4th of July 2011

As many of you know I absolutely LOVE the 4th of July. There is something about a flag blowing in the wind that brings such happiness to me.  This year I only managed to cry 3 times while driving down the street looking at the flags blowing in the wind.

We started the day off at the parade on the Miracle Mile.   The kids looked so cute in their first of many outfits for the day.

The kids really enjoyed watching all of the military vehicles and soldiers in the parade.  

Noelle loved it when they threw candy to everyone.  Thomas and Karly loved all of the loud motorcycles. 

After the parade I had to hurry home make the new cupcakes and then headed to Kelly’s house so we could go swimming with the neighbors.  We had such a good time swimming and the water was the perfect temperature. 

Karly had her first surfing lesson and then decided that she needed a little bit of break.

How cute were they in their 4th of July swimsuits??

Then it was dinner and fireworks time.  We had a great potluck with the rest of the neighbors in the court.

And then finally the time that we look forward to all year.  Fireworks!!!  The guys put on a great show for us! Karly absolutely loved all of the fireworks and the loud noises.  She giggled and giggled.

Thomas enjoyed sitting with his buddies in the street wrapped in a warm blanket.

Noelle did great this year also and was happy to have Emma and Alex there to watch with her.

Grandma, Pop, and Poochy  came and enjoyed the party this year too.

Here is a quick video of the fireworks display. 

So grateful to live in this great country and the opportunity to celebrate with friends and family.  I can’t wait till next years celebration!!!

Happy Birthday Indy and Bentho

Wednesday was Indy’s 5th birthday and today is Bentho’s 7th birthday so we had a little birthday party for them last night.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Day Four in San Diego

After three days of going and going and going I decided that we needed a day to rest.  I was pooped and I thought the kids were to.  I had planned to go to Sea World on Monday so I needed to get the house cleaned up and the laundry done before then because we were leaving Tuesday morning.  So, we stayed in our PJ’s the majority of the day and played, cleaned, did some crafts, did some laundry, watched Ratatouille and cleaned some more.  Thomas was such a big help that I thought he deserved a little reward.  I decided on a pizza party.  I called up Round Table and ordered Thomas and I our own small pizzas, a can of root beer and ranch.  When the delivery guy showed up the look on his face was priceless!  He was so excited about his pizza party. 

It’s all about the small things in life.  In the end we didn’t end up eating much of the pizza

and Thomas doesn’t EVER drink soda so he took one sip and was done with his root beer.

Tyler ate the crust of the pizza and we had a fun time sitting in the living room around the coffee table to eat dinner. 

  

 

 

Happy 30th Birthday, KELLY!!!

I can’t believe Kelly is going to be 30 years old!

Her birthday isn’t until March 26th but we had to celebrate this weekend because Thomas and I will be in San Diego babysitting Tyler on her birthday.  She asked for a cheesecake for dessert so I decided to try and make my first cheesecake.  I found a recipe for a Golden Lemon Cheesecake in my Taste of Home baking cookbook.  I love to bake so I thought it would be fun to try something I have never done before. 

I made my own graham cracker crust. 

I think it turned out pretty good for my first time.  This afternoon I added the lemon glaze on the top.

Then after a fabulous dinner at BJ’s (thanks DAD) we went home to open her gifts, play the Wii and of course try the lemon cheesecake. 

The cheesecake part was perfect.  I loved the freshness of the lemon.  The crust on the other hand either cooked to long or it got to cold in the refrigerator.  It was a little hard but the flavor was good and the longer it sat out the softer it became. 

So, Kelly I hope you had a good birthday, that you enjoyed all of your gifts and are ready for your new beginning.  Happy Birthday, I love You!!!

   

    

My Birthday

Thank you to all of my friends and family that made my birthday so special! I had tons of messages on facebook, myspace and e-mails wishing me a happy birthday. It made me feel good that my friends and family remembered and took the time to send a note.

I had a long weekend filled with birthday activities. Thanks again everyone for making me feel so special on my birthday!!!

Mom's Birthday

My Mom's birthday was Friday (1/30) the day everyone was sick. My Aunt Paula and Scott came to spend the weekend with her. That was great because we all went to my Mom's house and relaxed and Aunt Paula and Kelly made a fabulous dinner for everyone.

That afternoon Noelle was playing with our dog, Taffy, that is 17 years old. Taffy doesn't really like to play but Noelle loves to play with her. Well Noelle played a little to much and Taffy bit her in the face. Taffy has never done that before and has always been very patient with the kids but not this time.

Thomas' 4th Birthday pictures

Kelly and I took Thomas to get his pictures taken at JcPenny's the Saturday before his birthday. He did a great job! The girl that took them was the same girl that took his Christmas pictures and she made it a very enjoyable event. This was an achievement in itself because picture taking hasn't always been that fun. I was very proud of him.

Thomas' 4th Birthday

Thomas turned 4 on January 20th (inauguration day). I really can't believe that he is 4! Time has really flown by. He is such a good boy! Don't get me wrong he definitely has his moments when he is completely stubborn but 95% he is a good boy.

We had a party at my Mom's house for him the Saturday before his birthday. He told Kelly he wanted a Spiderman cake so she got on the Internet and figured out how to make one. And those of you who know Kelly that is impressive (she has turned a new leaf though. She made my Mom and really nice blanket for Christmas and now a birthday cake, she is on a roll) .

Then on his birthday we went to John's Incredible Pizza for dinner and game playing. He had a blast! After we went back to my house to open his gifts and eat more cake. We got a wonderful Spiderman cake from Safeway with fresh strawberries.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Babies, Babies, and more Babies...

It seems like this year there have been so many people around me having babies.

My nephew, Tyler, started it out in April. Most of you know all about him. He is totally cute and a bundle of joy! I love him more and more each time I see his little face. I only wished he lived closer so I could spend more time with him.

Wanda had Baby William in May. William has the most amazing eyes. When he gets older the girls are going to be lining up. He is a really good baby and he is smart.

Millie Mil had Baby Dominic in July. I haven't gotten the chance to meet him yet, but he has two amazing parents, so I am sure that he is just as amazing. Here are some of his totally cute pictures. His little round face is way toooo cute. Mille.... keep sending the pictures, I love them.

Bonnie is going to have Baby Riley anytime now. Last weekend I helped with Bonnie's shower. It was everything PINK! Bonnie also has a son, Nicolas, that will be 5 years old on the same day Baby Riley is expected to arrive. November is going to be quite a busy month for them. I can't wait to meet Riley!!!

Cassandra is going to have Baby Evan in January. Baby Evan maybe Baby____ by the time he arrives. Both of his parents haven't actually agreed with Evan (but I did get permission to put it on my blog). Earlier this month I went to Cassandra's baby shower and had a wonderful time. It was a baseball theme which was perfect for Cassandra and Pat, as they both love baseball. Unfortunately I don't have any pictures to share of baby Evan. I can't wait to meet him to.

I am happy for all of them and can't wait to meet each of them.