I Am A Flake......

I am horrified! Our family had one of the most stupendous moments a family can have and what I have done - absolutely nothing. I am a flake!!! The truth is, I have been busy enjoying my kids this summer - even though two of them are far away in Utah, we did LOVE having them "home" for a week in May, and the rest of us have been running and playing without them. Which brings me to one of the stupendous moments....
HE'S HOME!!!! It's true. The moment a mother never thinks will happen actually happened. My beautiful blonde boy is home from Argentina. Now, 2 months later he continues to be doing great and is looking forward to going away again (gasp!) to college. Truth be told, we're excited for him and look forward to hearing about his college adventures.
Other than that, we have had some fun summer moments, including a beach moment gone wrong. I'm going to post the picture and some time I'll tell the story. But let me just say that when Mark and I left the sandy beach where we were sitting with our kids, we were dry. Let me take it one step further by saying I lost a new beach chair, sun glasses and Mark's baseball hat when we were hit by the tsunami. Okay, it might not have been THAT bad, but it was the BIGGEST wave I have ever been hit by. The worst part was that I couldn't control my laughter.
More to come....

April 28, 2011

I promise I wont do a daily count down, but 27 days...that's all I'm going to say!!!!!!!!

April 28, 2011-Happy Graduation, "S"!

Who knew that so much fun could be packed into such a short period of time. Our family left sunny CA for a trip to cold, windy UT to see "S" graduate from BYU. We had such a great time with "E" and "S" and are so proud of this great accomplishment. We were able to attend the general commencement address where Elder Richard G. Scott was the keynote speaker - he was fantabulous and gave us all some great guidelines for the future. We had a fun dinner at Red Robin and I have to admit that I've never eaten so many fries....I think even the waiter might have been surprised at what we could put away! haha. The next day we went to "S's" department graduation and then out for lunch with the Vongsawad's and Johansen's who also had graduates. We managed to fit in a little swimming, jacuzzi time and a great evening with "E's" family - they are a FUN group to hang with!! Thank you, Shuman family for making us feel so welcome and part of your family. Sadly, the next day it was time to head back home. Although our trip was short, it couldn't have been better. We love our Utah kids and can't wait to see them again in about a month!

April 28, 2011-Happy Late Anniversary To The Love Birds

I'm late wishing the Love Birds a happy 1st Anniversary. We actually had the opportunity to be with them a few days leading up to their first anniversary. It was so great to see them. Now they're spreading their wings and getting ready to make a new nest in the SLC area in a darling little place right in front of the State Capitol. It's an exciting time and it's so fun to watch them enjoying each other and this phase of their life. Happy Anniversary, Love Birds. Sure love ya!!

The Happiest Place On Earth.....

It would be hard to find a better day at "the happiest place on earth"....or five cuter kids to share that day with. We left Vista bright and early and arrived at Disneyland before the park opened, even grabbing one of the best parking spots around. Grace and I turned the fun five loose and declared that the fun should begin! Boy did they have a great time....the park wasn't very crowded, the weather was warm but not sweltering and the fact that they were all hanging out together made it a truly great day. We thought the day might take a turn for the worst when "T" lost her phone, but miracle of all miracles...we were even able to find it and put a smile back on her beautiful face. We all had big plans when we rode the rapids ride of making sure that "D" got soaked, but it all backfired and Grace and I ended up getting the brunt of the water; I guess that's what happens when you make an evil plan. Late in the day we had a surprise visit from Grace's favorite Mousekteer - we love you VJ and are soooo glad you came up; it wouldn't have been the same without you. We stayed for the fireworks....in fact, we closed the park down...and once we got back in the car, it was a very silent ride home. I think it's safe to say a good time was had by one and all....

Last B-Day In Argentina....Is It Possible?

It's "R's" last birthday in Argentina. I thought about him all day on Friday...
I had a little lump in my throat when I remembered how he would call me when he was walking up to campus to go to class and in my head I could hear his voice.
It's hard for me to even imagine the reality of seeing him in just a little over 2 months, but I remember feeling the same way with "S" and thinking that the day would never really come. But it did...and it was glorious!
I love you, big man. Happy 21st birthday. See you in 2 months.

March 20, 2011-March Madness

In our house when we talk about March madness it's not entirely about basketball...we have three birthdays this month that are one right after the other. Don't get me wrong, it's always tons of fun...but it can be a little hectic. We have a few birthday traditions that I always enjoy: the birthday celebratee gets to choose their favorite birthday dinner and during dinner we play "how well do you know...(birthday person)". It is always good for some huge laughs. Today is "P's" birthday and one of the questions was what was "P's" most embarrassing moment. We all gave a variety of guesses, but her answer was "this very moment". I'm pretty sure it had to do with the presence of a certain young man who she was hoping wouldn't hear about her repertoire of embarrassing moments. haha.
In addition to the birthday festivities we've had church activites, school dances and just a lot of other fun.
Next week, we're heading to Disneyland....that will undoubtedly have some blog-worthy moments. Can't wait!!