At The Beach...Just Another Day In Paradise.

Farmer's Market Fun

2012-01-23T16:24:00.000-08:00

One of our favorite things to do is to go down to the Farmer's Market at the beach. We often meet friends down there, enjoy kettle corn and fresh fruit and let the kids play. A visit to Petals the Clown is always a favorite also!

Petals turning Tanner in to Batman!

Zyden enjoying ice cream

Batman!!

Batman and his balloon laser gun

Shark! Tyler, Glorie and Tanner

It's (not) looking a lot like Christmas....

2011-12-26T20:46:00.000-08:00

Wow, it's beautiful out here in San Diego.

So different from the cold, wet and sometimes white Christmases I am used to.

But it is lovely and we are together.

This picture was taken shortly before he fell on those rocks and scraped half of his face :(

Our 8th Christmas as a married couple! Love him!

I am so blessed to call this home!

Thanksgiving Dinner aboard the USS Sampson

2011-11-24T19:23:00.000-08:00

We had a really neat opportunity to eat dinner with our neighbors Jeff and Michelle aboard the USS Sampson. Michelle is an officer aboard this ship. It is an anti-submarine, anti-warfare destroyer. These ships are rarely opened to the public so we were blessed to not only get to look around the ship but also eat dinner with members of our military that protect us.

Us with Michelle in front of a missile launcher

With Jeff and Michelle coming down the (very) steep stairs

Tanner's favorite thing....driving the destroyer!

Another flight of stairs

Goofy boys eating their second Thanksgiving dinner

Tanner really wanted a picture with the guy with the guns!

Las Vegas!

2011-11-14T19:26:00.000-08:00

My grandparents won a trip to Las Vegas at the grocery store!

My aunt was going with them and my mom joined.

I thought, hey, Vegas is close....

Called up a few of my girlfriends,

two of them said YES!

So we made a quick trip to Las Vegas.

I loved seeing my grandparents, aunt and mom

and of course I loved me some girl time!

Love these girls.

My aunt and Sarah rode the big shot with me!

Top of the Stratosphere

With my grandparents and my mom. So special to see them!

Relaxing and enjoying ourselves.

Bowling!!

2011-11-07T20:32:00.000-08:00

Recently I took the boys bowling.

They LOVED it!

Tanner had to be coached a bit because he would drop the ball

and then try and kick it.

It was so adorable to watch them wait for the ball

and the excitement that came when it was there turn.

In the first game Tanner beat Tyler by one point

but the second game Tyler blew both Tanner AND mommy

right out of the water.

Actually pretty embarrassing!

They are anxious to go again!

Ready, bowl!

Perfect aim.

Picking up his ball

Goofy

My loves

Strike!

Fire Department Open House

2011-11-06T21:07:00.000-08:00

We had a great time exploring all the emergency vehicles and equipment.

My boys were especially fascinated with the bomb unit.

And after looking at the pictures of burn victims, the really no to leave matches alone!

Tyler was thrilled with the rock climbing wall

so of course Tanner had to give it a whirl too.

These boys are such a blessing

and it is a joy to explore things with them!!

So excited to drive the fire truck!

Tyler's turn!

Checking out the back seat of the fire truck

Climbing up on the front bumper

They loved the police on the horses!

Trying on equipment

Bombs!

Petting the rescue dog.

Go little man, go!

Tyler loves rock climbing walls!

SeaWorld with Friends

2011-10-03T16:52:00.000-07:00

We went to SeaWorld this week with some friends.

One of our friends knew someone who worked the Sea Lion show.

We were able to have an up close and personal experience with a sea lion.

Tanner touched it, Tyler was not interested.

Those things are HUGE!

Tanner and the dolphins

Taylor and Tanner

Petting the sea lion

Group picture

AHHHH

Tanner REALLY wanted his picture taken with this turtle

Hakuna Matata

2011-09-29T08:57:00.000-07:00

Megan and I took the kids to see Lion King.

It was as good as I remembered.

The kids enjoyed it thoroughly,

and Megan remembered all the lyrics to every song.

It was fun getting to be able to see the movie in the theaters again!

Last trip to Disneyland (for awhile....)

2011-09-27T13:24:00.000-07:00

Our passes expired yesterday so we planned one last trip to Disneyland. Unfortunately Chad couldn't join us because his school was in the middle of testing. The boys and I headed up on Sunday afternoon and found a cheap hotel to stay in that was directly across from the entrance. We were there right before it opened on Monday morning. We had a great time together and it was fun because Tanner had just hit the mark to ride some of the bigger rides (like Thunder Mountain and Soaring over California). I had so much fun spending the day with my little men and watching them enjoy the happiest place on Earth!

Happy birthday to me!

2011-09-25T15:22:00.000-07:00

I celebrated the big 3-0 (plus 1) last weekend.

Nine of my sweet friends got together and planned an outing.

We went out to the casino to dine on crab and prime rib.

I put $3 into a machine and won $50!

Go me!

I love my girls and thank them for celebrating with me!!

Bethany, Cecily and I

Great neighbor, greater friend...Shannon and I

Noemi, Susy, Cecily, Autumn, me, Bethany, Brooke, Mary, Sarah and Shannon

IB Housewives!!

Matt & Christi

2011-09-05T21:15:00.000-07:00

I was honored to stand beside my friend Christi and she married the love of her life yesterday.

The wedding was amazing.

Every detail was perfect and Christi was the most beautiful bride.

Weddings always remind me walking down the aisle with Chad seven years ago.

And how wonderful marriage is.

I wish Matt and Christi the best in this journey before them!

Christi and I at the rehearsal dinner

My love.

Holly and I

Almost ready to get in her gown!

Bridesmaids - Robyn, Megan, Lara, me and Holly (Melissa is missing in this photo!)

All ready to go - such a beautiful bride

Fancy reception

Amazing cake

We had so much fun together

Melissa, me and Lara

The first dance

Wow how time flies....

2011-08-15T20:16:00.000-07:00

Today the day came where I walked my first born to his kindergarten classroom.

Five years seems like a long time but somehow it feels like just yesterday I held him,

kissed him, and cuddled his sweet tiny baby self.

A few months ago I was hit hard with emotion thinking of him starting school full time.

And today he was so excited, full of smiles and ready to start.

But as he walked in his class and found his seat, I realized how fast time has passed.

It is hard to leave him in the care of someone else for six hours.

And all day I was thinking of him. He crowded my thoughts.

Is he having fun? What is he doing? Did he eat his lunch?

Does he miss Tanner, Daddy and I?

But what an exciting journey has begun.

I picked him up and he was full of smiles. Already making sure he gets to go back tomorrow.

A little part of me has to let go. And realize that I can't always protect you.

And some days will be sad, some days will be lonely, but most will be wonderful.

Just keep being your sweet self little boy, because the world needs more hearts like yours!

In the car with his new superhero lunchbox

Tyler and Cayden

Glorie and Tyler - their 3rd year in school together!

My boys and I

His class - his teacher Mrs. Day is in red

Tyler and his buddy Kody, he was excited to sit next to him since they are preschool friends!

Chargers Baby!

