Fair Thee Well

Alas we say fair well to the year 2009. My cousin Jessica and I were saying how this year flew on by. To me at least it feels as though we should be still in May. I remember as a little kid how the summers would seem like years in grade school. But as I get older each passing year ticks by just a little faster than the year before. For the Tobler's this was a beautiful year filled with laughter, tears, adventures and trials. In the world, I would think, has been much the same. I am grateful to have had such a wonderful year and I wish all of my best wishes to my loyal readers for 2010! Cheers!

Circle of Life

Oh yes, My husband does just so happen to be the most amazing man on the planet! My Christmas present this year? Going to The Lion King on January 4th with a few friends. I can hardly wait!!! I'm buzzing, a breath taking show with some fabulous friends, it doesn't get better than that.

Beach Bums

In Canada our "Black Friday" is called "Boxing Day" and it is the day after Christmas. However, I think you Americans have got it right, the sale should be before Christmas. I wanted to go to the beach to take some pictures and see if I could find any sales. Alas nothing but we did have a good time as beach bums.

I have always loved the beach, the ocean however scares me. To know that I am standing in the same water as great white sharks, great blue whales and giants squids is just a little much for my little mind to handle.

It was cold so needless to say we were not all for joining the surfers in the frigid water. While searching the beach for some pretty shells we happened upon a poor crab that had lost a leg in battle.

With a little pleading Jakob picked him up, after getting pinched, to put him back into his home. Holy Moses he threw the poor thing high (personally I think it was pay back). He may get washed back up onto shore but at least we gave him a second shot at life.

This is Morro Rock. It is a dormant volcano that sits right on the coast line. Eventually it will fall into the ocean just like most of California. (Just kidding Jess.)

I happened to think that this was quite cute. Smoking is disgusting but at least the butt bin was cute.

We had a lot of fun in California and are quite exited to go back in the summer so we can work on our tans. Perhaps I'll even conquer my fear of the ocean. Thank you so much once again to the Gorbahn family for inviting us to visit. We love you all!

California Christmas

Being that my paper work will not be completed until February, (For those that don't know my immigration interview is on the 14th of January, wish me luck!) I was not able to make it home to Canada. My Aunt and Uncle in California invited Jakob and I to spend the Holidays with them. It was truly a season to create fond memories.

Aunt Brendalee and I found these beauties at Costco for $8 a strand and what a steal!! They defiantly gave the house that extra "Christmas" feel.

Jessica and I kept busy purchasing last minute gifts and preparing for the Christmas party. Jason and Adam peeled wall paper and painted the bathroom. Jessica and I treated ourselves to a fancy dinner at Chilli's. The closest Olive Garden is 2 hours away. :)

Jakob arrived Christmas Eve around 4:00. It was nice to finally have him there with me. Jess took us down to Avila Beach. It was by far the most random Christmas Eve I have ever had, yet how many people get to swing on the beach, gazing up at the stars with the soft crash of waves in front of them?

We walked to the end of the pier, where you can go down underneath. Jakob said it looked like something off of a serial killer movie, yes very festive.

This picture I swear took us 30 times to get us both in the air!

Christmas Morning HO HO HO!

Now this is not the best picture of Jason but it's the only one I have. Poor Jason was rushed into the hospital on the 23rd for emergency surgery. He had a hernia. He was a trooper though and was doing very well on Christmas.


There was Food...

... Food ...

& more food. In the Gorbahn home they have a Annual Christmas Party where 50 people come. Aunt Brenda starts the baking after Thanksgiving. It was huge! I never thought that one home could have so much food. It was sooo good & I was sooo full!

It was a very Merry Christmas indeed. Thank you so much to the Gorbahn family for inviting us into your home. We indeed had a wonderful time!

"Of all the things for which I feel grateful, one stands [above all the others]. That is a living testimony of Jesus Christ, the Son of the Almighty God, the Prince of Peace, the Holy One. . . "Jesus is my friend. He is my exemplar. He is my teacher. He is my healer. He is my leader. He is my Savior and my Redeemer. He is my God and my King. "Gratefully, and with love, I bear witness of these things." ~ Gordon B. Hinkley

Just Incase...

... you didn't know...


... I LOVE My Job!

