Traveling.......lots of it

Three months ago an opportunity at work came about to look at moving to a different company. With that decision came three different trips all in a 6 week time frame. First up was Chicago which also happened to be St. Patrick's Day. LOVE that city. We had amazing meals, saw lots of bagpipers, I got to stay in the absolute, most gorgeous executive suite at this unbelievable hotel , went to the top of the John Hancock building and had hours of meetings in the short 36 hours we were there. When we came home we decided as a team that we wanted to further look into this company so we took a quick trip to Phoenix (no pictures, just memories) then split into two groups and headed out to Boston on separate occasions. I have always wanted to see Boston and traveled with Joseph and Brett who is originally from there and couldn't get to the famous cannolis fast enough. Boston was a quick 36 hours as well but a beautiful city where I traveled first class for my first time, saw Samuel Adams grave, the Cheers bar which I was excited about and the World Trade Center. But my favorite of all was the lighthouses you see out in the ocean as your plane is about to land. It's a beautiful city full of history that I'd love to see again. I had such a great time on each of these trips but have to admit that after 5 years of working together and a chaotic six weeks Brett and Joseph got to see my true grumpy side come out the last night in Boston. Being the only woman in the board room for hours, tired from not sleeping because I get scared in hotel rooms alone, and so sick of steakhouses nothing sounds edible, I was tired and it showed. Thankfully we all laugh about it and can look back knowing that although these trips were fun and they were important for our futures.

Easter Party 2011

Back in 2005, when Tasha, Courtney, Veronica and myself each had 1 boy and we're all pregnant with our second (x2 since Court had twins) Courtney began a tradition of hosting an annual Easter party. Now in 2011 the group of kids has certainly grown and this year we even had 4 additional kids from England who were here to visit Aunt Tasha. The party has evolved each year as the kids are getting older with organized games based on age, an Easter egg and a huge buffet. The moms also attempted to compete in the potato sack race but realized our bladders just aren't made for that kind of jumping.

Jason Aldean

We definitely like all kinds of music and country is right at the top of our list. So when we found out Jason Aldean was going to be playing just a mile away from our house we jumped at buying the tickets. Mark has been super busy with season in full swing and the Kraft Nabisco tournament just ending and me, well, I've just been busy with everyday life. That being said the concert couldn't have come at a better time. We were in need of a date night. We had great seats with a perfect view of the stage and an even better view for people watching. The only downfall was that I forgot my camera. When I asked Mark to give me his best cowboy pose it came out a little blurry because of my phone.

Baseball Season

Baseball season is here again. It's Peyton's third year and Drew's second....and probably her last. She only decided to play again because she remembered they get a snack afterwards. It's my favorite sport to watch because Peyton loves it so much. So far during practice he's pitching and playing short stop again but the games start in a few days so we'll see. Saturday was opening ceremonies and picture day. Drew is once again on the Dodgers and Peyton on the Cardinals. Games start on Tuesday. Can't wait!

Valentines Day

We celebrated Valentines day early this year since Mark has to work that day. The kids got Mark cards, I made heart shapes muffins and we had sparkling cider with breakfast. That was pretty much the extent of our Valentine effort at home but the kids didn't care. They were happy we were all home having a family breakfast, which sadly is something we haven't done in 3 weeks since Mark has been so busy. I'm counting down the months till high season is over so we can do these simple family things more often.

Bieber Fever

The kids could not WAIT for the Justin Bieber movie to come out. Peyton has an adorable girl named Elle in his class who has a sister name Misha that is in Drew's class . They are all friends and were excited to see the movie together. I had absolutely NO interest in seeing it and even debated on taking my kindle to help pass the time. Well, I hate to admit it but I really liked it. It was a documentary about how he got to where he is and I now have a soft spot for the cute singer. If you have kids I highly recommend it. I think they'd love it.

Superbowl

We watched Superbowl hoping the Steelers would win. No luck but still a fun time was had by all. After the game and dinner we decided it was a perfect time for sparklers. Doesn't everyone light sparklers to make the night complete?

Happy Birthday Peyton

Peyton decided he wanted his 9th birthday at the Palm Springs Skate Park because he had so much fun at Ty's. I couldn't argue. Easiest party ever. We had pizza, Sk8erade (get it), cake that turned your tongue blue and a 13 happy kids that rode their skateboards, scooters and even rollerblades. We only 2 very minor kid wipeouts and 1 adult (Mark). I think he really was remembering how much fun it was when he was younger and realized his body just doesn't move like that anymore. One of Peyton's highlights of the day was the matching shirt and hat Ty gave him. The hardest part for me.... just the fact that another year went by, another year he got older. It's going by way too fast.

Fight Night

Mark and Peyton share a love for the sport of Boxing. They watch all the major fights together and since Peyton was 5 they have been going to live matches around the valley. So for Christmas I bought tickets to a fight that was being held at Fantasy Springs Casino. The one thing I didn't do was check Mark's work schedule to make sure he's be free. Stupid mistake. We're in high season here and he was busy with a banquet. So, off to the casino I went with Peyton for a date night. I felt like a fish out of water. We had corner seats right where the boxers entered the arena. Thankfully Mark was able met us there after the second match and the hightlight of the night. Out of the curtains came Oscar De La Hoya. As we're standing there face to face, eye to eye, I smile and he smiles back. I ask, will you take a pic with my son. He nods and Peyton wimps out. He got too shy so I was only left with a picture of him alone as he walked away to take pictures with the thousands of other people excited to see him. Maybe next time.

New Years Eve

New Years Eve started out with the thought of just staying home with the kids since Mark was working. Then my girlfriend Valerie and I made plans for her to come over with her daughter since her husband was working as well. Then there was another friend who's husband was working and another. So....the actual night began with wives and kids while the husbands trickled in. The night turned out to be a very, very fun New Years Eve. Peyton started to get sleepy at 11:30 but was determined to stay up and Drew made it till midnight and happily went to bed at 12:10. They toasted each other with apple cider in plastic champagne glasses. Sharing the night with them was my favorite part of all. We've always left them at home before but seeing how excited they were watching the ball drop on TV, throwing streamers at midnight, making appetizers and wearing their party favors makes me so excited to host New Years again next year.