2011-08-13T21:04:00.000-07:00

Preseason game

Free tickets

One daddy, two boys

Fun night watching the Chargers play the Seahawks

(and free time for mommy at the mall)

And a bonus trolley ride home

A dream come true for Tyler and Tanner!

The two cutest Charger fans out there!

Summer trip to SeaWorld

2011-08-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

Autumn and I took the kids to SeaWorld last week. It was fun although a good reminder why I don't go there too much in the summer...BUSY! We hung out for a few hours. The boys always have a lot of fun together so it was nice to let them run around and play. We got to see the new turtle exhibit which was the hit. Autumn and I were liking the nice air conditioned exhibits the best!

Good pictures with 4 boys are hard to get...this is decent!

Buddies - about to be kindergartners this week!

Checking out the turtles

Again, hard to get a good photo!

Cute boys with the turtle

Pool Party!!

2011-07-27T18:35:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed a super fun pool party in honor of Sequoia's 7th birthday.

The boys had a blast playing all the water games.

And each of them was on a winning team for different relays.

Daddy got in and played, I enjoyed the sunshine from the deck.

It was a great celebration of a wonderful boy!

Daddy and his boys

Ready for the relay

He loves swimming with daddy

Relaxing

Tyler's turn for the relay

Daddy launcher

Surfing on daddy

Cute kiddos

Fun at the Mall

2011-07-25T17:55:00.000-07:00

Megan and I met at the mall the other day.

The kids played with the train tables at the mall.

We got some birthday party supplies for Tanner's upcoming party.

We tried on different baby carriers for Megan's upcoming baby!

And then we got the kids Hot Dog on a Stick

and let them cool off in the fountains.

A great afternoon!

Swimming Lessons!!

2011-07-24T08:27:00.000-07:00

Tyler is in his third session of swimming lessons this summer.

Tanner is in his second.

They both are doing so well! Tyler was "promoted" to level 3 since he is doing so well.

The next closest person in age in his class is 8 years old.

He looks so little but is swimming so well and has passed the swimming test so he can swim on his own in the big pool!

Both boys love jumping off the diving board.

Tanner loves practicing his bobs, jumping in the water and loves his back float.

He wants to swim by himself like his brother, but he isn't quite there yet.

Hopefully by next summer they are both independently swimming!

So happy in the pool.

Swimming across the pool.

Guppy noodle train

Tanner getting ready to jump. The first few times he was nervous walking to the end of the board so he crawled.

Practicing his bubbles.

His favorite part.

Three years old.

2011-07-20T22:42:00.000-07:00

i love you much

(most beautiful darling)

more than anyone on

the earth and i like you

better than everything

in the sky.

c.c. cummings

My sweet Tanner,

Three years old. Wow, I can't believe it was three years ago that you made me a mommy for the second time. You are a joy. You love to do everything daddy does and want to be with him all the time. Your favorite past time right now is golfing. You often wake up and go in the backyard before breakfast to practice. You adore your big brother and want to do everything he does. You are always asking to go to school and can't wait for your turn (although mommy can!). You are a fantastic eater, a wonderful sleeper and have such a wonderful personality. Your favorite phrase right now is "no way man" and you can always get your brother laughing. I love every moment (well almost every moment) I get to spend with you. You melt my heart every single day.

I love you more my sweet baby boy.

Your mommy

Days old

One year

Two years

My big three year old

And the livin' is easy....

2011-07-19T21:46:00.000-07:00

More beach.

We have spent most of the week there.

This time Chip, Bethany, Taylor, Zaq, Sarah and Zyden joined us.

Chip and Chad perfected the beach pool.

And even added a slide.

The kids ran back and forth with buckets of water.

The girls walked to Subway for lunch

and we sat back, enjoyed the warm sun

and watched our kids loving life on the beach!

Digging a hole. His favorite thing to do.

Getting sandy...his favorite thing to do!!

Tanner and Taylor running to the water.

Chip and Chad filling up the pool!

Such a good invention!

Taylor and Tyler - cheese faces.

Sarah and Zyden enjoying the sun.

Three 3 year olds...trouble.

Zaq, Bethany and Chad - relaxing (Bethany is going to add another one to this crazy mix in January!)

We are ready for next time!!

A favorite summer park

2011-07-17T19:38:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite summer parks is in Chula Vista

There is great play structures

But even better are the fountains for the kids to run in.

The kids go back and forth between the water and the park

And sometimes pause for a snack.

We can stay here for hours (and do!)

We met Kate, Brayden and Nolan there this week.

Kate and I were able to catch up

and the kids ran around and played.

That night the boys were in bed EARLY!

We are loving summer!

Beach

2011-07-16T19:46:00.000-07:00

We LOVE living a mile from the beach.

We take advantage of being this close.

Many times a week we pack up the buckets, boogie boards, and towels.

We meet friends, kids play, we enjoy the sun, sand and water.

I think my kids would be happy here every day of the week!!

Tanner getting ready to catch a wave.

The wave caught him!

Daddy is pretty awesome and makes the boys a pool

Happy kid.

The tarp goes in to keep the water in.

Filling up the pool.

SO fun!

This boy does not mind sand all over. Not at all.

Fun at the Park

2011-07-11T09:10:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite parks in the summertime is the park with the water fountains. The boys love to go between the water and the park. We spend hours there and the boys have a ton of fun. Not long ago Megan and I packed up and spent the afternoon at the park. Our friends Russ and Raquel came by and I was able to meet their sweet baby boy. By the time we left to go eat dinner, the boys were already asking to come back!

Ryan and Tyler spent a long time on this toy!

Sweet Noah

Yummy popsicle treats!

New baby Jacob

Tyler's Last Field Trip

2011-07-10T14:56:00.000-07:00

Tyler did a few walking field trips his last week of preschool. He went to 7-11 for slurpees, Giant Pizza King - to learn how they make pizza and to The Wave Cafe where the owners provided his class with a pancake breakfast. The kids had so much fun and Tanner enjoyed being a part of the festivities also. I can't believe Tyler is done with preschool and starts kindergarten in August. Oh how time flies.

Glorie, Kody and Tyler

Silly faces!

Enjoying breakfast.

Class picture

Fun at the Fair!

2011-06-23T12:39:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun at the fair!

We enjoyed sno cones, curly fries, turkey legs, ice cream and fudge

We rode rides

Looked at animals

And walked around the Expo

The kids loved it

Chad and I loved it

It was a fantastic day together!

Goats!

Petting a cow - Tanner wasn't quite so sure about it

Ready to ride the rides!

The motorcycles - always a favorite!

Spider swings!

Finally big enough to ride the "lay down" ride!

Roller coaster - they love the front!!

Crazy car! Crazy face!

Final ride of the day - gigantic slide! Love those faces.

Tyler HAD to have a pickle! The whole family shared it.

Ending the day with the foot massage machines.

Playing soccer with Mia Hamm

2011-06-21T21:53:00.000-07:00

We were at the fair today visiting the Dannon Yogurt booth and found out that Mia Hamm was there. We got there right when she was starting a shootout soccer contest and the boys wanted to play. She was so sweet and set up the balls for them to kick into the hole (although they came no where close) and then gave the boys a small ball that she had signed. Pretty neat that they were able to meet and play with an Olympic athlete!!

