Jesse's Visit

My brother Jesse FINALLY came to visit. He lives in a far off land off the 405 freeway in a tiny city thats named Brentwood. We haven't seen each other since Christmas because the 2 hour drive is a killer. But, he loves my kids so much he drove through the blazing desert, facing his fear of melting to see them. They were so excited to see their uncle and he came with some activities to do. He brought canvases for each of us to paint and Drew so proudly announced that the brown paint looks just like Koda's poop! Yes, we have a future Picasso on our hands. We of course then went bowling because it's almost become a family competition. It was a fantastic visit and hopefully we won't have to wait another 6 months to see him again. The strict institution of UCLA, where he works, runs a pretty tight ship in the summer so I know the soonest will be September. At least it will be cooler by then!

Girls night out

Girls night out=Too Much Fun....

We started the night by going to see Sex and the City. Both Danielle and I were HUGE fans of the show and Jen had never seen an episode. That didn't matter though. Its a movie made just for girls and girls night out. You laugh, you cry and you can see it over and over again. It just makes you love the bond that you have with your own friends and makes you hope that that bond will continue and grow as the years go on. I give the movie a definite 2 thumbs up!

But beware of the "shoes" you wear on a girls night out. You could end up like Danielle, fall and hurt your elbow. OUCH!

Happy Birthday Court!

We were lucky to do a group date for Courtney's birthday as opposed to our usual girls night out. We went to a fabulous party with a band and had such a fun time. Now, that being said, if you've seen Court's blog, the picture of Eric and I was to get back at Courtney for this picture. Just felt a little clarification was needed. Didn't want anyone getting the wrong idea!

Sunday Funday

What's a good way to beat the unbearable heat?

Have a family water balloon fight. It's the perfect activity for Sunday Funday.

Palm Springs Power

If you're ever looking for something different to do with kids, Palm Springs has a minor league baseball team that plays through July. The first reaction is, uggh, too hot. But check out all the misters. It's actually pretty perfect when you're sitting there. The kids loved it and it's a pretty inexpensive family night out. They each got a squishy ball that was thrown into the stands, had hot dogs, ice cream and got excited whenever Rocky the Ram, aka the bunny, came by to see us. Not to mention they get to be as loud as they want. Can you belive how tall Peyton is next to Drew? The Hershbergers were with us so it made the night that much more enjoyable. Eric was sick and missed out but Ivan joined in the fun.

Cardiologist...Round 2

Drew had her cardiologist appt earlier in the week. As it started with Peyton, the pediatrician heard something funny and wanted it checked out. All turned out well though and it's just a normal murmer that will come and go throughout her life. No medication and no more cardiologist appts. Woo hoo. It bugged me that both kids had teensy heart issues. Glad it's all over. She did awesome too.

Happy Father's Day

Happy Fathers day to the man of my dreams. Thank you for being such an amazing dad to our to little kids.You have the perfect blend of patience, fun and discipline when it comes to raising our kids. You are by far the "fun parent" and it's so nice to watch them get so excited when you come in the door.

I love you and hope you have a wonderful day.

Cruisin'

(Beware, lots of pics)

Whew, it's been a whirlwind the last 3 weeks. We had Sonny & Carly out to visit, Peyton's graduation, Vegas, Mark's 32nd birthday and then the cruise. Not to mention that fathers day is this weekend. Eeekkk.

So, now onto the wonderful cruise. Holy moly, what a good time. This was my 5th curise and I forgot how much fun it was go to. The last one was 7 years ago and unbeknownst to me, little Peyton was growing in my belly. We were lucky enough to have Alec and Erica join us this time around. We played Bingo, they sang karaoke while we cheered them on from the audience, danced to music that made me feel horribly old and kind of grumpy because I knew like 2 songs, gambled and won a bit and ATE lots of food. This was just the first night. We went to Ensenada and saw the Buffadora better known as the sleeping dragon that is mad and will get you wet for waking him up! Well, not really but it was a good story to tell Peyton. It's just the mexican word for the blow hole. It was freezing down there. Thank you Alec for being gentlemanly and letting me wear your sweatshirt. I was a bit afraid I'd have to bargain with the vendors and end up with a USC poncho. I'm shuddering at the thought.

We did stop by Papas and Beer and had a few laughs at all the drunk people. Yes, I've been there in the past but I'm almost 30 now. I've matured a bit. Not much, but definitely some, hence the butt crack picture from vegas.

On the way back to the ship we decided to be adventurous and walk. We ended up in the local fish market which was very smelly but so cool. All the fresh fish that had been caught and was for sale.

Thank you to Alec and Erica who changed their plans to go to New York and vacation with us instead. It was such a fun time to be with family and I can't wait until our trip next year. The guys are pushing for Lake Powell but us girls have a different plan.

Mark realizing he got ripped off by the vendors.

Mark's 32nd birthday. It was one of my favorite shots.

Viva Mexico!!

The Vegas

We got the chance to go to Vegas to celebrate Jen and Christophes 10 year anniversary. A special occasion and a very special time. It was one of the most relaxing trips I've ever had to Vegas. We went to this WONDERFUL restaurant at the Wynn one night that I would highly, highly recommend if you have the chance. If you're lucky like us, you can sit outside next to a beautiful pond filled with koi. You have your own cabana so beautifully decorated you fill completly alone. The service is impecable where not one this is missed and the employees seem so proud to give an incredible experience. It was awesome. I'm no foodie but even I was able to appreciate every aspect along with the food as well. That's the one thing I love being married to a chef and having Christophe as a friend. They make me stray from my mexican food to try something new. Not easy coming for a girl who loves her top ramen. The pictures unfortunatley don't do it justice.

We spent the day in the pool and to everyone's suprise I got in. Not my favorite thing to do but I couldn't take the heat anymore, and another night at our favorite restaurant Nobu. It's the best sushi ever. But beware of this guy. Yes, as immature as it may be, I always find it funny when the plummers crack is hanging out. It's just wrong.

Graduation pics

Finally, some of the graduation pictures!

Peyton with his good friends Griffen and Zach. They are all going to the same first grade class at a new school next year. Thank goodness they get to still be together.








Grandma Ann

Randy, Katie and Peyton.




















The proud sister. She wanted to have her turn on the stage.

and of course, some of the loot! Thanks everybody for remembering his special day.