slushpot

Briana's Baby Sprinkle

2011-02-22T11:12:00.000-08:00

My good friend Briana is having her third child soon. When my friend Letty and I asked about a baby shower, she thought she wouldn't have one because she's already had two for her other children. We jumped right on it though and told her we wanted to give her a little celebration "Sprinkle" for baby Isaac. Though she has a lot of the necessities from her two other kids, there are still lots of things you need for a new baby, diapers, bottles, pacifiers, etc...things that you can't really pass down. Plus we really wanted to celebrate baby Isaac as well as have a special relaxing day for Briana before the craziness starts with a newborn.

So after a little bit of research we came across the perfect theme for the Sprinkle. This was such a fun shower to plan and it helped that it was at Letty's house which is so gorgeous that any party would be beautiful there.

Once again Rebeca at The Giving Madam came through for me with the cutest printables to use. I told her our theme and colors and her creativity took over. Thanks again so much Rebeca!

Now for the pictures. (I have to say, that because I'm no professional photographer, the pictures really really do not do the party justice. I'm pretty disappointed in that, but am very happy with how everything turned out in person.)

The night before we did most of the set up:
Letty worked on all the "sprinkles"

From Briana's Sprinkle

My dessert set up

From Briana's Sprinkle

One of the games was "Guess how many" candies in the jar. With a cute label Letty came up with. "If it was up to daddy, Isaac would take his first steps in the wilderness".

From Briana's Sprinkle

I also decided just a few days before to take on a couple new projects that I had never done before and am SO glad. The first was a diaper cake. I ordered one for Lindsay from my friend Debbie and it was so cute I wanted to try to make one too.

I used lots of little diapers, a bottle of Almond Champagne, ribbon, baby blankets and some little scrapbooking stickers. I made the "Isaac" topper with my Silhouette machine. It was a lot easier than I thought and I would for sure do this again.
In progress:

From Briana's Sprinkle

And completed:

From Briana's Sprinkle

The other project Letty helped me with. It's a Wishing Tree. This is instead of having a Guest Book. The guests sign the little leaves with a wish and Briana can take them for Isaac's baby book.

From Briana's Sprinkle

The favors

From Briana's Sprinkle

And a cute sign that Rebeca made

From Briana's Sprinkle

Briana coming into the house. Poor thing, she broke her foot a couple weeks ago. Imagine being 8 months pregnant and unable to walk or put any weight on your foot at all. NOT FUN!

From Briana's Sprinkle

Briana's chair. I found the parasols online. They worked perfect for our vision. Thanks to Doug for hanging them for us. He also hung the sprinkles for us and they stayed perfect. I was so nervous something would come falling down but nothing did.

From Briana's Sprinkle

Gift table

From Briana's Sprinkle

Food/drink set up (Letty's MIL made the runners for us out of a table cloth Letty found. They were perfect.

From Briana's Sprinkle

I etched a wine glass with "Mommy's Juice" and "Briana" on the bottom.

From Briana's Sprinkle

Letty wanted to add some color to the water dispenser. Such a cute idea, Coffee grounds and candies

From Briana's Sprinkle

We had Mimosas and Mocktails

From Briana's Sprinkle

Letty wrapped the forks in napkins like cute little burritos

From Briana's Sprinkle

We used Todd's Nana's china. The colors were perfect and I loved the feeling of using china instead of plastic dishes. Of course when we decided on blues and brown for colors I was so excited because those of you that know me, know that turquoise and brown is my favorite combo...my house is FULL of different turquoise and blues. It made it nice as well because we didn't have to buy a lot of extra items.

From Briana's Sprinkle

The food was all from Costco with the exception of the Fruit Lettuce Wraps. It's actually Briana's recipe and Letty made it for the party. It's one of my favorite dishes. In fact just typing about it and seeing the picture, my mouth starts watering for it.

From Briana's Sprinkle

Presents!

From Briana's Sprinkle

Me and Briana

From Briana's Sprinkle

Letty counting out the guesses for the candy jar game.

From Briana's Sprinkle

Letty got some really cool prizes for the games. Instead of the normal gift card or candles...she got items for the home. All from Home Goods and put them in really cute reusable gift bags, and idea we got from Billie Jo's baby shower.