A few more pics

2011-06-20T20:26:00.000-07:00

Here are a few more pictures from my trip to Beverly Hills. A photographer was out and about during our few days there and I was sent a few more pictures. It was such a fun couple of days!

Play Ball!

2011-06-19T09:23:00.000-07:00

Take me out to the ball game!

It is the close of the teeball season, the last game for the Lugnuts.

Tyler loved every minute of this season.

He improved greatly at everything he did.

And his biggest accomplishment was hitting from a thrown pitch.

No more tee for him!

His favorite position is first base.

And he was thrilled when his Bumpa flew from Oregon to watch him play two games.

He is sad that it is over and already talking about next season.

In the meantime, we will continue to practice!

Because,

every day, in every way, we get a little better! (The team motto)

Running the bases

Ready position!

Hit!

Taking off to first...he is fast!

Fielding the ball, playing first base

Team photo...such a sweet group of kids!

Tyler and Coach Deric

Legoland!!

2011-06-15T17:59:00.000-07:00

Chad's parents bought us all tickets to go to Legoland and we had a fantastic time. We had been once before when Tyler was 2 and Tanner was a few months but it was much different this time because the boys were able to enjoy all the rides and attractions. There were a few that Tanner had to sit out of because he wasn't quite tall enough but Tyler was able to get on them all. It was a fantastic day and the boys can't wait to go back!

Ready to go!

First roller coaster ride of the day!

Shooting the water gun!

Tanner shooting

Lego lion

Train ride

Ready to pull daddy up with the rope

Driving the car, one of his favorites!

Tyler driving - he loved to weave back and forth

A very serious boat driver

It took Tanner and I forever to go around the course

My knight

Another roller coaster ride

This was Tanner's absolute favorite!!

They couldn't get enough. Tanner was this happy every time!

Family slide race!

Racing the boat around

Bob the Builder and Tanner

Batman and Tyler

Tyler's First Field Trip

2011-06-09T21:18:00.000-07:00

On Monday Tyler went on his first field trip. It was so adorable watching him and his classmates board the bus together. He had a blast riding the bus by himself. A parent in the class also is a screen printer and made each child a shirt with the name of their school, their name and the SeaWorld logo. It was great that Chad was off of work too so Tanner, Chad and I got to go on the field trip (of course we were instructed to drive in our car while Tyler rode the bus!). It was so fun watching all the kids enjoy SeaWorld together! (I was REALLY bad about taking pictures!)

Shamu!

Tyler and Daddy - Tyler was so excited Daddy could come on his field trip!

My good friend Michelle and her son Kody (you can kind of see the t shirt that was made on Kody)

My sweet little man

101 Water Balloons

2011-06-08T21:28:00.000-07:00

I filled up 101 water balloons for 3 very adorable kiddos (and one very patient adult). Tyler, Tanner and Rossi had so much fun running around in the driving throwing water balloons at each other. Then Jeff (the patient adult) came out fully clothed and got in on the fun. He was such a good sport and played with the kids forever, letting them get him totally wet. They thought it was great! They even picked up all the pieces when we were done. Such a great afternoon!!

Driveway Barbecue!

2011-06-05T18:53:00.000-07:00

It was Jeff's (our neighbor) birthday on Friday

We had an impromptu driveway barbecue yesterday to celebrate!

He just got back from the Middle East (he is a Navy Seal)

and his only wish was "All - American"

So Chad grilled some meat

and corn on the cob

I made a pasta salad

and Michelle (his wife) topped it off with an ice cream cake from Coldstone

We celebrated!

Buddies

I love my neighbors!

Mischievous

Golfing...his new favorite pastime (Daddy is not complaining!)

Birthday Celebration at the Beach!

2011-06-04T22:02:00.000-07:00

Today we got to celebrate sweet Ryder's first birthday! We had a great time hanging out at the beach with friends, playing games and letting the kids run around. It was a beautiful day and the kids loved playing, eating pizza and cake and just enjoying summer! It was a wonderful kick of to Chad's summer vacation!

Ryder...it's fun to be one!

Challenging daddy to a game of horseshoes

My sweet cupcake face

Love.

Crazy horseshoe heads

Koosh ball with daddy

Tackle football

So fun!

Con - New Battery, Pro - Play Time!

2011-05-29T21:51:00.000-07:00

My car battery died the other day. Chad charged it up through the night from a portable battery generator and the next morning it struggled to start but it did start. I ran some errands and when leaving to go get Tyler from school it REALLY struggled. I picked up Tyler and Glorie and went back to the car and got nothing. We haven't replaced the battery in 5 years so I figured it was probably about time. I borrowed some jumper cables and my sweet friend Maryann (Glorie's mom) met me and we jumped the car. She followed me to Auto Zone who confirmed my need for a new battery. We picked one up and headed home where Chad later installed it. So, bummer for needing to buy a new battery but the boys loved being able to "help" daddy work on the car and run around with Tommy Tucker! Any excuse to be outside is good enough for my boys!

Popsicles and car work...a few of a boy's favorite things

Rockin his favorite outfit on his favorite mode of transportation

A rolly poly bug!

Loving on Tommy Tucker

A boy and his dog...precious

Oh how they love this dog

Mommy and Tyler date night

2011-05-27T21:34:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday we were given two free tickets to the San Diego Padres game by a very nice Navy man. He couldn't use them and saw us riding our bikes as a family and gave them to us. Chad's back had been bothering him so I decided to take Tyler on a date. Tanner was perfectly happy to stay at home with daddy and play. Tyler and I caught the trolley to the ball field. We had to be bussed part of the way because they were working on the trolley tracks so we got our full share of public transportation that night. Tyler loved it! He thouroughly enjoyed watching the Padres play and said he was watching them so he could learn to throw and hit like them. Although he did mention that the white team (Padres) should practice their hitting with the gray team (Mariners) because the gray team was hitting so much better. He had some people laughing around us!

On the trolley

Happy!

Hanging on the bus

Padre giveaway. He was so excited they gave him something!!

Padres in the field

Waving his new flag

He chose ice cream for a special treat...it came in a mini helmet which of course we rinsed and brought home

I love my little man!!

A very special trip

2011-05-26T17:08:00.000-07:00

I was invited to a FAM trip at the Beverly Hilton. It was so much fun! I stayed 2 nights in a wonderful suite. We had an amazing time. On Wednesday we had an amazing 5 course dinner on the top floor of the hotel, Thursday morning brought a massage followed by getting my hair and makeup done, then we went to the taping of Ellen and then to the premier of Hangover 2 in Hollywood. We watched the stars walk the red carpet and then joined them and the cast for the premier. It was an awesome experience! After that we went to Spago (Wolfgang Puck's first restaurant) and enjoyed a phenomenal meal. I stayed for breakfast Friday morning and then headed home. It was amazing and I was lucky that Christi invited me to attend!!

1 of 2 Goodie Bags!!

A fun candy structure with chocolate!

View from my balcony at night

Room service breakfast in bed!

Morning coffee on the balcony

Beautiful day

My suite

Christi and I being chauffeured to Ellen

Hangover 2 Premier set up on Hollywood Blvd

Watching the stars walk the red carpet in to the theater

Christi and I

Some pretty awesome kids

2011-05-17T22:08:00.000-07:00

As teachers, we get the opportunity to meet some pretty awesome kids

including some amazing teenagers.

