[ the story of us ]

a month in photos - December

2012-01-17T16:59:00.000-08:00

December's update, better late than never.

Top Row from left: 2nd grade performance day - Ollie the reindeer, Dave and Marin by the tree, kids on Christmas Day, Spaghetti face, happy girl with Santa, gingerbread time, my birthday. 2nd Row: trampoline static hair, Marin-16 months, Hazel's "best" behavior at her school performance, my girls, Christmas day Sunday best, a natural with the microphone, Ollie making a deal with Santa. 3rd Row: new airsoft gun, mask and robe, Hazel's handwriting, terrified baby, dimples, Ollie with school friends, cheesy grin, Hazel's horse crazy. 4th Row: our tree, Hazel's up to something with Santa, static hair chillin, Ollie, girls, Marin with Grandma and Grandpa, more Marin. 5th Row: Santa came to our house Christmas Eve!, Grandpa loves, bamboo forest, snuggling with grandpa, deep in though, burnt marshmallows!, SD Botanic Gardens.

Christmas countdown - naughty or nice?

2011-12-21T14:19:00.000-08:00

Marin hasn't given Santa a chance – She is so terrified of him!

Hazel on her BEST behavior at the beginning of her preschool program. This was before she started pulling her shirt up over her head and ripping her hair out.

Oliver after his school program. Should it concern me that he is asking Santa if he has been good or not? He's really not sure. Man, I love these kids!

zoo

2011-12-21T14:01:00.000-08:00

The week before Thanksgiving, our good friends Chris and Elise came to visit. We had a great time. Brooke and Maya are such fun girls! These photos are of the kids at the San Diego Zoo. Thanks for the pictures, Elise!

family photos

2011-12-21T13:48:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago (much to my excitement and to Dave's dismay) we had our family pictures taken. I thought I'd share a few of my favorites. Thanks, Chloe!
All photos ©2011 Chloe Heath Photography

beach day

2011-12-21T13:33:00.000-08:00

Over Thanksgiving break the weather was great and we had been missing the beach.

Thanksgiving

2011-12-21T12:08:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving this year was pretty mellow. We really enjoyed being home bodies! I cooked dinner (quite an accomplishment for me!) with some help with the bird from Dave. It was a wonderful weekend. We have so much to be thankful for!
Oreo turkey place card idea from ourbestbites.com

a month in photos - November

2011-12-21T11:48:00.000-08:00

Top row from left: Ollie climbs a woolly mammoth, Marin love Hazel's dolls, at the Zoo with friends, Dave and Hazel jamming, soccer game smiles, serious but cute, Ollie at the beach. 2nd Row: soccer sidelines, Marin's ears, park day with girls, boogie boarding in November!, beach day, with dad, watching the big kids climb around. 3rd Row: teacups with Maya and Brooke, loving the beach, Thanksgiving dinner, Dave, Marin loves to swing, putting up the tree, chasing seagulls. 4th Row: she loves dessert, my Thanksgiving turkeys, walking baby, colorful cookies, happy Ollie, curious Marin, homemade rolls that actually turned out! 5th Row: snowcones in the backyard, squirt gun crazy, vampire baby, happiest place on earth time, my sweetie, Hazel and Coleman double up on the swing, Reflections award for photography.

a month in photos - October

2011-11-07T20:54:00.000-08:00

From top left: Hazel's camera smirk, such a momma's girl, Ollie's appetite!, my sweet baby, huge toothy grin and her favorite blankie, Hazel in a TV daze, Ollie at the pumpkin farm. 2nd Row: The Village People (Officer Dave), fire chief Oliver & rockstar Hazel, Hazel learned to ride a bike!, snow cones at Plow Boys, soccer game break time, Strawberry Shortcake and friends, carving pumpkins w security. 3rd Row: happy Ollie, Officer Dave, Marin loves to be outside!, crazy Hazey, music time, my baby is getting so big!, Hazel's hair is growing!! 4th Row: shopping for pink soccer ball with Dad, little ladybug, more music time, Ollie's learning to rollerblade, she loves pink hair, remote control cars with dad, Marin learning to walk at the pool. Last Row: Marin loves marinara, Plum Pudding, Hazel's soccer game, my munchkins, serious Marin, silly Hazel, Ollie at school's Fall Festival.