From Briana's Sprinkle

Amy was the winner!

From Briana's Sprinkle

Picking out her prize

From Briana's Sprinkle

Nicci was so cute. She was saying "Coffee always tastes better in a cute little china cup"

From Briana's Sprinkle

The next game was one we did at my baby shower. You have to name a baby item, then remove a clothespin with one hand only.

From Briana's Sprinkle

Marci was the winner of this game with 20!

From Briana's Sprinkle

Present time as well as another game. Baby Gift Bingo

From Briana's Sprinkle

Ma made Isaac a gorgeous blanket

From Briana's Sprinkle

Winner of the Bingo game

From Briana's Sprinkle

Briana's mom signing the wishing tree

From Briana's Sprinkle

Nancy made these really cute booties and hats

From Briana's Sprinkle

We tried to make sure to take a picture of every guest with the Mommy-to-be

From Briana's Sprinkle

Her cast before

From Briana's Sprinkle

And after Amy and I did some decorating

From Briana's Sprinkle

I love these girls! Amy, Letty, Briana and me

From Briana's Sprinkle

Briana looked gorgeous! She had that pregnancy glow

From Briana's Sprinkle

Ma won the last game "Don't say baby"

From Briana's Sprinkle

The tree once everyone hung their wish

From Briana's Sprinkle

Jackson's 2nd Birthday - Seussical Fun!

2011-01-15T20:13:00.000-08:00

Today was Jackson's 2nd birthday party. About 6 months ago I thought of doing a Dr. Seuss theme because they are some of his favorite books, so I had a lot of time to search the net for ideas. There are a TON out there and I had a lot of fun with it.

First I wanted to say thank you to Rebeca at The Giving Madam blog. I came across her blog in my searching just a couple weeks ago and she was giving away FREE Dr. Seuss themed printables. She even personalized them for Jackson, and when I told her that I was also co-hosting a baby shower in a few weeks with the same theme, she made some printables for that as well. They were so cute and I was so thankful to find her blog. I also was inspried by Kara's Party Blog and Michelle at her blog which I just found this morning, the DAY of the party. I loved the idea of having a "guest book" for everyone to sign and had to use it. I also got the Grinched font at Dafont.com for free.

Now on to the pictures!
Fishy crackers

From Jackson's Seussical Birthday Party

Pink Lemonade (Crystal light)

From Jackson's Seussical Birthday Party

I found these cute punch outs on Amazon.

From Jackson's Seussical Birthday Party

We had a "Horton" table

From Jackson's Seussical Birthday Party

I found these cute Seussish trees at Michaels (80% off after Christmas!!!!!)

From Jackson's Seussical Birthday Party

This was probably my favorite thing. I love that Jackson will have this book with his friends and loved ones wishes to him to keep.

From Jackson's Seussical Birthday Party

Of course there were Green Eggs

From Jackson's Seussical Birthday Party

I ordered cupcakes again from my good friend Billie Jo. These were Red Velvet with cream cheese frosting (her specialty). They seriously are perfect every time! I originally just wanted her to do the cupcakes with Lifesavers for the hat, but she did them in fondant and they were so adorable. I love how she even made them tilt!

From Jackson's Seussical Birthday Party

I couldn't stop taking pictures of them

From Jackson's Seussical Birthday Party

Costco pizza is awesome!

From Jackson's Seussical Birthday Party

I used punching balloons instead of pom poms this time. So easy and the kids loved them.

From Jackson's Seussical Birthday Party

Big Bro Jett

From Jackson's Seussical Birthday Party

Me and my birthday boy Jackson

From Jackson's Seussical Birthday Party

Big Sis Morgan

From Jackson's Seussical Birthday Party

I love these crazy girls - Rylee and Morgan

From Jackson's Seussical Birthday Party

Happy Birthday to You!

From Jackson's Seussical Birthday Party

Morgan wanted to really sing to him

From Jackson's Seussical Birthday Party

Everyone loved the cupcakes - there were NONE left. A first!