Because Chad is a coach we spend additional time with these teens

on the pool deck

and sometimes barbecuing, at the park, or at our house

And my little boy Tanner pretends he is shy

Until there is a hot tub full of teenage girls

and then he isn't so shy!

And we care deeply for all these teens

and they hold a very special place in the heart of Chad and I.

Noah is 3!

2011-05-17T07:39:00.000-07:00

My dear friend Megan and I had our kids at very close to the same time. Our oldest are one day apart and our youngest are exactly 2 months apart. The difference is, is that she is choosing to do it a third time...me, not so much. This past weekend we got to celebrate Noah's 3rd birthday. My boys always love birthday parties, but more so when their best friends are involved! They played at the park, in the water, kicked around beach balls and painted. Of course, the favorite part was the cupcakes. Always!!

Cake time!

Sweet birthday boy

Loving the icing!

Happy

Opening our present

The truck Tanner picked for his buddy!

Tommy Tucker

2011-05-14T09:19:00.000-07:00

It was Mother's Day

We were going bowling

And then to frozen yogurt

But somewhere in between point A and B

We made a detour

And there was no bowling

or frozen yogurt.

But there was a puppy, needing a family

And all 3 of my boys are in love

And it is so much better then bowling

And almost as good as frozen yogurt :)

We love him.

He's a perfect fit for our family.

Most magical place on Earth

2011-05-09T14:16:00.000-07:00

Megan and I packed up the four boys and headed to Disneyland this past week for a wonderful day in 90 degree weather. They boys had SO much fun riding the rides together. Ryan and Tyler thought they were the coolest kids on the block when they were riding in the front of the Matterhorn with just each other. Their smiles were priceless. Every ride they got off they would run to the next and tell us they were going together.
We have had so much fun with the Disneyland passes this year. I am pretty sure we will not renew next year and take a break so the "magic" is still there but every time we plan a trip the boys are bright eyed and ready to go first thing in the morning. Hopefully we get another opportunity to take the boys together before our passes expire. Their moments together were priceless!

Big boys taking the lead.

Fun together.

Monkeys

Ready for Autopia

Driving the Autopia car

Goofy. The other two weren't wanting a picture at this time....

Monsters, Inc. car

Racing to the front of the line

Entertaining themselves by bumping each other. And thinking it was hilarious.

Little boys together!

Tired, but happy that our boys are happy.

Muscles!!

Summertime is coming!

2011-05-05T21:42:00.000-07:00

Sun is shining

Weather is warm

Flip flops and swimsuits are on

Summer is on its way!

My boys love the beach.

Sandcastles, digging holes, playing in the waves, chasing birds

It's fun to always have your best friend with you!

Sandy toes

Goofball

He was filling his bucket with a sand and water mixture and dumping it over his head

He thought he was HILARIOUS

Life is good

They are my sunshines

Digging a hole to "the bottom of the ocean"

Arizona Girl's Trip

2011-05-02T21:08:00.000-07:00

Megan and I packed up and drove 6 hours to Arizona to meet Amy for our 2nd annual girl's vacation.

Last year we went to Austin, TX for 3 nights.

This year it was extended to 5 nights.

And we had so much fun.

Megan and I arrived a day early to spend time at the Arizona Grand Resort.

We had a beautiful suite that overlooked a golf course that would make our husband's drool.

We laid by the pool and played on the waterslide.

And floated around and around the lazy river. A perfect start to put us in the vacation mode.

Tuesday night we went to Rustler's Rooste for dinner.

There was a very large steer that greeted us before we went in.

We played shuffle board during happy hour. It was FUN.

And then we were taken to be seated in the lower dining room there were two options to get downstairs.

A slide or the stairs. I took the slide and screamed. Megan has those photos.

Wednesday night we picked up Amy and headed to spend the next five days in Scottsdale, AZ at the FireSky resort. It was a fun, beautiful hotel.

We shopped, ate at some fantastic restaurants, shopped, went to the pool, spent an ENTIRE day at the spa, talked, saw a movie, talked and shopped some more.

It was fantastic, relaxing and rejuvenating.

I miss her.

We got matching hats!

Spa Day! Massages, facials, pedicures, manicures, hair. Loved every minute of it.

Out to try a new restaurant. We each got to pick one to try.

Megan's choice was an awesome Italian restaurant. We decided to forgo ordering dinner and hit up the happy hour appetizer menu. We went a little overboard.....

The countdown to next year has already begun. 364 more days.....

Love you girls.

A little getaway

2011-04-25T16:08:00.000-07:00

This past week Chad and I were able to go away for a couple of days. Just us. It was really nice to enjoy the company of each other without interruption. Chad got some golfing in, I got some shopping in, we laid by the pool, and ate long, drawn out meals together. As much as we love and adore our children, this trip was a little reminder that we have to remember to carve out some "couple" time together. And yes, we took a grand total of two pictures over three days. Good job us!

Haircuts

2011-04-24T08:25:00.000-07:00

Before we left for Oregon, both boys (and Chad) all got hair cuts. Tyler and Tanner love getting their hair cut (it could possibly have to do with the candy they get to choose at the end of the haircut). It is so cute to watch them sit there so still. And of course, they look so handsome when they are done!

Oregon - The Finale

2011-04-22T21:57:00.000-07:00

The end of the trip brought an egg hunt

and the end of the rain (for now).

The kids were excited to collect their eggs

Look what I found!

Mo caught on really quick to the egg hunt

and he loooovvveedd the chocolate eggs!

And with no rain we headed outside

to the big swing

And the kids helped Bumpa build a fire

Mo loved collecting the sticks

Tyler LOVES helping build and stoke the fire

He stayed out for hours

Cousin love

And no day outside is complete with out some time on the trampoline

Emma is quite the gymnast

Crazy hair

Adorable girl

Oregon Part 2

2011-04-21T20:58:00.000-07:00

And the fun continues

With American Dream Pizza...a Corvallis classic

A trip to Trader Joe's with kid size carts - the boys were SO happy

Another fun day at the bounce house

Precious Moses

Fun in the ball pit

Crazy camera smile from Tanner

I love him

Emma knows how to make her brother laugh!

We dyed Easter Eggs

Nana is going to be eating hard boiled eggs for awhile

Tanner exploring the hail storm

More to come

We had lots of adventures.

Oregon Part 1

2011-04-18T20:46:00.000-07:00

We ate Popsicles

And some just ate....

We read stories

And we played,

and laughed,

and explored,

and relaxed

and mostly just enjoyed each other's company.

And as I said my goodbye's

and wiped away the tears

I thanked God for my wonderful, normal, loving family.

To be continued....

Sweet Tweets

2011-04-10T09:52:00.000-07:00

I took an idea off of this very talented lady here - http://bethproudfoot.blogspot.com/. I love using her ideas and printables for fun crafts and little gifts. Tyler and I made Sweet Tweets to pass out to his friends at school. The kids loved getting them, Tyler loved giving them and I loved making them! It was a success! I thought they were so cute I also passed them out to the staff in the office at the school where I used to teach (and still occasionally do!). Even the adults loved them!