halloween

2011-11-02T22:13:00.000-07:00

A fire chief, a rockstar and a ladybug.

pumpkin patch

2011-10-30T16:41:00.000-07:00

I love the tradition of going to a pumpkin farm every year. We go to the same one every year and it is the best. Ollie's favorite is the corn maze. Hazel's favorite is riding the ponies. And Marin likes to smack the pumpkins. I didn't get my camera out until the light was too dark for any really great photos but these two make me happy.

a month in photos - September

2011-10-05T21:03:00.000-07:00

From top left: She's one! Hazel's first season of soccer - the Green Dragons, my sleeping cherub, new skateboard grip tape, licking lolipops, happy driver, blowing out candles. Second row: Hazel with friend Tessa, raindrops on the driveway, lego building, nap time with Dad, silly kids, birthday lego obsession, hazel-monkey climbs on everything. Third row: Hazel likes bugs, out to dinner with friends, drumming with Dad, happy Marin, Hazel's dimples, Mogli Marin, walking to school to get Ollie. Fourth row: scooters and Twinkle Toes, Marin, happy kids, her Sunday nap camp early, drool and blue eyes, evening at the ballet, double toothless grins. Last row: me, kids in the backyard, pouty face, happy girl, front porch, love this picture, Ollie's best buddies.

ballet

2011-10-05T10:31:00.000-07:00

The other night I took Hazel to see the San Francisco Ballet's performance of Romeo & Juliet. I didn't know how long she would sit still or how she would respond to it. But she was captivated. She stayed wide awake late into the night watching a 3-hour ballet. Needless to say, I was so happy. The dancing was superb. The whole production was incredibly amazing and beautiful.

birthday boy

2011-10-03T21:53:00.000-07:00

A week or so ago Oliver turned SEVEN! He has been seeming like such a big kid lately. Right now he is really into Legos. He plays with them for hours. He also loves Nerf guns and jumping on the tramp. He is a voracious reader and loves science experiments. He is a great kid! We had a fun Lego party for him. It mostly involved building Lego cars and racing them down a race track ramp. But it also involved a pinata, water ballons, lego cake and crazy boys. They had a great time! Happy Birthday, Buddy!

we heart seattle

2011-09-26T22:50:00.000-07:00

Last week-ish we took a trip to Washington. I love the Pacific Northwest. It is so beautiful! I think living with an abundance of sunshine and heat makes me relish the somber Seattle skies. We hadn't visited for about three years so our kids didn't really remember much of anything. It was a magical stay at grandmas house and I finally made it up to my sister Liz's amazing new/old house (and farm!). The photos of her place don't do it justice. It is magical too. We are so lucky to have family that lives in such a cool place. Something about a low stress, non-holiday time vacation made it so enjoyable. And people seem to be in less of a hurry there. A little slower pace. It was wonderful!

They are big enough to wheel their own suitcases! Weird.

They liked the airport. They were so excited to see grandma!

Good times at grandmas! Hazel and grandma playing Littlest Pet Shop on the deck. Catan is always fun. Walking to Pike's Place Market. Ollie's birthday prizes! Licking the cookie bowl clean. Quick photo on the pig at Pike's place.

We rode the iconic "Duck" water truck thing and did a tour of the city. Dave and I had never done this. It was fun for all of us. We saw so much!

Love the house boats

and the Seattle skyline.

Liz & Ben's

2011-09-26T22:00:00.000-07:00

Also, while in Washington we got to visit my sister Liz, her husband Ben and my sweet niece June. Their yard (forest) and home (magazine worthy) were so fun to see. These crappy photos do not do it justice. So so beautiful.