From Jackson's Seussical Birthday Party

Baby Wyatt worming around

From Jackson's Seussical Birthday Party

Cheese!

From Jackson's Seussical Birthday Party

LOOK at that belly!

From Jackson's Seussical Birthday Party

From Uncle Scott

From Jackson's Seussical Birthday Party

Robert & Yvonne got him a T-Ball set. I'm excited to see him and Todd start practicing.

From Jackson's Seussical Birthday Party

Reading time with Rylee - meaning Rylee was reading to Lindsay! She just turned FOUR!

From Jackson's Seussical Birthday Party

Shamy got him a really cool table Train set.

From Jackson's Seussical Birthday Party

Time to give Thank you hugs

From Jackson's Seussical Birthday Party

Precious

From Jackson's Seussical Birthday Party

Russ was causing some chaos with the boys!

From Jackson's Seussical Birthday Party

Nicole and I

From Jackson's Seussical Birthday Party

Papa and his grandkids

From Jackson's Seussical Birthday Party

Morgan's Very Merry Birthday Party

2010-12-30T09:33:00.000-08:00

A bit out of order, but I wanted to get Morgan's birthday posted. Wow I'm behind in blogging!

This year we decided to do an Alice in Wonderland theme once I saw the adorable party on TomKat Studio and Laura Winslow photography.

I had LOTS of help for the party and I am so grateful for all my family and friends that always pitch in for our family.

We had traditional tea party food: little sandwiches and lots of scones!

From Morgan Tea Party 4th Birthday

I ordered the cupcakes from my friend Billie Jo who always does an amazing job!

From Morgan Tea Party 4th Birthday

And Yvonne lent me a ton of cute dishes with the Alice theme

From Morgan Tea Party 4th Birthday

The printables were all from TomKat Studio.

From Morgan Tea Party 4th Birthday

Of course we had the movie playing in the background

From Morgan Tea Party 4th Birthday

A game we had was "Pin the Grin".

From Morgan Tea Party 4th Birthday

Kiddos playing

From Morgan Tea Party 4th Birthday

I came across this idea from another blog and Papa and Todd put it all together. It came out so cute!

From Morgan Tea Party 4th Birthday

We had another game where the kiddos had to find a missing "key"

From Morgan Tea Party 4th Birthday

Alice!

From Morgan Tea Party 4th Birthday

Jackson enjoying his candy

From Morgan Tea Party 4th Birthday

Todd and I had to dress up for the party :)

From Morgan Tea Party 4th Birthday

Time to Pin the Grin

From Morgan Tea Party 4th Birthday

My little birthday girl :)

From Morgan Tea Party 4th Birthday

Present time!

From Morgan Tea Party 4th Birthday

The next morning Morgan had more gifts from Papa and Nana!

From Morgan Tea Party 4th Birthday

Of course Papa had to get her Boston goodies!

From Morgan Tea Party 4th Birthday

Halloween Poker Party 2010

2010-11-12T08:15:00.000-08:00

Every year for the past few years our friend Billie Jo has invited us to an annual poker party at her friends house. We have never been able to go in the past, but this year we finally were able to make it work.

Queen of Hearts and the Mad Hatter

From Halloween Party 2010

Lulu the Bumblebee

From Halloween Party 2010

The beautiful witch and her iPhone

From Halloween Party 2010

Brady was adorable. He looked like a little Mun-chi-chi!

From Halloween Party 2010

They had two tables set up. It was a lot of fun playing Texas Hold 'Em.

From Halloween Party 2010

The kids had a huge playroom! Fortunately for us, Mimi watched our kiddos so we could stay late :)

From Halloween Party 2010

Currier Family

From Halloween Party 2010

Pinkalicious Faith

From Halloween Party 2010

It moved onto the final table after a few hours. Yup that's my crazy Mad Hatter still doing well!

From Halloween Party 2010

Crazy!

From Halloween Party 2010

Rapunzel Aireanna

From Halloween Party 2010

The Royal Family

From Halloween Party 2010

Things are very serious here - look at that stack!

From Halloween Party 2010

YAY! It was just Todd and one other player at the very end. They decided to split the pot. Good job baby!