Park

2011-04-07T19:52:00.000-07:00

Scorching afternoon sun brings friends calling for relief.

Which ends up with towels and swimsuits packed.

And then two boys lathered with sunscreen are in the car and are heading to the park.

At the park adults seek relief in the shade as the littles run around in the water having the time of their life.

And boy do they have fun.

Waiting to see what water is going to spurt out of what fountain and how fast can they fill their buckets of water to throw on each other.

And amen to watching your children have fun.

And of course, a hot day at the park isn't complete without a popsicle from the ice cream truck.

Rain Boots and Mud Pies

2011-04-06T22:10:00.000-07:00

We don't get much rain here in San Diego so my boys like to wear their rain boots in rain OR shine. To them, they are their work boots. They have a job to be done. And their job is - making mud pies. I fill up pitcher after pitcher of water and bring it out to them while they stir, mix and create. I love how they can spend hours (literally) outside with each other playing their imaginary games and creating mud pies. The simpleness of life at the ages of 2 and 4 is quite wonderful.

Back to Childhood

2011-04-04T16:09:00.000-07:00

We attempted to go to the tide pools last weekend and once we arrived we found out we were a little too late...tide was way up, no pools to be had :) Chad came prepared and we went to Mission Bay Park to fly kites, walk along the shore and play at the playground. Turns out a game that annoyed ME when I was younger is in fact, a favorite of my boys. The game where you are walking/running and dad trips you. My dad used to do this to us all.the.time. It is hilarious to watch my boys giggle, run away and fall down when we get them. They could have played this for hours! Watching them play brings me back to my childhood. Lately I feel this constant reminder that nags me in my mind that tomorrow these boys are going to be a bit bigger. So days like these, I soak up and cherish our time together.

It was windy!

I would have bet money someone was slipping off but they all remained on!

Get me daddy, get me!!

Lost a shoe!

You ready to get me mommy?

Be a monster daddy and we will get you!

If I lift my feet up, I go faster

Sleeping Babies

2011-03-31T22:40:00.000-07:00

Sometimes (as in every night) I silently sneak into my boy's room to fix their covers, smooth their hair and kiss them one last time. And during these moments I look at their sleeping faces and am overcome with pure happiness and a reverence that God chose ME to be their mommy. And I know I don't have all the answers, and am far from perfect, but I know how to love these little boys. Now it is time for me to go whisper I love you to them one last time tonight.

Soda Geysers

2011-03-29T21:31:00.000-07:00

There are some things every child needs to experience. Putting Mentos in a bottle of soda is one of them. But why stop at just one bottle? Nope, not us. We load up with 12 bottles of soda and just as much Mento candy and head to the park. Daddy with the video camera, mommy with the camera. And we teach the boys how to put the candy in to the launcher, pull the pin and run like crazy to avoid the geyser of water shooting in the air. And oh how they laughed. And then they would run back just as the fountain was over and try to drink the last of it like a water fountain. And all is worth it when your kids are laughing, the sun is shining and the soda is flying high!

Deposit candy in

Ready to pull the pin

Here it comes

Amazing!

Run Tyler!

It never gets boring

The giggles were continuous

Their smiles make everything worth it

Drink!

Soda Rain Dance

My Family

2011-03-27T20:19:00.000-07:00

With every moment spent with them, I come to love life a little more. And just when I think I can't possibly feel more complete, more fulfilled, my heart grows a little more. I look at my husband and my two boys and feel happy because life is pretty much amazing right now.

Don't you ever grow up

2011-03-25T20:25:00.000-07:00

Oh, darling, don't you ever grow up, don't you ever grow up
Just stay this little
Oh, darling, don't you ever grow up, don't you ever grow up
It could stay this simple

I won't let nobody hurt you
Won't let no one break your heart
No, no one will desert you
Just try to never grow up, never grow up

Won't let nobody hurt you
Won't let no one break your heart
And even through to you want to
Please try to never grow up

Fun Story Time

2011-03-23T21:36:00.000-07:00

Today the fire department drove their engine to the library and read stories to the kids. My friend Mary and I took Tanner and her daughter Diana. The kids enjoyed the stories and most of all, enjoyed the chance to check out the fire engine. I love how excited both my boys get whenever they have the chance to be close to a fire truck or a police car. After story time the kiddos got to run around at the park. It was a great spring day!

Mud Run!

2011-03-20T22:11:00.000-07:00

Some friends and I participated in the San Diego Mud Run today. This is a 5K race that consists of lots of hills, and more importantly MUD. You race through pits of mud, slide down hills of mud and thank God that you remembered to duct tape your shoes on! Some pits of mud were almost waist high on me! You went under obstacles, over obstacles and tried to ignore the fact that you were freezing and covered head to toe in mud. It was a hilarious experience and I would do it again in a heart beat!

T-Ball Game!

2011-03-19T19:26:00.000-07:00

Tyler is LOVING t-ball. The first thing he asks every morning is if he has a ball game or practice. For the most part, he has two games a week. I was thinking it may be too much but apparently he would play every day of the week if it were up to him. Good thing we have our own tee, balls, and gear so we can go to the park and play! He has a coach he loves (his coach's son is in the same preschool class as Tyler) and after every game and practice they end by saying: Every day, in every way, we get a little better!! Here are some pictures of his first game.

The Big Ball

2011-03-14T21:36:00.000-07:00

I do 99% of the shopping at our house. But, certain days bring a family trip to Costco. Chad always manages to find the unnecessary (albeit extremely fun) products at that store. This past trip is was the gigantic inflatable ball used for the purpose of rolling children around. The boys, of course, love it. They will go on forever rolling around in the ball. They always are asking to go to the park to play. It doesn't roll on it's own so we get quite a good work out pushing it down the hill (it's their job to push it back up!) I would say it is a pretty fun $30 purchase!!

Little League Opening Day and Skateboarding

2011-03-12T21:33:00.000-08:00

Tyler has started t-ball! The opening day was last Saturday. They kick of the start of spring ball with a big ceremony that introduces all the teams and then it is followed by a big carnival with rides and games. Tyler is so excited to play this year and he wakes up every day and asks if it is a "baseball" day. He has some good buddies on his team and it is neat to see him grow and learn the sport and the excitement he has on the field. This is good because since he moved up from wiffle ball to t-ball the number of games has too! More shots to come of his first game!

A special treat!! (that was on small cotton candy split in two - I wonder what the large looked like!)

Yummy!!

My sweet Tanner has a love for skateboarding. A kind of love that is a "jump out of the car and run straight for my skateboard every time we are coming and going" kind of love. He also loves to wear this beanie that is two sizes too small. He stole it from the bag for baby Mo and manages to wear it every day. I have to say it is pretty adorable. So, Tyler goes to school and mommy sits in the driveway while her little man rides his skateboard.

Tyler's Art Show

2011-02-27T21:03:00.000-08:00

Tyler's class was part of an art show put on by their preschool. They each painted two tiles individually and then they did a group project and made a rocket and a train out of recycled materials the class brought in. It was cute because the kids dressed up fancy, the teacher passed out roses and then they ate cookies and drank apple juice out of champagne glasses. I loved it!

