Outa-this-World

Our Trip to Ketchikan, Alaska, ( days 5&6)

2011-09-21T00:19:00.003-07:00

Day 5

After Church on Sunday, Kelly drove us down to the same waterfall that we saw on day one. The water is coming down much faster and harder now because it was raining all day. We were getting wet from the car.

Day 6

This is the fantastic bakery that Rebecca will be working at. We went there everyday. Needless to say, I will be working hard to get rid of the extra pounds that were a result of indulging here.

Shirley working hard behind the scenes. Maddie was helping too.

It's always been a dream of mine to open a bakery. I know it takes a lot of hard work and time, possibly more than I am willing to give.

This is Maddie's new school. It looks like a wonderful place. The student teacher ratio is 16:1. Puts our schools to shame.

What a big girl!

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Our Trip to Ketchikan, Alaska, (Days 3&4)

2011-09-21T00:19:00.001-07:00

Ketchikan PD

Watch out...Kelly's on duty.

A view of the city from the dock.

What a gorgeous day!

Totem Park in Saxman...just south of Ketchikan.

Rebecca made the most awesome bleu cheese hamburgers for us, totally gourmet!

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Our Trip to Ketchikan, Alaska (days 1&2)

2011-09-21T00:18:00.001-07:00

Day One

There are waterfalls all over the island. This one is just on the side of the road.

Totem Poles

Okay...this bagel was sooooo good. Becca and I shared it. We got it Sweet Mermaids, the bakery in downtown Ketchikan.

Downtown Ketchikan, where you'll find all the cruise ships docked.

Creek Street. The entire street and buildings hover over the water.

I guess this salmon served it's purpose, laid it's eggs, and became bear food.

Day Two

James met this darling little sweetheart, decked out for rain.

Drinking fountain pump.

The start of our hike around Ward Lake.

Mini waterfall.

The thousands of salmon swimming upstream.

Who knocked over that tree?

Green grows on everything.

James petting a banana slug.

A Hobbit could fit through there.

Soooo handsome!

Ward Lake

Michael trying to capture the salmon swimming upstream on his smart phone.

A huge black slug.

The next four photos are a panoramic view from Becca and Kelly's house.

The fire house is close by.

The house there on the right is Becca's friend, Shirley's. She was so friendly and helpful. May everybody have a friend like her.

The cruise ships sail by every night. It's fun when they go by in the dark because they are lit up like a Christmas tree.

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My Collection of Alaskan Mushrooms

2011-09-21T00:16:00.001-07:00

During our stay in Ketchikan, Alaska, we had the pleasure of going on a couple of hikes through the rain forests. It was just so lush and green. It was also prime season for mushrooms. I wish that I were an expert on mushrooms, then I would know which ones were edible and which ones were poisonous. The following are mushrooms that I saw along our hike around Ward Lake.

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This next set of pictures were taken along our hike of the northern coast of the island of Revillagigedo.

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Kirby's Home!!!

2011-09-04T13:07:00.001-07:00

A week ago we let the dogs out to go potty before we went to bed. (about midnight) Little did we know that there was a coyote (maybe more than one) lurking on the other side of the fence. I'm not sure what happened next but it wasn't good. We got a phone call from our neighbor that Kirby was laying on their porch and that he was injured. Michael scooped him up and brought him home. He did not look good, he was all bloody, in shock and in a lot of pain. I knew that if Paco wasn't with him, we wouldn't find him alive. I searched the neighborhood, but could not find him. These two were inseparable. My only guess of what could have happened was that the coyote hopped the fence and took Paco, who only weights 4 1/2 lbs. Kirby dug out of the yard and put up a huge fight to save Paco. I was just wondering this morning what kind of damage Kirby made on the coyote.

(drains to control the swelling)

We ended up taking Kirby to the HB Animal Hospital where they stitched him up and put in drains. He had a large laceration and over twenty puncture wounds. The skin had been torn away from the muscle (probably from being shaken like a rag doll). The poor guy is on two antibiotics and two pain killers. He stayed in the hospital for almost a week and came home yesterday.

(Dr. is showing us how to change the bandages.)

(Thank you Dr. Henderson.)

(The neighbors were happy to see Kirby come home)

(Establishing territory.)

We are so happy to have him back home. We still need to administer meds, clean his wounds and change his bandages daily, but he should be doing better in a few weeks. As for Paco, we miss him dearly. My only hope is that it went quickly for him. My heart is broken.

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A Fun Weekend

2011-06-12T23:06:00.000-07:00

Calvin and Ada spent the weekend with us.... we had such a fun time! We took a ride on the bikes and in the trailer over to Kristi's house.

Kristi has the funnest trampoline. They could have jumped for hours.

Mid-air party.

Then the kids got to roast their own hot dogs.

It wouldn't be a true bonfire without roasting marshmallows...and these were huge ones.

Bon Fire

2011-06-01T22:14:00.000-07:00

On Memorial Day, we had a fire in the fire-pit and roasted marshmallows and s'mores. So fun sitting out with family talking and cuddling with chicks.

Here's For You Sam

2011-05-22T16:48:00.000-07:00

Kellie and Scott and the kids came over this week to just hang out. I got some pictures for you to look at. There are also a couple of Ada and Calvin too. I miss you Sam, but I am so proud of you. I love you.

Best Buds

2011-05-22T16:30:00.000-07:00

Aaron and his buddy Bryan. This was taken just before they went to eat dinner with their girls friends. They are too you to go to prom (just freshmen), but their girl friends (who are juniors) are going to the prom with each other. They invited the boys over for a nice Fettuccine Alfredo dinner before the dance.

Cinnamon Rolls for Missionaries

2011-05-08T21:00:00.000-07:00

Starting with a big batch of white bread dough.

I divided it into four sections and rolled it out into about 10" x 15"

Sprinkle a generous amount of brown sugar, white sugar and cinnamon

Roll it up and slice about 1 1/2"

Let rise for about 45 minutes.

Bake until golden brown.

I loaded it up into my bike trailer. (You can look at Janet's blog to see why)

I rode them to the church and served them up.

50 Missionaries enjoying a nice lunch

Mmmm, dessert!

Gratefully singing to those of us who made them lunch.

Those of us who made this lunch have missionaries of our own serving throughout the world.

I'm sad to say that my bike trailer didn't make it home with me. I got a flat just after I left the church. Thank goodness my parents live close to the church so that they could rescue it. My Dad took it home in his 1940 Ford pickup.