From Halloween Party 2010

Jett's 11th Birthday

2010-11-12T08:02:00.000-08:00

WOW! My baby boy is already 11. I am amazed how fast time has flown by.
For his birthday - he wanted Pineapple Upside Down Cake - a Schlesinger favorite here. I was happy to oblige. We had a mini celebration on his actual birthday with the family and Vince's Spaghetti. Yum!

From Jett's 11th Birthday

I ordered some cupcakes from one of my good friends Bille Jo. Jett wanted Oreo cupcakes (inspired from Jane). She had a great idea to make them into little Oreo Shakes for the boys.

From Jett's 11th Birthday

Billie Jo also came over and helped me make the caramel apples party favors. I couldn't done them without her.

From Jett's 11th Birthday

Jett asked for a party at Roller City. It was a lot of fun and super easy for me. No clean up or set up needed!

From Jett's 11th Birthday

The boys were a little wobbly at first but still had a lot of fun.

From Jett's 11th Birthday

Jackson was eyeing the pizza

From Jett's 11th Birthday

Todd was teaching Morgan how to skate. I can't believe they had a pair of skates small enough for her!

From Jett's 11th Birthday

I shoved all 11 candles into a single cupcake and Jett got them all in one blow!

From Jett's 11th Birthday

Nicolas winning the race!

From Jett's 11th Birthday

These boys have been friends since they were born :) Just 5 months apart. I still can't believe it's been 11 years!

From Jett's 11th Birthday

Jackson's haircut

2010-10-15T10:40:00.001-07:00

Last night Todd took Jackson for another haircut, this time at Cool Cuts for kids hoping that he would do well. I wasn't there because I was with Jett at soccer practice, and I'm pretty glad about that. Poor Todd, said that it was AWFUL. Jackson screamed and fought the whole time she used the clippers. He had to hold him down and Jackson is pretty strong for a little guy. The stylist must have been pretty good though because I didn't see any cuts when Jackson came home.

The crying started from the start

Because Todd was having to hold Jackson, that's all the haircut pictures. Hopefully next time he'll do better. Any suggestions?

He was so upset

Here is the BEFORE

And the AFTER that I had to take this morning. He was pretty exhausted after all that crying last night.

Trip to New Mexico

2010-10-11T09:38:00.000-07:00

Last week I was able to take a Road Trip to New Mexico with my mom and sister and the kiddos.

Pretty scenery

From New Mexico

We had a LOT of rain on the way and some pretty rainbows. Here was a double rainbow.

From New Mexico

We stayed at my Uncle John's house in Rio Rancho. He had a big house - enough room for all of us :)
Here is Jackson ready to go eat.

From New Mexico

We visited my Auntie Diana (who refuses to be in pictures). While there we got to see my cousin Jeneane who was there for the Balloon Fiesta. She is one of the "chasers". So cool!

Me & JJ, John, Jeneane, mom, Morgan hiding, Nyah, and my sis Monique

From New Mexico

Auntie Diana took us to lunch at the Mule Barn. I guess a lot of locals eat here Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner!

From New Mexico

I had to order Frito Pie since I had it before when our friend Bald Jay made it for us. (His was WAY better.)

From New Mexico

On Friday we headed to Santa Fe to have lunch and look at the shops.
Nyah waiting for the train:

From New Mexico

Monique & Nyah

From New Mexico

On the train

From New Mexico

We had lunch at Maria's just a mile outside of downtown. It was really good and the best part...they had over 165 Margarita choices and Fluffy Sopapillas! YUM

From New Mexico

My uncles girlfriend, Monique came with us too. We LOVED her! Such a sweetheart.

From New Mexico

Nyah the movie star

From New Mexico

Morgan was whispering secrets to John

From New Mexico

Some of the Indian reservation places we passed didn't allow pictures. But we passed this place that looked like a Ghost Town.

From New Mexico

Jackson passed out on the way back

From New Mexico

That night we got a visit from Star and Robert too! First dinner at Olive Garden, then we hung out at the house for a bit.