Goofy brothers

Some classmates - Aiden, Manny, Tyler, Benecio, Danielle, Elizabeth

Mrs. Mendoza and Tyler

Cami, Tanner and Tyler enjoying the goodies

His tile - on the back it is described "I am in Oregon. I see ice and snow."

His other tile.

The recycled rocket ship

The recycled train

10K

2011-02-13T20:42:00.000-08:00

I ran my first race today with my friend Sarah. A 10K (6.2 miles). I have been running a lot but have never gone beyond 5 miles. It was a great goal to work toward and I enjoyed accomplishing it for myself. I finished in 56 minutes, 47 seconds. My goal was to make it under an hour and I did! It was fun being part of such a large race. I have been asked if my next goal is a 1/2 marathon. My answer to that is...no. I am, however, doing a 5K mud run next month which should be fun!

Driveway Afternoons

2011-02-10T19:48:00.000-08:00

Sometimes we don't make it out for a bike ride to the beach or the park. Our driveway is awesome for days like this because our boys are still little enough that they love riding their skateboards/bikes/scooters up and down the driveway. They can, and we do, stay out for hours. Today they played with daddy while I went for a run and then Chad and I sat and read and talked while they played for longer. I love that they have so much fun playing together. It is amazing all the new little games they make up and play together.

Las Vegas!

2011-02-09T20:18:00.001-08:00

My sister and I had the chance to meet up in Las Vegas for two nights. We had a wonderful time relaxing, enjoying each other's company, eating, sleeping without interruptions, walking around checking out hotels, riding the Big Shot on top of the Stratosphere, shopping and trying to stay warm. Yes, it was in the low 20's when we were there. Although both of us did check the weather before we left we really didn't pack accordingly. Turns out we both work our black jackets and jeans most of the trip. We had a fabulous time in a fabulous corner suite on the top floor of the Aria. It was hard to not want to stay in our room enjoying the view the whole time!

In the limo on the way to the hotel

Top of the Stratosphere...cold.

Jenn....

Self portrait - how's my angle Jenn?

Buying treats for the kiddos before leaving at the 4 story M&M store

A Kavanagh Tradition

2011-02-05T10:15:00.000-08:00

When Chad was a kid, him and his parents often stopped and got a pizza and went to the tide pool in La Jolla to explore. He said he loved those times and wants to do the same thing with our boys. Last weekend we ordered a pizza and headed to the tide pools for the afternoon. The boys had so much fun looking at all the sea life, playing on the rocks and going in to a "cave" with daddy. I did learn my lesson though - water shoes and trunks with an extra change of clothes is a must!

Beach Day in January

2011-01-29T20:18:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful morning at the beach today. Chad got some surfing in, then we took the boys for haircuts and spent the afternoon having a pizza picnic at the tidepools (more photos on that to come!). It was such a wonderful day spent together and by 7:30 the boys were SO tired and ready for bed. I still cannot believe it is this warm in January!

Tyler LOVES the beach. All day, any day.

Tanner has the same love of the beach!

His favorite part is helping his daddy

My boys are the best of friends

2011 Golden Globes

2011-01-19T11:22:00.000-08:00

I got the amazing, once in a lifetime, chance to attend the Golden Globes. I had front row seats to the red carpet, then a private party in the Beverly Hills Hilton, and then a private viewing area to watch the stars head to the parties, get autographs and photos, etc. It was SO fun and the energy there was incredible. I have a lot of photos but here are some of my favorites!!

Blair Underwood

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie

Carrie Underwood

Christian Bale

Alec Baldwin

Eva Longoria

Jake Gyllenhaal

Anne Hathaway

Julia Stiles

Halle Berry

Jimmy Falon

Natalie Portman

Mark Anthony and Jennifer Lopez

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban

Steve Carell

Sandra Bullock

Mario Lopez

Olivia Wilde

Piper Perabo

Scarlet Johansenn

Seal and Heidi Klum

Tom Hanks

A New Year

2011-01-03T21:48:00.000-08:00

These last few days have been filled with cleaning and purging. Out with the old and in with the new. We had a wonderful trip to Oregon and spent lots of precious time with family and friends (pictures are coming). Our road trips up and back were fairly uneventful (minus a stand still 2.5 hour delay on the I-5 headed north). And then we come back to reality. All our Christmas decorations are put away, bags and bags of clothes, shoes and toys have been donated to Goodwill and slowly but surely, new possessions are finding a home.

It is a new year. Time to reflect on the past and look forward to the new. I have different expectations of myself this year. I want to be healthier, cultivate an attitude of happiness and optimism, walk with faith, simplify our home and possessions, and continually remember how extremely blessed I am.

I am ready to embrace the new year with fun and laughter. I will take the time to fully enjoy the sunlight, and be content to simply reside in the moment.

After all, what can be better then starting a new year with these two wonderful, precious boys?

The search for the perfect tree!

2010-12-02T12:45:00.000-08:00

After a failed trip to San Francisco over Thanksgiving Day weekend, I was pretty sad. So, my wonderful husband knew the best way to cheer me up was to get in the Christmas Spirit! We packed up a picnic lunch and headed off to Ramona (about 45 minutes away) to look for a Christmas tree. We wanted to have the experience of chopping down our tree. When we got there I realized that the only way I was going to get the tree I wanted was to buy it already cut. I love the noble fir trees and those don't grow in CA so I had to buy one that was imported from Oregon. The trip was still a ton of fun though. The kids got to see Santa, decorate cookies, make an ornament and bounce in the bounce house they had. Then we ended the trip with a long picnic at a wonderful park. The tree is now up and the house decorated (more on that to come!)

Visiting with Santa

Decorating Cookies

Searching for a tree

The one we originally picked!

He LOVED hanging and sliding across. Over and over and over.

He can never get enough sliding in!

Brothers!

My boys.

Cheese!

Christmas Card!

2010-11-23T15:02:00.001-08:00

Color Me Merry Christmas Card

Make a statement with custom Christmas cards at Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

Bento Box Fun!!

2010-11-22T15:44:00.000-08:00

Tyler loves the bento box style lunches. And, I have fun making them!

Includes: Half a ham & cheese sandwich, cheetos, animal crackers, cucumber and watermelon

And a little note: I Love You Pumpkin

Includes: Noah's Ark cheese shapes, goldfish crackers, ham, cucumber and watermelon, and swedish fish

Note: You are a Blessing

Includes: Half a Ham & Cheese Sandwich, cheetos, oranges, cucumbers, pretzels, and JuJubes

Note: I'm thankful for you.

Includes: Cheese blocks, ham, carrots, cheese crackers, candy corn

Note: Thank You For Being You!

Includes: Ham & Cheese Tortilla Wrap, blueberries, strawberries, tootsie roll

Note: I thank my God every time I remember you. Philippians 1:3

Shutterfly!

