily and her friend Amanda.

Here is Rachel, Dawn & I waiting to meet Kelly Clarkson

I have more pictures but I will save them for another day.