Morgan always wants to sit with Uncle Robert

From New Mexico

Morgan was having fun running and jumping on Grandma

From New Mexico

Monique and Nyah resting

From New Mexico

But only for a second...then the cousins started acting silly

From New Mexico

Jackson dancing around sans pants!

From New Mexico

The next day we were up pretty early. Jackson had to get some reading in. (haha!)

From New Mexico

Morgan's breakfast gymnastics.

From New Mexico

We had lunch at the Calico Cantina & Cafe. I think most of my meals had Green Chillies on them. YUM!

From New Mexico

Monique, Monique & Nyah, Aunt Jeanne, (cousin) Charles, Uncle Arthur, Mom & JJ, Uncle John & Morgan

From New Mexico

After lunch we headed to Old Town Albuquerque for some shopping!

From New Mexico

The boys mostly hung out and watched the Indian dancing show while the ladies all checked out the shops.

From New Mexico

Since the Chili Harvest just finished there were chillies roasting and hanging EVERYWHERE! I stopped on the way out of town to get a 35lb sack of green chillies for Todd. The bag was huge and the car smelled like chili the whole way home. I can't wait to try them.

From New Mexico

One of the "shape" balloons from the fiesta. Morgan called it the "Jesus" balloon.

From New Mexico

Sunday Morning, ready to head back home.

From New Mexico

I took some pictures of my Grandma Patsy's pictures that my Uncle had. She was so pretty! Seems like maybe Morgan gets some of her "skills" from her. She passed away when my mom was just a little girl so we never got to meet her.

From New Mexico

And now we know where Jackson got his big brown eyes from.

From New Mexico

Morgan getting in some final fun before getting into the car for 13 hours! Uncle John was making her a hot dog!

From New Mexico

Siblings

From New Mexico

Poor John, I bet he took a LONG nap after we all left. He sure had his hands full with the kiddos.

From New Mexico

We had a couple stops to make before getting on the road. Lunch at Blakes Lotaburger. My mom worked here (not this exact one) when we were kids to support us. It reminds me of an In N Out, but it's not as good.

From New Mexico

This was the house that my mom grew up in, and I lived in until I was 4 years old. It looks so much smaller now.

From New Mexico

This was my Great Grandma's house. It was built in the 30's and I have such great memories there. It was really sad for us not to stay here on this visit. So weird thinking that strangers live it in now since my Great Grandma passed away about 5 years ago.

From New Mexico

Last picture...I love how all the freeways are turquoise and brown...my colors!

From New Mexico

Run to the Top of Mt. Baldy 2010

2010-09-08T16:33:00.001-07:00

Todd (my crazy husband) decided that it would be great to do one of the most grueling races in California...AGAIN! This is his 3rd time. I would have thought that after the 1st time...he would just say "yay! I did it" and be done. Nope, he likes to torture himself again and again and again.

Jett and I headed up the ski lifts to the Notch to cheer him on this time. We met up with the Lenarz, and of course Todd's "Mascot" Erwin, and his wife Wilma who came to cheer Todd on as well.

From Run to Top of Mt. Baldy 2010

Lots of people checking in

From Run to Top of Mt. Baldy 2010

On the ski lift

From Run to Top of Mt. Baldy 2010

It looks closer but actually we were high up

From Run to Top of Mt. Baldy 2010

I think this was the winner of the run

From Run to Top of Mt. Baldy 2010

Here comes Jeff

From Run to Top of Mt. Baldy 2010

Johnathon passing by

From Run to Top of Mt. Baldy 2010

Here comes Todd!

From Run to Top of Mt. Baldy 2010

Pictures that Todd took on the run up

From Run to Top of Mt. Baldy 2010

He did it again :)

From Run to Top of Mt. Baldy 2010

Cool shot of the runners on the mountain

From Run to Top of Mt. Baldy 2010

Coming home for the after party

From Run to Top of Mt. Baldy 2010

Pool time

From Run to Top of Mt. Baldy 2010

Mimi and JJ

From Run to Top of Mt. Baldy 2010

Erwin & Wilma

From Run to Top of Mt. Baldy 2010

Jonathan & Jenny

From Run to Top of Mt. Baldy 2010

Official TShirt

From Run to Top of Mt. Baldy 2010

Really cute "race" cupcakes from Billie Jo

From Run to Top of Mt. Baldy 2010

I was cracking up at JJ - he had on Momo's shoes and was "mowing" the cement

From Run to Top of Mt. Baldy 2010

The girls did a "fashion show"

