Saturday, March 21, 2009

Cousins are Fun!!

Last week we took the opportunity to escape to sunny California to see Jeffrey's cousins and Aunt/Uncle. It was both for my birthday and to take advantage of one last free airline ticket before Jeffrey turns 2 (if you can believe that). Our San Mateo family were perfect hosts once more and we loved spending time with them. We did lots in the few days we were there.



Our ride on the cable car. John and I have visited Lauri and Renato numerous times since our early dating days and have never once ridden the cable car in San Fran. Figured Jeffrey and Zach would enjoy this since they're both into trains these days. :)

















I like this picture at a corner on....you guessed it, California Street.


The whole gang posing for a shot at Half Moon Bay. I think the kids would have stayed and lived in the sand if we would have let them. :)














Jeffrey helping Uncle Nato (he calls him Uncle Taco) fly a kite





The three amigos at the park











We're Biking!!

So fun!! Jeffrey looks forward to this daily even if it's just up and down the street. Here's some shots of his first time in the carrier with his chicken bike helmet. :)









Just being Jeffrey

Loves to do the dishes!







Boots and Shoes











Cougman




Friday, March 20, 2009

Christmas 2008

OK, I'm back on the wagon again. I've confiscated John's computer (mine needs a slight tune-up) and we're up and running. :) I hope you enjoy all the catch-up pictures!














Thursday, January 29, 2009

25 random things about me

I know, I know. We need some updated pictures on here. Seriously, I think I fell off of the wagon last year around the holidays too. I promise...soon. Until then, here is a posting I put on facebook. Someone tagged me to write 25 random things about myself. It's kind of fun to read about others. :)

1) Favorite color is Blue. Looking at my home you might guess its brown, brown or browner, but no, it's blue. I remember in kindergarten being divided for play groups by color on the first day of school. I played trucks with the boys for most of that year.

2) Love swimming. It's so relaxing yet invigorating at the same time. I haven't gotten to do much swimming in the last few years, but we just joined a gym with a daycare so I can do more of those things on my own.

3) I'm a cookie dough addict. Many times I'll make the dough and never even bake the cookies. Drives John insane. :)

4) Hate scary movies. Suspense is OK sometimes, but I'm a Nervous Nelly when it comes to horror films. They last in my mind for years.

5) John and I would love to have a lake home one day. My grandparents had a lake home growing up and it's truly some of my best memories. We had a canoe and that's all we needed. Fishing with Grandpa, eating yummy food prepared by Grandma, picnics, swimming.....ahhh - loved it. It's a great place for family to gather and have fun together.

6) We hope to retire and travel the world. Wish we would have done more before kids.

7) Favorite movie is The Parent Trap (original)

8) Hate being home alone. Again, it's that Nervous Nelly thing I have going. John is annoyed when I go out of my way to lock the doors at night...you just never know. :)

9) On my DVR I have: Desperate Housewives, Jon and Kate + 8, ER, Ugly Betty, The Real Housewives of Orange County and a bunch of car and dirt bike racing my husband likes to watch.

10) I need 9 hours of sleep at night.

11) I don't make new friends easily. I'm having a hard time with that in Salt Lake City. I love friends that I already have history with. The friends I have are wonderful and I'd never trade them for the world. It's hard.

12) Miss living in Washington. We're hopefully moving back in 3.5 years!!

13) Thankful for my parents. It's hard to say that I grew up in a normal home (can anyone?) but I know my parents sacrificed a lot for me growing up. I love them. I can't help but think my parents are still working way to hard for what they gave up for my brother and I. I wish my Dad would stop smoking so he would live long enough to see Jeffrey grow up. They love him so much.

14) I love my boys. John is the best husband. He's so thoughtful of others and very witty (which he uses for good and evil :) ). Jeffrey is turning into such a sweet boy. Hugs, kisses and cuddles often, but it's also fun to see him becoming more indepent. He's easier to leave with sitters and plays really well with other kids. I just love watching him.

15) Favorite dinner is fajitas....yummmo, bring on the guac!!

16) I love summer. Winter is killing me slowly. No where to go and nothing to do!! Summer we go on long walks to different neighborhoods, go hiking in the mountains and the days are so much longer. I love the sun, boating and swimming. I've seriously thought about ditching the "move back to Washington" idea in order to say, "Hello San Diego!"

17) I'm currently shopping for a road bike and kid trailer. We seldom move our cars in the summer and I'd like to start not driving even more. Plus I need the exercise.

18) I'm certified to teach K-8 in Washington. I taught 3rd grade for a year in Vancouver, WA, then we moved to Issaquah, WA and I did a lot of subbing. I found I really like teaching middle and high school. Hmmm, maybe something to pursue in a few years.

19) I talk to my Mom at least 3 times a week.

20) John and I are going to Italy/Germany at the beginning of June. Still in the planning stages. We only have a limited time and there's soooo much I want to see!! Most importantly my cousin Owen will graduate from high school from a school on a base in Germany. So proud of him and glad we'll be there for the graduation.

21) We have NO pets. Kind of sad. I've decided I have a hard enough time cleaning after Jeffrey, John and myself I don't need to clean after anything else. I do love dogs. Maybe someday.

22) I voted for Obama and was balling when I saw his inauguration the other day. I'm so proud.

23) I would love another baby, but I'm very scared of the responsibility. I know I can handle it, but I sure love how Jeffrey is getting easier and easier!! The baby feedings really put a cramp in my 9 hours of sleep program. :) It will happen. :)

24) Let's see, no green thumbs around here. I need a gardener.

25) Lastly, I have a lot to smile for. People often tell me they love my smile and I must say I have a lot to smile for. I'm so blessed to have everyone that's in my life!!