This 'n That

I've been on an "organizing" kick with my digital photos and videos which has stirred some fond memories. Looking back over the last 7 years of digital history reminds me of all the good things in my life. And it also makes me wish I had more video of Cris. We were always so busy documenting the grand kids and should have turned the camera on Cris more often. It's fun to listen to his voice. This first video was taken at Avila Beach September 2009.


December 2009

This is Luke playing short stop--looking so much like Kevin at that age.
Cris coached Kevin's team in 1986. See the resemblance? For sure.

This is Grahammy Bear---just having a beverage (empty can--no one year olds were given Coke products)

Owen's first Pinewood Derby. 2nd Place out of 15. He was soooooo excited.

That's an awesome car.

School is almost out for the summer--kids are home--lots of activities and vacations. I need more posts people. Catch me up.

Grahammy Bear is ONE.....Mercy

Our little Grahammy Bear turned one on Monday and it was a happy/sad day for everyone. There's something monumental about that first birthday. The official end of the "newborn--infant" stage and the beginning of the toddler stage. Case in point---this picture of a true dude packing a water bottle instead of a sippy. Do not mess with this toddler. You will not win. He has a way of winning your heart and making you do anything to make him happy. . . . .and he's walking everywhere----fast.

His very own birthday cake with free reign on how to eat it.

Balls of all shapes and sizes was on his wish list. He's obsessed with balls.

BTW--he loves his mommy and objects if she leaves the room without him.

Happy Birthday big boy. We love you.

Spring is a good thing--filled with fun.

Many, many fun things happened last week--so get your scrolling fingers ready.

First, I flew to Phoenix and visited with Amy and Marci (and was reminded how much we all miss them).


Then spent some quality time with Cris' cousins-Kent and Kristine. They are awesome people.

Then my BFF Becky and I had two days of rip roaring laughter, crying and shopping. It was AWESOME. So good to see some of her kids. It reminded me once again, how lucky I am to have her as my bestest friend.

Then I drove up to Sedona--beautiful place--reminds me of Zions, southern Utah--stuff like that only more fun with fun people. The Waites and the Esplins were kind enough to invite me along for some of their frolicking. With permission, I present Homers bum crack. Yes, folks, it's always there cuz he's just that kind of kid. Skinny and cute and can't hold his pants up. and yup--that's Memzy ( have camera will travel) and Jespy trying to keep their chillins alive. ( I'm sure their posts will be filled with more adventures

This is called "Slide Rock". Naturally smooth rocks in the river where people love to slide in the FREEZING water. They call if fun but it looked painful to me.

Here's the Bigs and the Middles.

And here's one of the Littles. (Please refer to the above picture of the other Little with his bum hanging out). Note: the socks were a good idea-less slipping.

That evening we went on a 2 hour "Pink Jeep Tour" of the area. I kid you not!!! Laughing and screaming and holding on for dear life. It was more fun than any ride at Disneyland.

Next day--Out of Africa wildlife preserve. It was really great. Lions, tigers, bears, giraffe's zebras, snakes hyena's. They had it all and the kids loved it.

Charlie LOVED everything.

Cousin Cody drove up and spent the day with us. It was so good to see him and get caught up. (Note my new Sedona Visor--and BTW--the wind made my hair look like that but because I had the visor on--all was good).

Memzy at the wheel.

Our hotel/cottagey place overlooked Sedona. Beautiful country.

While I was in AZ--these cuties were frolicking at their grandparents in Orange. They had so much fun.

Can they get any cuter? I think not.

Egg hunt in the back yard.

Mr. Trouble cleaning up his own messes. And YES, he's been walking for one week. (Shedding tears).

This egg hunt happened in Vegas. Fun for the cousins.

The Oregon cousins had a HUGE neighborhood egg hunt which I heard was terrific and Ricky scored big--sorry--no pictures.

Hope your week was as good as mine.

Happy birthday sweetheart.

He loved strawberry shortcake (made with Lorna Doones of course) for his birthday cake.

Spring has arrived!!

I tagged along with the Larkins on a hike through the wildflowers of Kern County yesterday. Can you see the flowers? Yeah--me neither. Missed them by a week or so, but it was super fun anyway.

Look Who Turned Three

Little Miss Clara turned three last week and guess what her favorite present was? Yup, her new princess helmet. Check out her super cute flip flops (Gymboree but I'm totally gonna copy them)

She's mastered the scooter. Look out world. Here she comes.

Las Vegas Fun

I'm here to share some fun pictures of my trip to Las Vegas to see Nick and the girls and spend time with my sister. . . Aunt Gibson Girl. Why is that her nickname? Onnacuz of her hair.

She was attending the International Textile Conference and I tagged alone. Vendors and booth after both of fabric , trims and. . . . . . .

ACCESSORIES. I may have placed an order for a few flowers. You know, hair bows, head bands, flip flop decor, t-shirt embellishments. Oh My !!

I also got to see these little girls. They are just too cute and I love them so much.

Hold on!!!! Can you say DONNIE AND MARIE? That's right people, we saw the Donnie and Marie show and it was fabulous. I thought it might be a little cheesy but it was actually really great. The band was fantastic, great dancers and Donnie and Marie can actually sing. Loved it.

Thanks Nick for making it happen. Patty, me, Nick's friend Bonnie and Nick. Great times.