From Run to Top of Mt. Baldy 2010

Crazy girls

From Run to Top of Mt. Baldy 2010

Brady's 1st Birthday

2010-09-08T15:57:00.000-07:00

Brady is 1 already! Where has the time gone???? I had the pleasure of helping Lindsay out with his birthday party. He loves Yo Gabba Gabba (almost as much as his parents...hehe) so she decided to go with that for the party theme. I found some really cute ideas at a blog I follow, and Lindsay came up with a ton of her own ideas. Here's some pictures!

From Brady 1st Birthday

Yum Smores pops! These were so delicious that I am for sure making them at the kids birthday parties coming up.

From Brady 1st Birthday

I love all the bright colors she used

From Brady 1st Birthday

Lindsay made the cute tshirt for Brady

From Brady 1st Birthday

Bella and Sully were so good. Even with all the people and chaos they were so well behaved.

From Brady 1st Birthday

Of course the day of the party it was HOT out! I think the temp gauge said "100 & Hell" degrees.
Scott cooking outside - probably melting

From Brady 1st Birthday

Todd helping (I mean watching)

From Brady 1st Birthday

This is "Beergaritas" Evil sister. I'm not sure of the official name but a friend of mine said it's called "Skip and go Naked" yikes! It sure was yummy though. Basically it's 12oz Vodka, 12oz Frozen Pink Lemondae, 12oz water, 12oz beer and lots of ice.

From Brady 1st Birthday

Brady eating some lunch

From Brady 1st Birthday

Jackson looked like he was ready to pass out

From Brady 1st Birthday

Time for birthday hats and cake

From Brady 1st Birthday

Sibling play

From Brady 1st Birthday

He wasn't quite sure what to do

From Brady 1st Birthday

Scott went in for a kiss

From Brady 1st Birthday

And...that's baby lovin'

From Brady 1st Birthday

Lindsay got some icing lovin' too

From Brady 1st Birthday

Bath time before presents

From Brady 1st Birthday

Brady's play room

From Brady 1st Birthday

Brady loves Mimi!

From Brady 1st Birthday

Such cute cousins!

From Brady 1st Birthday

5 Year Wedding Anniversary

2010-08-23T09:46:00.000-07:00

To celebrate our 5 year anniversary we headed to Las Vegas!!! We wanted to renew our vows in a chapel in total Vegas style.

I got some new Vegas Shoes.

From Vegas Anniversary 2010

The first night we stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel. I love this hotel, and our room was cute, but we got the cheapest one possible and once we saw the view we knew why.

From Vegas Anniversary 2010

HAHA! Isn't it gorgeous?

From Vegas Anniversary 2010

Ready to head down to the slots! We had a lot of fun and even won some money on the machines.

From Vegas Anniversary 2010

The next day was our actual anniversary so we had breakfast at Mr. Lucky's and then headed out to Tiffany & Co. to get a Birthday/Anniversary gift.

From Vegas Anniversary 2010

Who doesn't get excited about a little blue box?!

From Vegas Anniversary 2010

Then we headed over to the Little White Chapel - Tunnel of Love Drive-Thru. We were so excited.

When we got there, there was this couple all decked out in wedding attire, BUT they had horse masks on their heads? WHAT? HORSES? It was so strange. We couldn't figure out if they were trying to hide their faces, or what the deal with the horse masks were. Anyone ever see this before?

From Vegas Anniversary 2010

The tunnel was cute and so cheesy! Just perfect.

From Vegas Anniversary 2010

Waiting our turn...

From Vegas Anniversary 2010

After just about 15 minutes, we were up!

From Vegas Anniversary 2010

Lots of people get married in this pink caddy.

From Vegas Anniversary 2010

Both of us squeezed out of the sun roof of Todd's Mazda, and Todd took some pictures of us while we were waiting for the minister.

