My Birthday!!!!

Today is my birthday and I had the BEST suprise party ever last night. Lots of pictures and details to come. A special thank you to Carly & Courtney for helping Mark pull it off. You guys are such awesome friends and it means so much that you were so willing to help. Of course the biggest thank you goes to Mark for planning such an event. I knew something was going on because I like to snoop, but I never, ever, expected a big party like last night.

A Birthday Suprise

Well, the big 3-0 is just around the corner and I was pretty bummed when I found out that Jen and Christophe were going away on vacation and wouldn't be here to help me celebrate. Of course if I had the option to lay on a beach in Mexico I would probably choose that as well. Little did I know though that they had a suprise up their sleeve. I don't know how this got by me because I'm very snoopy and a bit like Nancy Drew when it comes to birthdays or Christmas! Much to a lot of peoples suprise, I don't like suprises nor do I like being center of attention in front of large groups. Small groups sure but big groups, it gives me anxiety and stomach aches. But, they planned a wonderful dinner party with just the right amount of people.

Jen and Christophe had called over Courtney, Julie, Tasha and Zoltan over for dinner along with Mark and I. They had gotten Claudia to take all of the kids back to my house so we could relax and enjoy ourselves in the beautiful backyard. The dinner was a spectacular payella (sp?), buffalo mozzerella salad and macaroni salad. YUM. I couldn't ask for a better evening.

Thank you so much to the hosts Jen and Christophe. It was such a fun and memerable night. I almost can't wait till I turn 40!

One topic of conversation: Scrunchies. I believe they went out with Saved by the Bell, but others believe if you can still buy them, they're in.

Me and my cute husband who was so excited at suprising me.

Drew got decked out with Princess shoes and all. Little did I know, she was headed right back home.

Tehachapi

Every year we go to Tehachapi for Mark's family gathering. We eat a ton, relax, then eat again. This year we took the kids to the lake for fishing, softball, ladderball and a playground to play on. The kids were so excited to cast out and reel back that they didn't care if a fish was actually caught. The weather couldn't be better. Growing up there you don't appeciate the beauty of the little town but now I absolutely love it. We got to visit with my mom and dad as well. Drew took a turn to help grandpa mow some of the weeds down.

Peyton and Delaney waiting until it's there turn to cast. 3 cast each then on to the next person!

Drew and Grandma Ann feeding the ducks.

Drew and Grandpa driving the tractor.

Jorja, a girl after my own heart. She's waiting patiently for the food and can't wait to dig in. This was just one of the many buffets.

Streetfair

Last Thursday we went to the streetfair in Palm Springs with Larinda and Jon. The kids met for the first time and were instant friends. They had ice cream, got glow bracelets and rode the horses or in Peyton's case the mule. It was very hot but nice to be outdoors.

Missing

Koda is missing. She ran off once again yesterday and for the first time, hasn't been returned rather quickly. I know this is horrible but life without a dog is kind of nice. I didn't have to hear the kids scream because the dog took away their sippy cup or toy and they can't get it back. At the moment there is a good chance we won't get her back because we're headed out of town. I was a little sad wondering where she is though. Is she being fed? Did she have a nice place to sleep? Does she have access to water? Although she bugged the heck out of me I don't want anything bad to happen to her. Poor Koda. She just didn't like being cooped up in the backyard. She's a free spirit and had a world to explore.

It's Raining, It's Pouring.....

For about 1 hour this morning we got to enjoy the thunder, lightening and rain. Now, the clouds are breaking, the sun is starting to shine again and the humidity is rising. That's life in the desert. We enjoyed it while it lasted.

They're Back!!

The kids came back from San Diego full of energy, stories and treats. Drew swears uncle Randy bought her Sleeping Beauty pull ups, which I actually packed but whatever and Peyton wouldn't let go of his whale he got at the zoo. Katie was wonderful enough to take a ton of pictures for me to mark the occasion. They went to the beach, which they haven't been to since Hawaii last year, the zoo, to Wendys to get a shake and swimming everyday. Well, those were the highlights the kids gave us at least. It's funny to hear their perception. Something happened at the Zoo and Peyton dropped his flip flop at the Koala exhibit. He had to sit in the stroller until the zoo keeper returned it.

They also got to play with Randy and Katie's new baby Keimo, who is an english bulldog.

I have to admit that it was so nice to sleep in while they were gone and come and go so freely. But in the overall scheme, we couldn't wait till they got home.

To Randy and Katie, thank you for having them over and taking the time to bond with them. They had so much fun and it was such a selfless thing for you guys to do. Now, be prepared the next time we want to go on vacation. You might be the first sitters we ask!

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.