Tobler Gathering

While even though Jakob and I do not have children we certainly love it when the family comes so we can play with our nieces and nephew. It was so nice to spend time with the Tobler clan and create some fond memories that will last a life time. Of course my camera died and (typical me) I misplaced the cord to charge it, so these are stolen from the other family blogs. Yes I am that suave. :)

Why yes, I do quite often dress up as an elf. Don't you? Violet was watching as "Santa's Helper" got ready. I worked most of the time the family was here but I love my job so I cannot complain!

Ho Ho Ho! Merry Christmas!!!

The Tobler Family minus Jeff and Amy

Despite the frigged 33F, Kyle, Kimberly and Rachel were running in the Rock n' Roll Marathon. Rachel placed 14th in the woman's category timed at 1 hour 24 min. Way to go Rachel!!!!


Jakob and I are also very passionate about running... That is from the side lines of course! Of all things Jakob saw Bobby Jones from St. Albert (my home town) cross the finish line. Small World!


Kyle and Kimberly ran the full marathon in 4 hours 23 min. They have motivated Jakob and I to run one! I think we'll start one mile at a time though! 26.2 is a little much for me right now :).

Three Birds On Fence! Decisions are tough when it comes to Jack-in-the Box.

An Evening Out With the Family.

I got a chance to practice my mad twisting skills with Violet and Charlie.

P.s. I love this Giraffe Hat!! And who better to model it that Violet?! Adorable!

Arrr. Captain Charlie Tobler.

Christmas Time in the Tobler Home!

Violet with her seahorse that sings.

BUZZZZZ LIGHTYEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My brothers had these when they were little and loved them. I couldn't resist!

On Monday I made Violet a Tutu. It was the best one yet and my word, she was precious!

We had so much fun and are anxiously awaiting the next reunion where ever it may be!

Keeping With Tradition

It is a tradition in my family to take a yearly photo with Santa. So here is our very first one! TADA!
And here's a "Blog Christmas Card" with a re-cap of our year!

Tobler 2009 - Move to Vegas - Loving Vegas - Lots of Road Trips - Reception in July - Wedding in August - Steph Started A New Job & Loves It! - Tons of Travel - Immigration Almost Complete - Jakob on Deans List - Jakob studying Business Finance at UNLV - Secondhand Serenade Concert - Tobler Cousin Convention - California Christmas - Learning the Ropes of Newly Wed Life - && Eternally Blessed -

Merry Christmas Love the Tobler Family

van den Berge Visit

The last week of November my parents were able to fly down to visit Jakob and I for 5 days. It was so nice to see them after 4 months. I am not accustomed to being away from home and not being able to come home for Christmas was kind of a bummer. It was a nice surprise to hear that they would grace us with their presence. We did so many fun things.

We went shopping which is always and adventure!

We went to the strip. I warned my parents that it got cold! Of course they didn't believe me. While waiting for the Fountains at the Bellagio we had to huddle together for body heat.

Dad Loved the Dancing Waters and Mom finally got to see something other than Circus Circus.

It was nice to have someone to talk to while Jakob was at work. We also were able to o to the temple with Jakob, (but those pictures are on Dad's camera). There, in my opinion, is nothing better than going to the temple with family. I was very blessed to have my parents in town. I look forward to our next get together. I love and miss you Both!

Birthday Surprise!

This year I turned the big 2-0! I used to think that was so old but getting married has changed a few opinions in my life, age was one of them. Jakob surprised me and took me to the premiere of Twilight. It was a nice surprise and I enjoyed the movie, It was FAR better than the first one!

On Sunday we went to the Tobler Casa and had a wonderful dinner. I was introduced to the "Why I love (insert birthday name here)" game. Jakob got me an iPhone for my gift and I couldn't be happier. I had wanted one again for the past year. It was a very happy birthday indeed!

Dear Life,
Please slow down so I can find a moment to breath.
From Steph

Ebay + Christmas = Doomed
Dear Money,
Please multiply while I'm sleeping so I don't feel so guilty the next day.
From Steph

Happy Birthday Steph

(from Mom Tobler's Blog :) )

Are there days that you wonder

why you hung in there

even when you felt like you were paddling up stream

and joined the Tobler Family?

We're so glad you did!

You help us hear the music

Enjoy the dance

and make life a ball.
We Love you!
Happy Birthday