From Vegas Anniversary 2010

We got a cute idea from my friend Debbie to write our own funny vows. Todd added to that, thinking it would be fun to write them for each other. So we each wrote vows for the other, and made them a bit silly with a serious part at the end. We kept them a surprise until the ceremony, and we were both in tears while we read them to each other. It was so sweet and such a great memory.

From Vegas Anniversary 2010

Quick stop at Dunkin Donuts.

From Vegas Anniversary 2010

After that, we headed over to The M Resort for the remaining of our weekend getaway. This place is not close to the strip. About 15 miles away but on the same street as the strip. So we knew that we would probably be spending the rest of the trip there. We were nervous about what it would be like but we were pleasantly surprised. It was SO nice! Everything (with the exception of the food which was just so-so) was wonderful. When we checked in, the staff was friendly, and they even upgraded us for free. When we got into the room, it was big and very clean.

From Vegas Anniversary 2010

Our wedding certificate.

From Vegas Anniversary 2010

My new interlocking rings to symbolize our marriage.

From Vegas Anniversary 2010

There was even a TV in the bathroom mirror.

From Vegas Anniversary 2010

Todd headed down to the gym to do some running (yuck) and I explored a bit, and then went to get some of our freebies.

From Vegas Anniversary 2010

We went down to the pool for a bit to relax before heading to the casino. The pool was so nice. I'd love to go back and rent a cabana for the day next time.

From Vegas Anniversary 2010

Free drinks.

From Vegas Anniversary 2010

Anniversary toast

From Vegas Anniversary 2010

We showered and then got dressed to go do some serious gambling. And by serious, I mean some $.01 and $.05 slots. It was so much fun and even more fun when we found a winning machine.

From Vegas Anniversary 2010

One of the restaurants had a "reverse Happy Hour" until late so we headed up for some apps and the nice view.

From Vegas Anniversary 2010

On the way back to this room, we kept passing this huge mirror and tried to take some pictures...they were funny, but didn't really come out in the dark.

From Vegas Anniversary 2010

They also had a really cute bakery called Baby Cakes. Lots of goodies!

From Vegas Anniversary 2010

On Saturday we decided to see the Tina Martini Live Cooking Show. It was perfect because we got to see the show, and then had VIP seating and the AYCE Buffet included. Bummer for me it was Seafood Day, but Todd sure enjoyed it. He got to eat double tastings.

From Vegas Anniversary 2010

Tina

From Vegas Anniversary 2010

Todd showing off his skills

From Vegas Anniversary 2010

Can you tell which plate is mine and which is Todd's???

From Vegas Anniversary 2010

Tina was so friendly and came back after the show to chat and take pictures with us all

From Vegas Anniversary 2010

She even took our picture for us

From Vegas Anniversary 2010

Sunday morning we had a quick bite to eat, checked out and then played the slots a little longer before heading home.

From Vegas Anniversary 2010

BIG mistake! Traffic was horrific...it took us about 6 hours to get home (normally only 3 1/2 hours). At one point, we traveled only 4 miles in 1 hour.

From Vegas Anniversary 2010

We did have a nice sky though on the way home.

From Vegas Anniversary 2010

Todd's Birthday 2010

2010-08-15T09:27:00.000-07:00

Mimi left a cute sign outside for Todd the morning of his birthday.

The kiddos went out to check it out

From Todd's Birthday 2010

I made Todd a picture frame for his desk at work, by doing some Mod Podge (adding paper instead of paint) and I added some ribbon and tacks to hold the pictures.

From Todd's Birthday 2010

Todd started his morning by running up Mt. Baldy (sure not my idea of a Birthday morning).

From Todd's Birthday 2010

I found these cute free birthday tags to use for his gift here.

From Todd's Birthday 2010

He requested Nana's recipe for Pineapple Upside Down cake. YUM!

From Todd's Birthday 2010

Present time

From Todd's Birthday 2010

We went to Joe's Sushi for lunch. It was really good there. Todd was excited...can you tell?

From Todd's Birthday 2010

They even brought out fried ice cream for Todd's birthday and we didn't even ask!

From Todd's Birthday 2010

After lunch we came home so the kids could nap and just relaxed. Then it was cake and present time with the rest of the family.