This was in the garage to great me when I got home. It was about 18" long.

I let Esther take a few pictures. This one of Baby Sam

Self Portrait

Miss Ada

Fun at the Beach

2011-05-02T18:22:00.000-07:00

Today was such a beautiful day. Becca and I took the kids to the Mother's Bay. We couldn't have asked for better conditions. I wish we could have stayed there longer.

More Fun at the Club

2011-05-02T17:50:00.000-07:00

I come from a family of athletes, so you would think that I would just naturally be one too. Well I am trying, but my parent can kick all of our butts on the courts. It was still fun, I don't mind losing but Kellie and Scott are very competitive and like to win.... maybe next time.

Four Generations at the Club

2011-04-28T11:15:00.000-07:00

Thank you Grandma Shirley for letting us all come to the club with you. We had soooo much fun.

Sephardic Feast

2011-04-27T10:22:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we all joined together at Auntie Maddy's house for our regular Sephardic Feast. We had a wonderful time (as usual) visiting, sharing stories, laughing, and feasting upon the tastes of our heritage.

I made the Yaprakis (stuffed grape leaves). I started the day before, soaking the beans. Then I let them cook in the crock pot over night. In the morning I rolled the filling into the leaves and let them cook for an hour. This was my first time and I must say, they were very good.

Shirley, Sherri, Valerie, Sylvia, Stephanie, Maddy B. and Juliette

Auntie Maddy made the fried Matzos.
mmmm one of my favorites!

At top, Shirley made the quajado de spinaka or
spinaka for short and I'm sorry to say,
I don't know who made the bean salad.

At top, Maddy B. made the Koogle,
the best I have ever had.
bottom, the Greek olives were to die for.

Marilyn made the Greek salad....mmmmm.

Valerie and Stephanie, I believe, made the Rosca....
they did a fantastic job...mmm.

Left to right, Auntie Maddy Stephanie, Auntie Vicky,
Diane, Valerie, Juliette, Maddy B., Sherri, Marilyn,
and down in front, Sylvia and Shirley.
We had sooooo much fun. Love ya girls!

sss

Annual Easter Picnic

2011-04-23T22:12:00.000-07:00

Julie, Christina, Janet and Kirsten

Shauna and Sammy

Jon, Christina and Rachel

Becca and Kelly

Sarah and Kirby

Michael

Did the Easter Bunny Come?

Funny Faces

Say Cheese

Add caption

Hunting for Easter Candy

James

Anna

Madison

Becca

Maddie

Kristi

Leah

Nathan

Calvin

Ethan

Leah

Adam

Ada

Fast Asleep

Brothers

Let's Play Ball!

Adorable!

Sammy

Wanna Lick?

Yummy Sucker

Leah Hanging with Kirby

Sisters Loving the Pedal Car

Shauna Taking a Bike Ride

Aaron, Alexis and Bryan

This Just In

2011-04-22T10:56:00.000-07:00

Okay... I know that it is Easter Time, but I just got this last week from Sam. I'm so glad that he recorded his Christmas Morning. We have video taped every Christmas morning since he was born and it just wasn't the same with out him. I just miss him soooo much and am glad to share this moment.

Inspiration from Others

2011-04-20T12:20:00.000-07:00

First of all, I would like to introduce you to my friend Janet's new blog. With the price of just about EVERYTHING going up, she has devised some ways to keep her wallet from being taken advantage of.

One of the things she has inspired me to do is to ride my bike instead of taking my car to run my errands. In the past week I have ridden to the GW Swap-meet, Target, and the grocery store. We bought these fantastic little baskets that hook onto our bikes. It unhooks very easily and I just bring it into the store with me and fill it up. I attach it back onto the bike and I'm on my way home. I find that I don't waste so much time lolly gagging in the store. I just get what I need and I'm on my way and it really doesn't take that much longer than taking the car. PLUS... I'm getting some exercise, something that I really need. It really is a Win-Win situation.

One other thing I like about taking my bike to the grocery store is, I can only bring so much home at a time. The advantages of that are:

#1. It cuts down on impulsive buys.

#2. I go more often and so my food is fresher and therefore

#3. I am more apt to eat the fruits and veggies that I am supposed to be eating.

I hope this is something that I will continue to do through the rest of the summer. Hopefully then I will shed a few pounds, save on gas money, and contribute less to the air pollution.

We'll see....

When I Grow Up

2011-04-17T19:51:00.000-07:00

When I grow up, I want to be just like my Mommy. She is soooo AWESOME. Among the many things that my mother is, like generous, helpful, loving, loyal; she is a very talented athlete! She has been playing Tennis for as long as I can remember and she still kicks butt out on the courts. This week she took Kellie and I to the club and is teaching us how to play tennis. I guess you are never too old to learn something new. Kellie is a natural. We had so much fun. I really want to make this a habit so that I can get into shape. I don't like to exercise, but I do like to have fun. So if fun just happens to also be exercise, I'll do it. We also went swimming after the tennis lesson. I had such a wonderful time. Thanks Mom, I love you!

Sammy was also having fun watching us chase balls.

Love These Guys

2011-04-17T13:44:00.000-07:00

I just love it when these guys come over to visit. They love to visit with each other too. Some of the things they like to do when they are here is to take all of the pillows and cushions off of the couch and make a tunnel with them by connecting the couch and the ottoman with them. (I'll have to take a picture next time.) They also like to cuddle with each other on the guest bed and watch a video together. Here they are watching Sword in the Stone.

Sam's Mission in Japan

2011-02-27T20:48:00.000-08:00

Last week, Sam's entire mission got together to listen to Elder Holland speak. He loved it. Here is the group picture.

Congratulation Sam on your Eagle Rank!

2010-03-08T14:35:00.000-08:00

For those who were not able to make it to the Court of Honor, here is the slide show.

A Happy Birthday at the Happiest Place on Earth

2009-11-13T13:56:00.001-08:00

For my birthday yesterday, we decided to go to Disneyland. Here we are, getting ready to go.

Standing in front of the Haunted Mansion to see the "Nightmare Before Christmas" theme.

In front the the Castle.

The Happiest Baby on Earth.

Maddie just couldn't handle all of the excitement and slept most of the time we were there.

Main Street at night.

Kellie, Scott and Esther came over after we got home from Disneyland and surprised me with pie. MMMMM

Making a wish.

Sam's Getting Ready.