2010-11-21T12:31:00.000-08:00

So, Shutterfly (www.shutterfly.com) asked me to tell you all how awesome they are! And I will. Cause they are awesome! I order all my Christmas cards from them and have also made numerous photobooks for myself and for grandparents. I also made a First Year Photo Book for Tyler and plan to do so for Tanner also. These are the photo books I made (http://www.shutterfly.com/photo-books). Their products are wonderful. The new line of Christmas cards are my favorite. (http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/flat-photo-cards). I love the versatility of picking 1, 2, 3 or more photos to add to your card. My goal this week is to take pictures to use for our Christmas cards. The shipping is fast, the pricing is great, and the quality is phenomenal. So keep an eye out in your mail box for our Shutterfly Christmas cards :)
OH! And right now, there is a code for free shipping when you spend $30 or more. Use the code SHIP30. You won't be disappointed!

Halloween!

2010-11-19T14:02:00.000-08:00

This year was an exceptionally fun year with the boys and Halloween. I find that as they get older, every holiday (4th of July, Christmas, Halloween, etc) get more and more fun. They get so much in to the spirit of things and just have a great time. This year, Tyler was a fireman and Tanner was a (recycled) lion (Tyler's costume from 2 years ago). We got to dress up for a fun day at Tyler's school, for a carnival at church and to Trick or Treat. A group of our friends all got together and took the kids out to trick or treat. Not only did the boys have a blast, it was an enjoyable night out walking with our friends!

The best picture I got of Tyler's class!

Tyler's pumpkin

Patient daddy carved Winnie the Pooh for Tanner

Buddies

My heart.

Dave and Shannon got in to the spirit!

Staying close to daddy.

They had the hang of it by this point!

Fall Fun

2010-11-16T17:01:00.000-08:00

I love fall. Despite the fact that we have had days in the 80's and 90's, I still love the fall scents, cool nights, Halloween fun, Thanksgiving, and the gear up to Christmas! We spent some fun time at the Pumpkin Patch with Ryan and Noah. Megan and I find it quite great that we can get four tickets to the big slide and sit down and chat for close to an hour while the kids go up and down, up and down. Then we take them home tired. Works out really well! I love that our four boys are all the same ages and so close!

My Pumpkins on a Pumpkin

Quarter rides...always a win.

GHOST!

The never ending slide fun.

We always use advantage of the free train ride coupons!!

My Sweet 4 Year Old (plus one month)

2010-10-28T20:53:00.000-07:00

Tyler turned 4 in September. FOUR! I cannot believe it has been four years since I gave birth to this beautiful boy. He brings so much joy to our lives. He loves his little brother and is so great with him. He does great sharing, loves to go to school and rides all around Imperial Beach on his two wheeler. He likes to tell everyone he meets he rides a bike with only TWO wheels...no more training wheels for him. He strives to make us happy all the time and doesn't ever like to disappoint us. At my first parent/teacher conference yesterday his teacher told us how much he excels in his class and how his memory and knowledge are off the charts for his age. Chad and I have been so blessed to be his parents for the past four years and are looking forward to all the years ahead.
We had a huge party at Pump It Up (an inflatable place). The kids played hard for an hour and forty minutes and then we herded all 30 kids in for snacks, drinks and cakes. We had a fun rocket ship theme. After it was over and we were walking to the car, Tyler started crying because he was sad it was over!

Notice how sweaty he was!

Yuuummmmyyy.

My precious 2 year old

2010-09-20T20:35:00.000-07:00

It has been a (very long) while since I have posted. I am finally finishing up my teaching credential and am teaching 3rd grade full time until October 26 (not that I am counting). On top of teaching, I also have to take a class through the first week of November that corresponds with my teaching. The class is every other week but the assignments are more frequent. So, I am pretty tired when I get home and just want to hang with my boys!
I can't skip over the fact that my "baby" turned 2. I cannot put in to words how much I adore this boy. He is precious, sweet, goofy, stubborn, and I am so blessed to be his mommy. He has been out of diapers since February when he was only 19 months old. He wants to be JUST like his big brother and that meant no diapers so he went with it! He isn't near as verbal as Tyler but slowly gaining more and more words and knows what he wants. He loves to ride bikes, play ball, trucks, playdough, coloring, stickers, and being a helper to anything you want to do.
We had an Elmo themed party to celebrate and had lots of friends over. We had a bounce house, made an Elmo craft, colored Elmo pages, and broke open a pinata and collected our candy in Elmo bags. Tanner was so happy to be surrounded by his friends, eat his pizza and cake and of course open his presents!

4th Of July

2010-08-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

(I am a little behind on blogging this summer!)
Fourth of July was a relaxing day with friends in Imperial Beach. Chad, I and the boys did a lot of bike riding, played at the beach, barbecued and enjoyed our time together. Imperial Beach brought back the firework show this year (they have not done it for years) and it was AMAZING. We rode our bikes down and joined Tim, Autumn, Dave, Shannon, John, Kathy, Chip and Bethany and all the kids and settled down on the blankets to enjoy the show. Tyler LOVED it and Tanner wasn't so sure. He was sitting with Shannon when it started but quickly moved to Daddy to keep him safe. If you ask him about fireworks today he is quick to cover his ears! It was a great day!

San Diego County Fair

2010-07-21T19:17:00.001-07:00

A couple of weeks ago we went to the fair. We had such a fun time! We spent lots of time looking at animals, feeding animals, riding the rides, looking at all the neat stuff for sale (we bought a painting!) and ended the day right with some snow cones for the kids! We were going to listen to Lifehouse in concert while we were there but by 7:00 we had been there for 6 hours and were pretty tired so we decided to call it a night. It was a blast!

Camping!

2010-06-28T19:58:00.000-07:00

We took the boys for their first camping trip this past week. We went on Thursday and came home on Saturday. We had such a great time. The boys loved fishing, having squirt gun fights, playing ball, roasting marshmallows and hotdogs, sleeping in a tent and above all, playing in the dirt. On Friday evening our good friends Tim and Autumn came up to visit with their boys and we all had dinner and smores together. We couldn't quite convince 7 month pregnant Autumn to stay but we had a great time having them visit! I was concerned on how Tyler and Tanner would do with the tent sleeping but it was fine. Both nights Tanner crashed out on my lap in front of the fire. And both nights at 10 we just tucked Tyler in to his sleeping bag and he was out. I think all the running around and lack of naps helped! We had a great time and are already planning our next trip!

Swimming

2010-06-23T13:44:00.000-07:00

We just finished a week of swimming lessons. The boys had a blast. This was the first year that Tyler was in his own class and he did great. Tanner was aprehensive of going under the water on the first day and by the final day, I couldn't keep him above water for long. They both ended the week with jumps off the diving board! My little fish!!

Pony Riding

2010-06-18T08:11:00.000-07:00

During our recent trip to Oregon, Jenn booked us a pony for the kiddos to ride. We drove out to the country to the house of a sweet woman who offers cheap pony rides for kiddos. It was only $10 for a half hour. Tyler jumped on the opportunity to ride and wanted to get on right away. Emma was a little more timid but after Tyler took a ride she was ready to give it a shot. Tanner pretended he was excited to ride the pony but the minute Bumpa sat him on it, he was ready to get off!

Friends and Vinyl Wall Art

2010-06-16T15:32:00.000-07:00

On Saturday I met up with two of my friends from college. Christi lives up in Los Angeles and was down her on business. She had a function and we met at 9:00 pm on Saturday night. Let me tell you, it has been a looonggg time since I was leaving the house at 8:30 pm! Our other friend Monet met up with us also. We had a great time hanging out together and catching up with each other.

