8th Anniversary

Today is our 8th anniversary. Woo Hoo. Thought I'd post some of my favorite pictures from that special day. It's fun to look back and see the excitement on our faces to start our new life together. We got married in an outdoor ceremony at the beautiful Fairmont Miramar in Santa Monica. Now, 8 years and 2 adorable kids later.....this is what life is all about. I wouldn't change a thing.

(unfortunately, my scanner makes the pictures look grainy. In real life they are clear. Promise.)

Alone

Completely alone. This hasn't happened to me in years. The kids are spending the weekend in San Diego with Randy and Katie. I know they are going to have a blast going to the zoo and the beach and just play outdoors. They were so excited. Mark is working today so I am alone. Completely alone. Weird. I was pretty excited thinking I was going to clean the house, clean out my closet, blast my radio but instead.....I'm doing a lot of this.

Staring at my feet and the TV. It's the movie Matilda just incase you're wondering. It's mindless and easy to stare at. My toes are painted black with 1 white flower and although most people don't, I do like them that way.

These are staring back at me. Use me, they're saying. Get up and get things done before Mark comes home.

I think Koda is weirded out too. She's following me from room to room. I'm sure she can't figure out why know one is pulling her tail, gouging her nose and eyes and chasing after her to get their toy back. Poor dog. I think she knows I don't like her so I've tried extra hard to pet her and I even remembered to feed her. See Mark, I'm making an effort!

The Lake

Over the weekend we were invited to what we thought was our friends house but it turned out to be the wrong destination. We were supposed to meet them at a lake. Yes, low and behold, Indio has a beautiful man made lake. The weather was hot but barely noticable with a huge body of water and a fast boat to ride on. I can't even explain the amount of fun that was had. Watching the kids excitement and playing all day in the water was awesome. Lately, all they need is each other and they're pretty content.
Trying wakeboarding only once before, a week prior, this was our second time out and I was on a mission. I convinced Mark to go first because the butterflies were a little much in my stomach. After getting up on his second attempt I couldn't wait until it was my turn. To everyones suprise I got up on my first try and my second and my third, you get the picture. It was a blast and completely addiciting. I am still having trouble moving from shocking my poor muscles but I hope I can do it again one day.



Peyton being our timid one was happy holding on being close to mom and dad but Drew got right into it and even got to drive the boat.

Reaching in to check the temp. He loved the boat.








Taking a dip.

Feeding Drew. I love that he likes to help take care of her.

One of my favorite parts of the day was when Peyton got home and made a thank you card. He couldn't wait for me to give it to our hosts. I love that about him.

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.