We're HOME! Thursday afternoon we arrived back home, very thankful to see everything still in tact. It was scary seeing cinders on the patio cushions, but nothing caught fire. The house was not too smokey inside. We're airing everything out, but have not fully unpacked yet. We may wait a few more days until we know things are safe before getting too comfortable.

Thank you for all of the e-mails, calls and prayers. We are now focused on helping friends that have suffered losses. This has been a devastating ordeal for so many, and the support from everyone is amazing!

We'll continue to post updates as we know more. Eventually we'll get around to some pics from the trip too.

Fire Update (Wednesday) - Sounds like we may be able to get into our home as early as tomorrow! Yeah! The winds are starting to kick up this afternoon though, so we'll hold tight down the hill and wait to see what happens with the fire this evening. We're all safe and Maddy is enjoying a few extra days of vacation with Mommy & Daddy.

Tahoe Fire Update: Hello Everyone! Thank you for your calls & prayers. As of Tuesday afternoon, our house is safe. The fire started in the woods at the end of our street, but the wind was blowing away from us. It has affected over 200 homes already, and several of our friends have lost their homes. Dick & Janet (Jeff's parents) were able to evacuate with Maddy while we were still in Costa Rica. We made it back up to the lake this morning but still cannot return to our home, so we're staying in Cameron Park with Dick & Janet until they allow us back and the air is cleared up enough to bring Maddy home. The last update shows the fire is on the move again and our friends, Yoli & Scott, are evacuating their house. Please keep them and everyone in Tahoe in your thoughts and prayers. You can reach us on cell or at Dick & Janet's home number. (sorry, not posting phone numbers on the web) We'll update the blog as we get more info. Love to everyone! Mel & Jeff

Surprise Grandma! Got those fish fried up yet?

Mom & Mawkie are goofy!

Did you guys catch me any fish or just a buzz out on the lake?

Grandma & Grandpa have a big lawn!

I take my drinking just as seriously as Mom & Grandma!

Mom & Dad are heading to Costa Rica next week, so they'll bring back some cool pictures to post. I'll be hanging at home with Grandma & Grandpa S ... giving them a good workout! hee hee

Hello Everyone! Wow, it's been a while. Lots is happening. I'm getting bigger and faster every day. Mom & Dad can't believe that I'm 1 1/2 years old already ... and repeating lots of words! In May we snuck to Minnesota to surprise Grandma for Mother's Day! Here are a bunch of pictures from that trip.

My own size rocking chair, thanks to Great Grandma!

The old rocking horse still has some good bounce! Giddeeyup!

Macy showed me how to capture bubbles!

What could be better than pancakes with Grandma?

I loved eating Walleye. He was more fun to play with on my plate though!