2009-11-13T13:12:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it. The time has come where my little Sammy is getting ready for his mission. All of the paperwork is filled out and he just had his wisdom teeth removed this morning. It was cute, when he came to, he just started laughing. He had the staff cracking up. I guess that is not an unusual reaction to anesthesia.
When we found out that we were expecting with him, we were surprised. He is our only "oops". We were not sure that we even wanted any more children after going through the experience of losing a child. Good thing that we didn't make the decision. We were so blessed to have Samuel come into our lives. I call him the "Rainbow After the Storm". He has been such a pleasure. Don't get me wrong, I love all of my children. I'm just glad that we didn't stop at four. I now dedicate him unto the Lord, to do his work. I will miss him sooooo much. Michael and I are very proud of him.

I'm Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!

2009-09-21T18:18:00.000-07:00

Okay, it's been a long time since I have blogged, probably because I didn't finish blogging my vacation. I ran out of umph. I came back to a lot of work. We fixed up a new house for Ross and Beula in St. George Utah and moved them all in. We are in the process of selling their HB house and we have one more load of boxes to bring up to them. I love St. George. Every one is so nice and so willing to help you. I think that they like it up there but I'm sure that is quite an adjustment. Living fifty years in one place and moving to a new place with new things and new friends will be a challenge. I am so proud of how brave they have been.

Today I went to the Mother's Bay with Esther and met Rebecca, Kelly and their kids there. It is so peaceful there. I remember taking my little one there long ago. Later Kellie Ann and I went to visit Grandma Virginia, I am so fortunate to be close to my Grandma and Grandchildren.

Our Trip Day Thirteen (Washington DC)

2009-07-07T21:00:00.000-07:00

This was the first of five days in Washington DC

We walked past the White House on the way to the Mall.

It was the 4th of July so we also walked past a parade. There were so many people.

Inside the National Air and Space Museum.

It was so bright out. Here are my men with the Capitol Building in the background.

The Washington Monument in the background.

Inside the Smithsonian Natural History Museum.

Aaron in front of the Department of the Treasury Building.

Our Trip Day Twelve (Gettysburg)

2009-07-07T20:10:00.001-07:00

We visited Gettysburg during the anniversary of the Battle at Gettysburg. It was an awesome time to visit.

So many people walk around town in period costumes.

We went to this place where they old time pictures using an authentic camera of the times.

We got all dressed up.

My men loved it.

They look so authentic.

I'll have to scan the tin type when I get home so that you can see how it turned out in black and white.

A monument in the battlefield of Gettysburg.

One of the many battlefields in Gettysburg.

During the anniversary, they hold reenactments of the battle.

One of the funnest things we did so far was to take a segway tour.

We were out on these things for over three hours.

We loved it.

Our Trip Day Eleven (Amish Country)

2009-07-06T05:57:00.000-07:00

If you click on this picture, you can see the Amish girl in front of the house.

Laundry Hanging out to dry. According to their religion, they are not allowed to use electricity.

We took an Amish buggy tour through the many farms in the area.

We really liked the tour. We weren't aloud to take pictures on the farms. We stopped off at one farm and bought cookies and lemonade.

The horse and buggy.

I don't know if you can see this, but their is a team of horses pulling a plow in this field.

Sometimes a simpler way of life seems pretty appealing.

An Amish Farmer working in the field.

We bought some home-made root beer from this little shack that was on an Amish Farm. They also sold baked goods and hand sewn Amish children's clothes. I almost bought some clothes for the grand kids, but Michael said that they would never wear them.

Just ahead of us was a horse and buggy.

Samuel drinking the home-made Amish root beer that we bought. It kind of looks like it could be moonshine.

A real Amish couple driving/riding down the street. They have to share the road with us Gentiles driving cars.

Our Trip Day Ten (Hershey, PA)

2009-07-05T19:22:00.001-07:00

On day ten of our vacation, we went to Hershey Pennsylvania. The street lights were in the shape of Hershey Kisses.

Every other light was wrapped (silver) and every other was unwrapped.

How would you like to live on the corner of Cocoa Ave. and Chocolate Ave.?

We went to the Hershey Museum to learn about the story of Mr. Hershey. He seemed like a very good guy.

Can you tell that Sam and Aaron like chocolate a little?

The Chocolate Lab

We got to go inside the Hershey Laboratory and learn about chocolate and cocoa beans and then we got to make our own chocolate bars. They gave us some spices to put on the bars, I put cinnamon and Sam put cinnamon and crushed red pepper. He liked it.

Mmmm, yummy, this was actually the best chocolate that I have ever tasted, so creamy.

Our Trip Day Nine

2009-07-02T20:08:00.000-07:00

Newell K. Whitney Store in Kirtland Ohio.

Inside the store.

Upstairs at the Newell K. Whitney Store.

Below is the Kirtland Temple, Built by the Mormons, but now owned by the Community of Christ Church. We were able to go inside but not take any pictures. It was interesting.

In Canton, Ohio is the Pro Football Hall of Fame. It actually was pretty cool. We all liked it, but
something you only need to do once in a life time.

John Madden
(I think that his head was the biggest in the whole place) :D

Back at the hotel in Canton, Ohio

Our Trip Day Eight (Niagara Falls)

2009-07-01T20:47:00.001-07:00

On day eight we drove to Niagara Falls. I couldn't believe that I was actually there in person. It was so beautiful.

We all went on the Maid of the Mist and believe me, these blue ponchos were necessary.

The Maid of the Mist

Taken from the Maid of the Mist. I couldn't take one any closer because my camera would have drown in the mist. BTW, you can see the mist rising up into the air from miles away, it looks like steam or smoke.

The bridge that crosses over to Canada. You could actually walk across it. Too bad we didn't think to get passports.
We walk over a bridge to get to this side of the river/falls.

Our Trip Day Seven

2009-07-01T19:55:00.001-07:00

It is just amazing how green every thing is in upstate New York

Statue inside the visitors center by the Hill Cumorah

Monument at the top of the Hill Cumorah

We visited these places on Sunday after going to church in Syracuse NY

Our Trip Day Six

2009-06-29T20:03:00.000-07:00

The Grand Concourse was one of the nicer places to drive in the city because of the wide streets. I can't believe how crazy it is driving there.

The picture below is of the apartment where Michael lived in the Bronx. He was so excited to show us all the placed where he lived.

