Better with age...

Happy 28th Birthday Pavo! Last night we got out for a bit for an early celebration. We went to the Cheesecake Factory in Fashion Valley Mall. The food was wonderful and the chance to be together without the kids was an even better.

I am so grateful for Dave. He really does get better with age. I am glad to have him as my best friend and look forward to many more birthdays together.

Happy Birthday!

On our way to San Diego and look who we ran into...

Michael Phelps! I saw him from behind and knew it was him. I got David's attention and we went over for a picture. We were waiting for the same flight.

We decided to take the kids on vacation and we chose San Diego. We've never been and liked the idea of going to all the animal parks. So, here we are. It was great to fly and it is beautiful here.

When we got to our car rental place they were out of mini vans (which we reserved). So they said they could upgrade us. I thought ooooh maybe an SUV? Nope, a 15 passenger van! Can you believe that. No thanks, we took the Corolla instead.

Since we got here this afternoon we've enjoyed the views getting to our hotel, we've been to the Mission beach (Parker's first time playing in the ocean), and hit the hotel pool. It's a vacation already! We're looking forward to going Sea World or the Wild Animal Park tomorrow.

Time out with the ladies

We decided it was time for a much needed girls night. This is a group of gals from my old ward. Many of us have moved out of the ward, but still enjoy getting together when we can. We went to a great Mexican place in Sacramento called La Rosa Blanco for dinner. Then, we were off to Karaoke. This place was so fun. It was out there a ways, but you rent a room for your group. Then we could sing, dance, and just have a good time. It was a great. Until next time!

Parker's New Glasses

This is the best picture I've been able to get. He hasn't woren them very much, but I keep trying.

Here are some other attempts.

Happy St. Patty's Day

This is one of the cutest bearded leprechauns I've since in person. We had a fun filled day. Of course a leprechaun broke in last night leaving chocolate coins around at the breakfast table. Then we had everything green for breakfast and dinner (including green orange juice). Plus, Josh went on a hunt for a leprechaun in preschool. They had to be in disguise and have a special magnifying glass to follow the foot prints. That tricky little man got away, but not without leaving more chocolate coins.

We hope you had a little fun today yourselves and didn't get pinched!

Welcome baby Sadie!

Josh and Kim, David's second cousin, had their first baby on Thursday Sadie Emma Ivins. She was 6 lbs. and 18 inches long. She is healthy and at home already. We wish them the best and as much sleep as they can get. We look forward to seeing her soon, hopefully for her blessing.

Congratulations!

What do I look like without make up?

Pretty much like this, still. Less freckles. (Also, my scanner must have been dirty).


Do you see why so many people called me Annie? Oh, I didn't like that to say the least, but I see why.



What a great retro picture of my family from the 80's. I do have a younger brother, Chad, who wasn't born yet in this photo.

I came across these as I was cleaning for our Open House this weekend.

Oh Joshie-o

We receive an e-mail last night from Ms. Danai (one of Josh's pre-school teachers) that she had been hit by a truck during her run yesterday morning. Danai is training for a marathon and runs in the bike lane against traffic. Apparently, two teenagers swerved into the bike lane while she was jogging and hit her, throwing her onto the curb. Her jogging friend found her and got her to a hospital. Nothing is broken, but she is pretty banged up. (The driver took off too!) So, Josh made her a picture this morning to make her feel better. He wanted to draw a picture of the Foot Ninja bad guys (TMNT talk) to make her feel better. Well, take a good look. One ninja is definitely a boy. Oh yes, that it what I thought it was. I heard Josh explaining it to Parker. I thought, I can't give his teacher a picture with a male part drawn on it. I drew a little pair of black pants on him and off it went to Ms. Danai. Boys are boys that is for sure!

Another Awesome Birthday Party!

Josh has been to two great parties in the last month. This one was for a little girl from pre-school. It was a garden party. They made fun hats, decorated little pots and planted a flower to take home, decorated a jar and went on a bug hunt, and each child got their own apron to take home. It was so darling. Plus, Kylee has the most amazing backyard and playground. You would never need to go to a park.









Thanks Kylee for the fun party! Hope your birthday was great!

I've got a healthy heart

Woo Hoo! My follow up appt. with the Cardiologist went great. He said my heart is healthy and has no damage. So, these bouts of extra heartbeats may come and go. I should not be worried though. I have not had as many lately. Just some on Sunday, but I bet you'd have extra heartbeats too if you were sustained as the new Relief Society President in your ward. Seriously!

Youth Etiquette Dinner and New Beginnings

We have some pretty fantastic youth in our ward. A couple weeks ago we had an etiquette night. It was so great. The Young Men escorted each YW to a table, took their order, brought their dinner, cleared their plates, and hosted them at each table. Joanie Hilton in our ward taught them the appropriate ways to serve and clear plates. While they were eating dinner, Sister Hilton talked about rules and manners. Then talked a bit about dating etiquette. The Young Men and their leaders did all the cooking and clean up. It was a treat. Also, the Senior Sisters in our ward were invited to join us for dinner. They had great conversations with youth and were a wonderful addition to our evening.

Then this past Wednesday, the YW put on a beautiful program for New Beginning. They really worked hard to practice their songs and parts. It was extra emotional for me because I knew it was my last activity with them. I was released yesterday. I had the chance to say my good byes and bear my testimony to them. They are just this amazing group of young women. They have so many fun personalities and so much to offer. They all have a wonderful spirit about them. I will miss them dearly.
So, here is a little slide show to enjoy.