Christi, me, Monet

Always lots of laughing

I have always loved vinyl art. I decided to pick one up and try it out. I think it turned out fairly well. Our walls are slightly textured so I don't think it went on quite as easy but it still turned out well. The thing I like best is that it comes off really easy and leaves no damage to the paint or wall. I put in in my room so if it turned out horrible no one but Chad and I would see it! Fun decorating!

Cheese Face!

2010-06-15T07:30:00.001-07:00

Memorial Day Weekend Barbecue

2010-06-11T08:09:00.000-07:00

On Memorial Day weekend we had Tim, Megan and their boys along with Dave, Shannon and Rossi over to have a barbecue. Chad made his famous jalapeño poppers and we followed it up with some carne asada burritos. We had a great time. The guys had a competitive game of ladder golf and the kids ran around. Later the adults took over the wiffle ball and showed each other our skills. It was a lot of fun...we love hanging out with our friends and are ready for a lot more summer barbecues!

Ryan teaching Noah to play the WII

Rossi

Noah

Dave and Shannon

Ladder Golf

Jim and Tim

Kids playing wiffle ball (before we took over)

Tim and Megan

Tyler and Noah playing Koosh ball

Jim and Shannon starting off the adult wiffle ball

Tanner and daddy

My Family. My Life.

2010-06-05T08:07:00.000-07:00

I am so blessed.

Painting

2010-06-03T13:34:00.000-07:00

When I pick Tyler up for school it always goes the same. I always ask him what he did that day and his answer is either 1) I painted or 2) I didn't paint. He loves painting! For his birthday last year Chad's parents gave him an easel and the boys love to have it in the backyard and paint. Most of their paintings turn out the same (a huge mess of brown) but hey, they have a ton of fun!

PADRES!

2010-06-01T07:58:00.001-07:00

On Friday night we went to a Padre game with our friends Tim and Autumn and their two boys. Cayden is their oldest and he is two weeks older than Tyler and Chase, their little one, is two months younger than Tanner. They are expecting their 3rd this September. Needless to say, the boys love getting together and playing together. Autumn and I went to Point Loma together and we taught together until I left to stay at home. The Padre game was fun and the boys did great. The Padres lost but the night was still fun! We left in the 8th inning, exhausted but happy!

2010 Olympic Games

2010-05-31T07:04:00.001-07:00

Tyler's school had their version of Olympics on Friday. Different games included a race between teams to see how much water they could transfer from one bucket to another, scoring soccer balls in the nets, tug-of-war, an obstacle course and of course a potato sack race. Tyler LOVED the potato sack race. He was so good jumping his way to the finish line. Tanner even participated in some of the events also. Tyler's teacher is very kind and always lets him play if it is possible! She says she loves when she gets to teach siblings and can't wait for Tanner to join her class. Me, I can wait because I don't want him getting any bigger!

All nighter

2010-05-29T14:24:00.000-07:00

On Thursday my friend Bethany called me. Her and her husband work at the same school as Chad. She asked me if I would come to grad night with her. For those that don't know, grad night for SoCal high schools is an all night trip to Disneyland. We arrived at the school at 7:00 pm and arrived back at the school the next morning around 8:15 am. There were thousands of high school seniors at Disneyland and it is is like a giant dance club. Kids danced the night away, enjoyed the rides, and had a good time. Bethany and I enjoyed ourselves but wow, I haven't stayed up all night in FOREVER. I was SO tired when we got back. Chad had taken the kids to school with him (with permission from the AP since they really needed another chaperone) and I picked them up and took Tyler to school for his Olympic Day. Thankfully Chad only had a half day because of finals and so he got home at 12:15 pm and sent me to bed. I slept for 4 hours and got enough energy up to head to the Padre game with friends on Friday night. All in all, it was a great experience but I think I will stick to sleeping at night in the future!

Awake...near the beginning of the night

Wanting our beds right about now.

Girl's Spa Trip - Austin, TX

2010-05-25T08:03:00.000-07:00

Megan and I got a wonderful opportunity to surprise our good friend Amy, on a trip to Austin, TX. Amy's husband works for a real estate investment manager that manages different holdings, including hotels. They just closed on a property in Austin, TX called The Crossings. It is a Wellness Spa that is built in a canyonlands preserve and overlooks Lake Travis. A few months ago Adam called Megan and I and asked us if we would be interested in flying to Austin and surprising Amy on this trip. Amy thought that she was going alone (and wasn't too excited about that) so when we surprised her in the airport the tears flew! Megan and I had a chance to walk around downtown Austin before heading back to the airport for the big surprise. Megan and I hid behind a pole in the airport for a LONG time until we saw her walk by. We let her walk by toward the car rental desk and then started saying "I don't think your car will be there as it has already been picked up." She didn't turn around and then had to call her name. She was in SHOCK. It was great!

Megan and I waiting behind our pole.

Looking straight at us - still not clued in!

Figuring out we were there to spend the weekend WITH her! After this picture she wouldn't allow me to take anymore! She was too much in shock!

After we all met up and the shock wore off we got in the car and made our way to The Crossings. We got a little turned around but with the help of TWO Garmins, we made it around 1 am. We checked in and stayed up for about another hour visiting and then fell exhausted in to bed. Friday we just spend enjoying each other. We walked around the property, had spa treatments (facial for Megan, stone massages for Amy and I). We lounged by the pool and then spent a good amount of time sitting in the hot tub.

The infinity pool overlooking Lake Travis

Unfortunately, on Saturday, Megan really wasn't feeling well and she spent the majority of the day in bed. Really NOT how she wanted to spend her weekend away :(. She did manage to make it to her spa treatment but that was about the extent of her leaving her room (Swedish massages for Amy and I, a Watsu massage for Megan). Amy and I took a class on breathing (funny) and then spent most of the day by the pool. We got a bit too much sun...especially Amy. Before dinner Amy and I did a sunset yoga class, checked out the Labryinth and then enjoyed dinner with live Jazz music. We were very thankful that Megan had started feeling better by that night!

Sunday we did more lounging, took a meditation class (again, funny) and just enjoyed our last day together. We had to leave the spa around 3 pm to return the car and to get Amy to her flight (she left about two hours before Megan and I). We returned late Sunday night and then it was back to reality on Monday morning. We have already begun planning our next girl's trip and I have been reviewing the different hotels in Amstar's portfolio. I am thinking Hawaii next....Love you girls. Can't wait to do it again!

Wiffle Ball!

2010-05-18T08:43:00.001-07:00

Chad and I took on the job of coaching Tyler's wiffle ball team this year. We are the Little Slugger Cubs. Since Chad is busy coaching the high school kids I have done most of the coaching this year and I love it. The kids are 3 and 4 and so much fun. Tyler has a blast practicing with his friends on Thursdays and playing games on Saturdays. We have 3 more games left before the end of the season. It's been fun!

They gave the kids a bat that was way too big and way too heavy but they were adorable none the less!

My awesome team (Chad couldn't make it on picture day, he was doing sound at church!) The other guy is a good friend of ours, Tim, who has been helping us out with coaching.