Hunt's Point is where we got flashed by a chubby hooker. Good thing Aaron was playing his video game instead of looking out the window, Sam on the other hand got a quick lesson.

We finally had to say good bye to New York City

West Point

Boys and their toys

My little Army

These last two pictures were taken by Sam by the banks of the Susquehanna River. (They were that last pictures taken by my new camera before it stopped taking pictures. I brought a back up and tomorrow we are going to stop off in Cleveland to a Costco to exchange it for a new one. I really liked it before it stopped working.

Our Trip Day Five

2009-06-28T19:56:00.001-07:00

Central Park

A soft pretzel with mustard in Central Park

St. Thomas' Cathedral

All of that hand carving is amazing

The NBA Store.

St. Patrick's Cathedral

Stained glass windows along the side wall of St. Patrick's Cathedral, just beautiful!

Samuel & Aaron inside St. Patrick's Cathedral

Michael and I inside Saint Patrick's Cathedral.

Saint Patrick's Cathedral
This place was absolutely amazing, so much detail.

The Boys in front of Rockefeller Center

Sam and Pikachu

Aaron with Pikachu.

Nintendo World.
On our way to Rockefeller Center we passed Nintendo World, two stories of "Boy Heaven". Aaron bought a new game for his DSi.

Our Trip Day Four

2009-06-26T17:59:00.001-07:00

This is Thursday, Day Four of our trip. We drove into the city, yes, I mean Michael drove us to and in the city with our rental car. Those of you who know what a lovely passenger I am can appreciate my hysteria. We made it to the parking lot in one piece but parking cost us $43.

This is the Lincoln Tunnel entering from New Jersey and it goes under the Hudson River and lets you out in Manhattan.

NYC is loaded with signs every where but nobody seems to pay attention to them. For example, this "Don't Honk" sign. New Yorkers need two hands to drive because they steer with one hand and lay on the horn with the other and you don't see ANYBODY getting a ticket for that.

This was kind of funny, a bunch of lawn chairs sitting in the middle of the street in Time Square. We could just sit down their and enjoy the view.

Time Square.

We got to go up into the Empire State Building. It was wierd looking down on skyscrapers.

Michael and his NYC counterpart.

We had our first official New York Slice of Pizza. Mmmm it was sooooo good! Everything we ate here was so yummy.

There were so many firsts. We had our first subway ride. We bought an unlimited day pass for the train and went all over the place.

It's amazing how fast those trains go by.

Michael took us into this pretty scary neighborhood to show us the apartment he lived in when he lived in the lower east side of Manhattan. I thought we were going to die!

After our brush with death we made it to a lovelier place. Here is the NYC LDS Temple. It's amazing because this building is multifuntional. The only other multifunctional Temple is the Hong Kong Temple, meaning that it is use for other things like a stake center (which is on the 3rd floor), the distribution center is on the 2nd floor and the Temple is on the 4th and 5th floors.

Next we went to the Dakota, this is where John Lennon Lived and was killed.

Right across the street from the Dakota is Central Park. We entered there at the Strawberry Fields where there was this John Lennon memorial area and a band that played Beatles songs.

Our Trip Day Three

2009-06-25T21:47:00.001-07:00

On day three, we left Philadelphia and crossed the Delaware River to Camden, New Jersey and took a tour on the USS New Jersey. It was the last Battleship built by the Navy. The weather was great and there was no crowds. It was like a private tour.

Sam in the fire control room getting ready to launch some missiles.

Sam and Aaron testing out the sleeping quarters.

In front of a Tomahawk Cruise Missile.

What every family needs.... a picture in front of a Phalanx Gatling gun.

Our Trip Day Two

2009-06-24T20:21:00.001-07:00

Breakfast in the Hotel on the morning of day two... of course Michael is enjoying Philadelphia Cream Cheese.

Walking through China Town first thing in the morning.

Our Trip Day One

2009-06-24T19:50:00.001-07:00

Here we are driving into Downtown Philadelphia from the Airport.

The building in the middle is the City Hall

Our very first Philly Cheesesteak

Mmmm - sooo gooood!

I'll add more pictures later...It's really late here on the East Coast.

Visit to Huntington Valley Hospital

2009-06-18T23:59:00.000-07:00

Grandma Virginia and Ross are socializing at the same hang-out these days. I went by to visit them today and Ross was working out on the machines and Grandma Virginia was looking beautiful as usual. I was so happy when I saw her because she knew who I was....that totally made my day. I love you guys and pray that you get stronger every day.

Play Group

2009-06-15T08:39:00.001-07:00

Austin, Sam, Nolan, Brett and Paige

This Picture was taken about 14 or 15 years ago when we used to alternate holding play group at our houses. This is in front of Janet's house. Now that the kids have graduated high school, we decided to take another picture in the same pose. This is a fantastic group of kids and they all have such a bright future ahead of them. Congratulations to all.

Austin, Sam, Nolan, Brett , and Paige

Graduation Day

2009-06-12T08:41:00.001-07:00

Teammates... Sam, Robert, Drew, Tyler, Chris, and Zack.

.

Uncle Sam and Baby James.

The Gang.

Two of Sam's biggest fans, Grandma & Grandpa.

Vincent and Sam grew up together as neighbors, friends, and team-mates from the time they were born.

BBFs, Brett Holdaway and Austin Brashears.

The proud family.

Sam graduated yesterday! We are so proud of him. He had a great high school career. He enjoyed many friends and experiences, including running track for three years, playing football for four years, being voted Most Valuable player, being inducted into the Hall of Fame, and trying a new sport called Lacrosse where he had a successful season. He also graduated as a scholar athlete and earned his Eagle Scout rank. Sam we are so proud of you and wish for you a fantastic future...We love you!

Family Night at the Beach

2009-06-08T23:18:00.001-07:00

Tonight we met the Edwards and the Holdaways at the beach for a little bon fire. The kids had fun playing this ninja game. It was fun to se Heidi and Clarke back from BYU for the summer.

We took Esther with us so that Kellie and Scott could go out to a movie. She had fun playing in the sand for a while, then she ate the hot dog that Sam roasted for her and a then a couple of marshmallows for dessert.

Brad Aldous, Shane Holdaway and Aaron playing catch with Sam.

Kristi is so good with the little kids and Esther, Ada and Maddy just love her.

Hopefully, we will have many more nights at the beach this summer with friends and family.