From Todd's Birthday 2010

After cake, we headed down to see a quakes game.

From Todd's Birthday 2010

Morgan was having lots of fun :)

From Todd's Birthday 2010

Camping at Big Pine August 2010

2010-08-08T08:44:00.000-07:00

As our last trip for the summer we headed up to Big Pine. It was beautiful, but the weather was HOT and DRY like the desert. We spent the first couple days just as a family which was so nice. Then our friends Doug and Letty came up and we got to have some fun spending some time with their family too!

The kiddos had fun exploring and checking out the mountains.

From Big Pine 2010

Jett spent a lot of time in beginning of the trip whittling some sticks.

From Big Pine 2010

I got some new tables for the trailer. I LOVE them, and brought the flowers from my birthday celebration that Billie Jo got for me. It's always nice having some fresh flowers around.

From Big Pine 2010

Our site...basically the WORST site at the campground, but we were happy to get one. It was HOT and there was not a single tree or piece of shade. BUT across the way was tons of trees, shade, and the creek which we got to spend some time at.

From Big Pine 2010

Jett was so good with the kids taking them on little mini adventures.

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And then came the fishing. They guys LOVED being able to fish.

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Jett, Todd, and Morgan when on a hike to check out the fishing.

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Dinner time!

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After dinner we had a fire and roasted some huge marshmallows. Jett was enjoying playing "chubby bunny".

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Messy sticky face

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Sticky hands

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Once we put the young ones to bed, we played some card games. It was so fun and Jett really enjoying winning against both Todd and I.

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Breakfast time!

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Todd had a little fun with the camera.

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Morning reading

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After breakfast we headed out on a short hike up the mountain before heading into Bishop. (short hike meaning an hour and half!)

Some of the pictures are with the cell phone so they are not that great. But Morgan was so cute when Todd was giving her "fishing lessons".

From Big Pine 2010

Jackson was ready for nap time.

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In Bishop we first stopped for lunch at the Pizza Factory. It was a great place because they had a mini arcade and the kids had a blast!

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Then we walked down to the book store and spent some time in the nice air conditioning.

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The next day Doug, Todd, and Jett went on a Mine Adventure.

While the guys were gone, Letty and spent some time hanging out and relaxing and the kids had fun playing together.

Happy Hour time!

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Our last full day there, we all headed up for a long hike up to the waterfalls. It took us about 4 hours.

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Prepping the bags

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Todd caught a fish at the top...he was fishing in his bare feet!

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On the way down, Jett stopped really quick and caught a fish in about 30 seconds!

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Here are some pictures from "Reward Mine" that the boys explored. Crazy stuff!

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I think that Doug mentioned this ladder was about 100 years old! I sure would be worried to climb it.

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But not my boys :)

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This pictures cracks me up. It looks like Jett is running from the mine about to explode

From Big Pine 2010

Gina's Birthday at Piano Piano

2010-07-31T09:50:00.000-07:00

For my birthday this year, I headed to Claremont with the ladies! We went to a Dueling Piano bar. It was sooooo much fun. Billie Jo did some cute decorations for the tables, and got us all chocolate. She also made really good lemon cupcakes!

Pics of the tables and chocolates:

From Gina's Birthday 2010

My birthday Lemon Drop:

From Gina's Birthday 2010

Cheers:

From Gina's Birthday 2010

Lulu:

From Gina's Birthday 2010

Some dancing was happening...

From Gina's Birthday 2010

Irene and Lindsay were so cute...they are dancing to "Single Ladies" here...though they are both married with children :) They sure are a couple HOT momma's:

From Gina's Birthday 2010

Letty, Billie Jo, Gina B, Irene, Me, Briana (and Lindsay is taking the picture)

From Gina's Birthday 2010

Billie Jo even got matching plates and napkins in my favorite colors

From Gina's Birthday 2010

Sneak Peak of Family Photo Shoot

2010-07-31T09:22:00.000-07:00

They are not the best quality, but a few of the shots taken down at Long Beach by Davello Photography. I'll post more when we get the CD.

From Photo Sesson summer 2010