I Bought a New Camera

2009-06-08T00:39:00.001-07:00

I bought a new camera this week because my other one was driving me crazy. It was a pretty expensive camera but it was not very reliable. It would take some good pictures, but it would also take a lot of blurry or mis-colored pictures. I should have taken it back within the 90 day period that Costco gives you when you purchase a camera from them but I guess that I was hoping that it would get better....it didn't. So I bought a Panisonic Lumix. Hopefully I will have better luck. Here are a few pictures that I took to test it out.

This is a rose from Marky's rose bush out in front of the house.

This was my afternoon snack, Bluberries, Apples and Rasberries. MMMM

My little run-about car that happens to be the color of the red chili peppers growing in my yard.

Years ago, Samuel planted some "red hot chili peppers" in the garden in front of the house. This one grew wild a few feet over.

A rose out in the front yard.

I Love Being a Grandma!

2009-06-08T00:31:00.001-07:00

Nap time at Grandma Sherri's... soooo sweet!

This was James' first time to go to church. They went to our ward to show him off. Here he is wearing a little preemie outfit and it's a little too big. He was such a good boy. I got to hold him most of the time at church. What a treat.

Congratulations Tami & Greg

2009-06-02T22:26:00.001-07:00

Here are a few pictures that I took at Tami and Greg's wedding. We had a real nice time and the food was to die for.

Sam's Senior Prom

2009-06-02T22:20:00.001-07:00

Can you believe that 32 kids crammed into that limo?

Vincent, Tara and Sam

Sam and his date, Jessica

Sam had a great time at his prom. He didn't get home until 3:45am. A little past his curfew. He looked so nice in his rented tux. Sam really enjoyed his High School career and especially his senior year. Good luck in college Sam.

And the Winner Is....

2009-06-02T21:58:00.001-07:00

Sam was nominated and won the Larry Doyle Athletic Hall of Fame award for Football.
We are so proud of him.

A Big Welcome to Sweet Baby James

2009-06-02T12:38:00.001-07:00

Great, Great Auntie Maddy and Cousin Valerie (first cousin, twice removed ;o)

Auntie Kellie & Cousin Esther

Uncle Joe

Proud Daddy

Uncle Aaron

Uncle Sam

Sweet Baby James.

James Kelly born to Kelly and Rebecca.
He came about 4 weeks early weighing in at 5lbs. 4oz. and 18 1/2 inch long.

First Lacrosse Tournament of the Season

2009-02-22T12:23:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was the first tournament of Sam's first Lacrosse season.

Sam decided to play Lacrosse instead of running track this year. It seems

like a real fun sport (a little violent though). It's kind of a cross between football,

soccer, and hockey.

Fun Day for a Haircut

2009-01-31T09:02:00.001-08:00

Our Family Christmas Brunch

2008-12-24T15:28:00.000-08:00

I'm so sorry that I haven't had time to blog lately and I still don't have time, but here are a few pictures from our family brunch at El Torito Grill.

OC Fire Storms

2008-11-16T23:35:00.000-08:00

My heart goes out to all of those who lost their homes or businesses during these recent fires. It is amazing how fast these things can happen. One minute Michael is sitting on the couch with his family watching football and the very next hour he is out on the front lines fighting fires and aiding residents. Here is a picture from our front yard, 25 miles away from the fires. The smell is awful and there is ash everywhere. It was such a eerie feeling with the sun darkened like that in the middle of the day.

Papa's Boots

2008-11-08T21:42:00.000-08:00

Here is Maddie trying on Papa's boots. The kids love it when Papa comes home. Esther love to see "Papa's Miko" as she calls his motorcycle.

Oktoberfest 2008

2008-11-05T13:09:00.000-08:00

For the last several years it has been tradition for our family to go to the Oktoberfest held at Old World in Huntington Beach to see Christina and her Beach City Cloggers perform. It's fun to watch her perform as well as just people watch. The little kids dance on the dance floor and really get into it.

This is also a tradition...to watch these two old lady twins perform feats that would make my back ache just by watching. I have heard that they are in their 80's. They must weigh no more than 80 pounds, they have the bodies of 12 year olds but faces of old ladies.

It really is quite a freak show.

Mundel Bread (Mandel Bread)

2008-11-03T07:39:00.000-08:00

Many, many years ago my Grandmother showed me how she made her Mandel Bread. (Mandel Bread is similar to the Italian Bicotti but way better.) She even wrote down the recipe for me. I never really made it on my own. Aunt Maddy now makes it (she makes it sooo yummy). She was going to show me how she makes it, but I was thumbing through my recipe box and I came across this recipe card written in my Grandma's handwriting.

So I decided to reach back into the corners of my brain and try to remember how she did it.
I remember her making these long skinny loaves.

And then baking them until they were set.

I made these ones too close, but they worked out any way.

Then she cut them at an angle about 5/8 inch apart. (5/8, can you tell that I am a seamstress?)

Here is Esther enjoying the end pieces.

Then she would lay them back out onto the tray and put them back into the oven to toast.

She would take them out, turn them over and put them back in to toast on the other side.

(This is the five generation picture I have hanging in my kitchen)

Thank you grandma for handing down the recipe for Mandel Bread. I have made it three times now and I feel that something is just missing if I don't have any in the house. I love the food of my childhood including the Sephardic cuisine of Mandel Bread, Barekas, spinaka, Fideo, lamb and bean soup, Boyos, stuffed cabbage, etc.

Here is a little history

Sephardic Jewish Food and Cooking
Sepharad is the Hebrew word for the Iberian peninsula that includes Spain and Portugal. Jewish cooking would need to adapt to these circumstances.Jews lived in Spain long before the Visigoth (Germanic) tribes invaded in 412, however after the Moorish invasion of Spain in 700, there was a large influx of Jews immigrating to Spain. In the tenth and eleventh centuries, Spanish Judaism flourished under Muslim rule, producing poets, scholars, and courtiers - what is known as "the golden age of Jewry." By the mid-thirteenth century, however, the Christians controlled all of the Peninsula except for a small area from Granada to the Mediterranean. In March, 1492, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella decreed the expulsion of the Jews from Spain. Many Jews converted or left while others went to Portugal, where Judaism could still be practiced freely. But Portugal expelled its Jews in 1497, and the tiny kingdom of Navarre followed suit in 1498. Judaism could be practiced openly nowhere in the Peninsula. Driven from home, the Sephardim established their own congregations in such places as Morocco, Italy, Egypt, the Ottoman Empire, the Land of Israel, and elsewhere.
With plenty of herbs and sometimes generous use of spices, Sephardic Jewish cooking is aromatic. They use a lot of lemon, garlic, tomatoes, olive oil, cumin with turmeric and more. Sephardic Jews are known for their love of cooking vegetables, from salads to vegetables stuffed with fragrant meat and rice, and pies or Burekas which often have feta cheese, spinach, or potato fillings. Sephardic Jews from Morocco and other North African countries enjoy cumin, ginger, and saffron & chilies. Jewish cooks from the eastern end of the Mediterranean have adapted their food and cooking as well and make heavy use of cinnamon in their cooking, so much that they use it as a savory accent for meat dishes The kebabs, pilafs and dolmades (stuffed vegetables) of Turkish Jewish cooking are still some of the most recognizable Sephardic dishes. Fruits, vegetables, spices, and grains were plentiful in the Mediterranean climate, and thus plant foods figured heavily into Sephardic Jewish cooking.

My Experiment

2008-10-31T12:04:00.000-07:00

Okay...so I had this problem...I had a bunch of fruit flies flying around my kitchen. I think it is because I left a few bananas out to get a little too ripe. These flies were driving me crazy so I thought that I would try an experiment. I filled a little shot glass sized cup up with apple cider vinegar. I heard that you could catch more flies with honey than vinegar but I know that the honey would not quite kill the flies so I left the cup out for a few days and to my astonishment I found a bunch of dead flies at the bottom of the cup. I am so happy... no more flies.

Click on the pictures to see a better view of my dead flies... ;o)

Yes on 8

2008-10-31T00:52:00.000-07:00

I feel very strongly about this subject, but what I love is the fact that we live in a country where we can agree to disagree and still have love and respect for one another.

Check Out This Blog

2008-10-22T16:49:00.001-07:00

I came across this article and thought that it was well said.

On A Lighter Note

2008-10-21T20:57:00.000-07:00

I feel like the ones in the middle.

2008-10-17T23:01:00.000-07:00

My Beautiful Grandma Virginia

2008-10-14T09:07:00.000-07:00

I just love my Grandma Virginia...I can't tell you how awesome it is to have my grandma near me while I am a grandma. To see the five generations all at once is a miracle. I so appreciate the life my Grandma lead. She is such an example and an inspiration to me. This year she turned 90 years old. I just love her so much.

Here my Grandma is in her early teens.

She is so amazingly photogenic.

She's adventurous.
This is my Grandpa Sepe & Grandma Virginia. My Grandma has been widowed for about 51 yeara.
Don't they just belong in Hollywood? She was always mistaken for a celeb.

Boy does she love her time in Vegas!
She's even an athlete.
What a sexy mama! She is where I get my love for the River from.

I totally remember that coat...it was sooooo soft. Doesn't she look like a perfect cross between my mother and my Aunt Maddy.
She loves to travel. The cruise is the way to go!
This was taken when she turned 80. What a beauty!

Grandma Virginia...I love you!!

Blast to the Past Photo of the Week (Happy Birthday Wendy & Kevin)

2008-10-10T11:03:00.001-07:00

This one of Wendy was taken December of 1984.

I just wanted to send out a special "Happy Birthday" to Wendy and Kevin. How old are you now? I have lost track...I think that you guys are now older than me...jk. These pictures were taken in 1985. We were all together celebrating Michael's graduation from the police academy.

Protect Families

2008-10-09T15:11:00.000-07:00

Go ahead...don't be shy... tell me what you think...even if you are against it...please comment.

Click here.

Treats at the Mall

2008-10-08T14:01:00.000-07:00

We went to the mall the other night and Esther got to eat an ice cream cone...dig her tongue action. She was sucking it like a bottle and heaven forbid you try to take it away from her.

Homecoming Dance

2008-10-03T09:51:00.000-07:00

Sam and his date, Megan, met up with a bunch of friends to attend the homecoming dance. They all met (I think that there were 14 of them) in David's backyard and a few of us moms (and dads) put together this awesome dinner. David's dad Tony brought back Salmon from his Alaska fishing trip and cooked it up with some Fettuccine Alfredo ( and chicken for those who didn't like fish) and asparagus. I made my famous rolls and Janet make some scrumptious apple and cherry pies. They all had a great time.

Sam & Megan

Nolan & Kirdy

Nolan, David, Brett & Sam

These guys have been friends since the were "wee lads".

The whole group.

Isn't that a beautiful set-up?

Homecoming

2008-10-01T12:57:00.000-07:00

This last week Marina had their Homecoming Game against Huntington Beach High School. It was a great game...especially for Sam. He rushed for 230 yards and made three touchdowns. The final score was 21-14 Marina. It got pretty close at the end, but our defense pulled through. The trophy at the bottom here represents our rivalry with HBHS. We have it back now and it's staying for a while. This week Marina will be playing Orange High School...Good Luck Vikings!!

Aaron goes to the Olympics

2008-09-26T22:08:00.001-07:00

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Aaron & Maddie

2008-09-25T16:02:00.001-07:00

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Homecoming for Marina

2008-09-25T09:39:00.000-07:00

Touchdown!!!!

I'm excited for the game tonight. I sure hope that Marina can pull off a win. It has been so fun to watch Sam and his friends play football these last five years. I'll really miss it, although Aaron says that he wants to start up again next year. We'll see if he'll keep up the Wilson tradition following in the footsteps of his Dad, Uncle David, Joey & Sam, all playing for Marina. Here is the Independent's article for the week. And a few more pictures from last week's game.

Marina Football 2008

2008-09-21T23:57:00.000-07:00

Football season has begun....and again it's football, football, football. High school football, college football and the pros. This year we are rooting for several teams. Marina for sure, but also USC (because it's a tradition), UCLA when they're not playing USC (this is new this year, but with Scott going to UCLA Law, we must support the school), and BYU (because it is also a tradition and because they are doing so dang good!) As far as the pros go... I don't really care. I like to root for the underdog.

The National Anthem
Running Back Sam Wilson & Quarterback Zack Couey

Okay coach.

Team Captains: Zack Couey, Sam Wilson, Chris Fiscus & Connor King

Choo Choo!

2008-09-20T13:35:00.000-07:00

Calvin loves to come to Grandma's and play with the choo-choo. This time we set out the Tomy choo choo set. I thought that it might me a little too advanced for Calvin but it worked out great. He was very gentle and patient with it. Uncle Aaron set up this awesome track configuration and we played for a long time. What was amazing is that the battery in the engine was the same one from when Aaron was a little guy and it still worked. The train set is actually from when Sam was a little guy. Can you believe we still have all of the pieces?

Blast to the Past Photo of the Week ( Sisters )

2008-09-15T08:52:00.000-07:00

Now don't get me wrong....I love my boys and football and stuff, but I sure do miss those days when I was the Mommy of little girls. Frilly lace, ballerinas, dollies and Barbies. Pretty long braids and fingernail polish. How sweet! Sometimes I would like to roll back time for a day and revisit the good old days.

Question: If you could go back in time for just a day, What day would you pick and why? Leave a comment.

Happy Birthday Ada & Calvin

2008-09-07T22:38:00.000-07:00

This was a real fun day. Christina did an amazing job hosting this creative birthday party. There were lots of activities and yummy food and lots friends and family.

Esther had a fun time too.

I can't believe four years have gone by since this sweet angel has come into my life. I just ador her.

Auntie Maddy, Maddie and Uncle Sam.

We even got to go swimming....soooo fun.

Soooo sweet!!!
Great Grandpa Wilson
Beautiful Great Grandma Wilson

Kellie Ann painted this fun little picture....good job Kellie.

Great Grandma Shirley
Great Grandpa Mark

Happy Birthday Maddie!

2008-09-02T21:03:00.000-07:00

Maddie turned one this weekend. She had a sweet little party at the park with family and friends.
Photo op with the kids after they collected candy from the pinata.

Rebecca and crew made these awesome sunflower cupcakes

They were not only beautiful, they were yummy too.

Life's a Beach

2008-08-29T23:45:00.000-07:00

Here are pictures from one of the very few times that we were able to make it to the beach this summer. At least Huntington Beach. It was a fun family day. I wish summer were a little bit longer, but time keeps on ticking away and we are ready to start another school year. Sam will be a senior and Aaron will be going into the seventh grade. My dad is even taking classes at Golden West College. I hopefully will be able to start classes in eight weeks since I miss registration.

At the River Again!!

2008-07-27T00:29:00.000-07:00

I know that I have been real bad about blogging these days...Life is just so busy. We have been to the River a few times this summer and are planning to go a couple of more times before school starts up again. I am going to be going back to school again since I won't be home-schooling Aaron this year. He is such a "pubert". He needs his friends...so he says. But don't we all?

A Fun Time At The Hollywood Bowl

2008-07-05T23:18:00.000-07:00

Girls Camp

2008-06-30T00:20:00.000-07:00

Michael and I took nine girls to the river to play and swim and have fun. We had such a good time. The girls were terrific and we couldn't have asked for better conditions. We practically owned the river and the water was perfect and the air temps reach 118 degrees. We will be going back there with our family soon.

Precious Moments

2008-05-20T13:28:00.000-07:00

I feel so blessed to be able to spend so much time with my grand babies. I know it may not always be like this so I am cherishing every moment with them that I can. They are so precious and I love it when it's time for a nap and I can rock them to sleep. That little piece of heaven right before they dose off and they look deep into your eyes and you feel nothing but pure love. Oh how I love being a grandmother.

Wahoo!!! They Are Staying Close to Home!!

2008-05-06T12:37:00.001-07:00

Wahoo!! I am so excited that Kellie and Scott chose and was accepted to UCLA Law School! That means that they are not going to take my sweet Esther across the country. We went to visit the Law School and campus a couple of weeks ago. It is such a beautiful campus. I am so excited for them.

This is the actual Law School. We got to go inside and check it out. Once I saw how beautiful it was there on campus, I was hoping that they would go there.

More Photos From Our Trip

2008-05-04T20:53:00.000-07:00

This is downtown Haniball Missouri. This is where Mark Twain lived as a boy.
This is his boy-hood home. We got to tour the inside.

This is the LDS Navoo Illinois Temple. We got to go inside...wow! It is so beautiful. Click here to see beautiful photos of the inside.

This is a shot taken from the Trail of Hope. This is the trail that the Mormon Pioneers took as they were forced to leave their beautiful city. They had just finished building their temple and then had to walk away from it....so sad.

We got to go to Springfield Illinois and see the Abraham Lincoln Museum. We only had time to see just a part of the museum. We could have spent at least two days there.

The Open House Back at the Coffey's

2008-04-28T21:30:00.000-07:00

It was so good to see all of the Griffins and the Coffeys. We just love them so much and miss them. Here is BJ and Ema and Kimber and little Tucker.
Greg and Debbie haven't changed a bit.

Grandma Coffey looks the same she did that last time I saw her. Everyone looks so good.

Katie (16 1/2) and Kristi (14)...both are adorable.

Jonathan with Aaron

Candace, McKay and Kimber

Whoops!

Spencer and Leslie

Melissa and her youngest daughter, Aubrey (18 mo.)

Joseph, Annette and Kimball

Nathan and Valerie (expecting their first)

Mandy & Jonathan

2008-04-25T16:03:00.000-07:00

Well they did it! They tied the knot! What a beautiful couple!

Look how cute Melissa is...35 weeks along and glowing like an angel.

Joseph's family. That little Kimball is adorable, he looks so much like his daddy.

Hello St. Louis

2008-04-24T20:01:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Michael and I flew into St. Louis to meet up with the Coffeys and the Griffins for Mandy and Jonathan's wedding which will be at the St. Louis LDS temple. We are having so much fun. Yesterday we toured through historical down town St. Charles. It was so cool because it felt like we went back into time. I left my camera back at the hotel and didn't get any photos but maybe we can get back there before we leave for home.

We are in our Southwest plane on our way.
We touched down in Kansas City Mo. for a 20 minute layover.
Today we went with the Coffeys and the Griffins to this cool attraction in St. Louis called the City Museum. They took this old, huge building and turned it into a giant maze type playground with several stories. Click here for more info.

Michael getting ready to eat a snack on one of the many levels. Everything around him is recycled.
The happy couple pretending that they are already married.
My leg muscles were so sore from all the climbing.

Katie and McKay playing a duet on this carved up piano. (Ali...what are you doing?)
Crystal just loves be a new Grandma!

Michael talking to Auntie Kimber and little Tucker.
Spencer and his gorgeous wife Leslie.They have been married for almost a year.

Wow! check out these drawers.
This museum is so cool because everything is hands on and I was have a blast playing with this old fashion cash register.

BJ playing with Tucker. (Sorry Ema for the getting a shot of your back side)
Michael climbed into one of the many cages made with re bar.

The Museum also has an outside part where you can climb into that airplane that you see up there. Check out the school bus hanging off the edge of the building.

After the City Museum, Michael and I went to the Gateway Arch. We wanted to ride the tram to the top but it was sold out. We might try again tomorrow.
Cool picture if you don't count my chins.

This is the Mississippi River. The water level so high that it was covering the parking lot.

See what I mean...That is a statue that is not supposed to be in the water.

We drove by the St. Louis Cardinals' Stadium, I think that it is called Busch Field.

Michael and I drove into this neighborhood where there were nothing but mansions. Beautiful single family homes on gorgeous tree-lined streets.
I wanted so badly to go into these home and check out this inside.

It's funny because this is a gated community except there is one entrance that is not gated, just a sign that said "Private, residents only"...well that sign didn't stop us. I wonder when all of these homes were built and who originally owned them. They look like they have been there for many many decades. I wish we could have taken pictures of all of the mansions.

Hopefully tomorrow I will be able to post more.

MMMM Homemade Whole Wheat Bread

2008-04-14T12:49:00.000-07:00

Soooo....I know that it has been a very long time since I have updated my blog. I have been so busy...I will try to catch up a little later. Lately I have been making my own wheat bread. I have had whole grain wheat in my emergency food storage for over fifteen years and really had no means to do anything with it. I have been wanting to buy my own mill so that I could grind it into flour and use it. Wheat can store for over 40 years but I didn't want to wait that long to try it out. So at Easter time I talked to Kirsten and she told me that she makes her own bread for her family out of her wheat storage and she got me started on purchasing the things that I needed to get going. She even gave me her recipe that is just...outa-this-world!!
Here is what I start with, hard white wheat, I mix it half and half with hard red wheat.

This is my new mill. It is amazing how fast it mills the wheat into fine flour.

Here is the flour. I also use it to make these outa-this-world cookies.

This is my Bosch mixer. This is a must-have for bread making. This is also what I use to make my famous rolls. I have had it for about 25 years and it is a work horse.

The recipe makes four loaves. Here they are rising. They need to rise for at least an hour.

Now it is time to put them into the oven. Oh ... the aroma!

Now they are cooling on the rack and now the whole house smell just wonderful.

The only thing better than homemade bread is homemade bread with homemade jam! I had some strawberries starting to get old in the fridge so I made a small batch of strawberry jam...mmmm

Here is Ada my quality control tester....she says "Yummy"
Peanut butter & jelly.

Calvin agrees!

It also is good with lunch meat. (dig that plate)

MMMMMM

Madeline Angel

2008-03-20T18:45:00.000-07:00

Happy Saint Patricks Day a Little Late

2008-03-18T11:09:00.000-07:00

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My New Hairstyle

2008-03-16T23:02:00.000-07:00

This pile of hair is mine. Sorry Carol...I just couldn't stand it any longer and had Rebecca cut it off. Unfortunately, the memory on my camera filled up and I haven't taken a picture of my new style. Rebecca did a great job...I love my new bob, just about at my shoulders.

Aunt Maddy Sheds More Light on the Photo Below

2008-03-15T12:00:00.000-07:00

Sherri Lynn,
I love checking out your email. It is always uplifting and beautiful.

FYI: You mentioned your Great Grandfather Joe (bride's father) on the far right of the back row ----- your other Great Grandfather (Morris) is the man on the left of your Grandfather Sepe (the groom). The men you did not I.D. are cousins of the groom, except for Grandpa Sepe's best friend, the one standing next to GG Joe.

Oh, all the women you did not identify ---- they are cousins of the bride.....

This is a magnificent photo. Thanks for sharing.

xoxoxox

Thank you Auntie Maddy

Blast to the Past Photo of the Week

2008-03-14T14:45:00.001-07:00

(Click on photo to enlarge)

The beautiful bride pictured here in this photo is my lovely Grandma Virginia. I believe that the year was 1937 but that is just a guess. Just above the bride is the handsome groom...my Grandpa Sepe. I recognize a few of the attendants...Just to the left of the bride is her sister, Aunt Esther...two to the right is my lovely Aunt Vicky. Just to the right of the groom is my Grandma's brother, Uncle Mike...the second and third to the left of the groom are his brothers, Uncle Jack and Uncle Joe...and to the very right is my Grandma's father, Grandpa Joe.

I love this picture. I remember when I was in my late teens or early twenties I was able to try on my Grandma's wedding dress. It had a satin under dress and a lace over dress and the veil was in very delicate condition.

This Was Our Fun Day at the River

2008-03-13T23:17:00.000-07:00

Here Michael is getting ready to launch the boat in the Colorado River.

On our way to the ramp.
Here we are backing down the ramp.

Now Michael un-hitches the boat...
...and pushes us (me and the boat) into the water...

...now he drives back up the ramp and parks...
Here he comes running down the dock to jump into the boat as I slowly move toward the dock...

Now we're off...
This is in the gorge...one of my favorite places to be.

We decided to turn off the motor and just float down the river.
We just floated for about two hours...it was so fun...even though we didn't catch any fish, we had a wonderful time.

Now That's Clean

2008-03-13T20:16:00.000-07:00

Rebecca and Kellie trade baby-sitting. This day Rebecca was watching Esther while Kellie went to school. We couldn't resist taking a shot of these two cutie pies taking a bath in Grandma's sink.

Kid Tested, Mother Approved

2008-02-24T23:23:00.001-08:00

Last night Mike and I tended all four of our grand babies while their parents went out on a date. This was the first time that we were responsible for all of them at once. We turned off the lights throughout the whole house except for the room that we were in and shut the door so that they wouldn't want to roam around. We then put on Sprout TV and watched the Good Night Show and played with toys. This picture is of the three older ones sitting on the couch enjoying their little bowls of Kix.
They were so cute and good for us.

Happy Birthday Grandma Shirley!

2008-02-20T15:18:00.000-08:00

Grandma Shirley and Grandpa Mark came over for Grandma's Birthday. We had a Wii bowling tournament. Mike was the official winner but Grandpa Mark played and awsome consulation playoff game with a score of 229 and six strike in a row...way to go Grandpa!!! We then sang Happy Birthday to Grandma...Rebecca looks like she is really into that cake.