Fire+boys=lets burn stuff. Delicious dinner in the backyard. Making smores with the kids.

It is so big that I never did get to the back of their property. June in her magical world. A view of the back of the house.

And they have chickens! Ollie was the only one of us to catch one. June and Hazel had so much fun together.

Granite Falls

2011-09-26T21:14:00.000-07:00

While in Washington we also visited Granite Falls. This just so happens to be the place where Dave proposed to me almost twelve years ago! Crazy. We have gone here a few times since then, but never with all of our kids. I was happy to share this beautiful place with them. We actually saw several salmon jump up (or attempt to jump up) this raging river! It was really cool.

Marin loves being outside. "Out" was one of her first words.

That is Dave, Ollie and Hazel in the distance.

I love the contrast of the roar of the river and the quiet of all the other surroundings. And those three people are pretty fun to be with too.

Ollie caught a water-skeeter that he would have loved to bring home in his pocket.

We also got to spend some time with our good friend Brian. Susie, Jay, James and Grandma were able to come along too.
A perfect afternoon.

smile

2011-09-21T13:10:00.000-07:00

This little girl makes me smile.

Here are some funny things she has said lately:

"This girl is wearing a zucchini!" (bikini)

"I think my hair looks like Justin Beaver!"

"Me too! I mean, me five! Cause my next bday I'll be five."

"Do grandmas have OLD things to do?" - on pondering what grandmas do.

"Can we live on a farm that has colored horses?" a few days after watching Wizard of Oz

family time - San Diego style

2011-09-21T12:50:00.000-07:00

This summer my family (all except for my brother and his wife - she just had a baby) met to spend a week in San Diego together. Highlights of the trip were: the beach, Legoland, the SD Zoo, Old Town SD, pool time and of course time with cousins and my sisters! Here are some of my favorite pictures from the trip. I wish I would have taken more pictures!

Run

2011-09-07T13:57:00.000-07:00

My friends Carrie and Miko recently started a running/fitness blog that is great for any of you runners out there. I think you'll enjoy it. CLICK HERE to see it.

a month in photos - August

2011-09-04T21:54:00.000-07:00

Top row: happy on daddy's lap, lego love, hazel, found frogs!, water play, with my dad in San Diego. 2nd row: Dave being silly, Marin helps do dishes, yay for smiles!, birthday cake binge, new school shoes, scooter tricks, tasty grapes. 3rd row: Ollie's signs for Marin's birthday, he lost his front tooth!, 1st day of school, dave, at church, cupcakes!, hazel loves to dress up. 4th row: "I want out of my stroller!", hazel?, grape phone, la jolla, two front teeth!, cousins!, kate and marin with aunt jen. Last row: more backyard grapes, at the zoo with cousin June, spider Hazel, watermelon mouth, happy girl, animal lover, dirty and happy!

somebody...

2011-09-04T20:51:00.000-07:00

...lost a tooth!

grapes

2011-09-04T20:47:00.000-07:00

A few days ago the grapes in our backyard all ripened. They were pretty small little grapes but were very sweet and delicious.

a month in photos - July

2011-08-22T22:57:00.001-07:00

A memorable, fun month full of many smiles.

Top left: Hazel tenting it in Carlsbad, Hazel fell asleep on the floor with Marin as her pillow, i love that little beeb, at the hospital a couple of hours after he broke his arm, hazel's hair is growing!, first time on a mountain bike in ages, inflatable kayak filled to capacity at Canyon Lake.

2nd Row: relaxing at the beach, playing "king of the surfboard" in the pool, miniature golfing is always fun, happy dave, waterproof cast made by dave, golfing one-armed is possible, hazel at oceanside pier.

3rd row: buddy cousins Dylin & Ollie, sympathy schwag from friends and family, rare that we're all in a photo - yay!, she can sleep anywhere, dave bought a megaphone (loves it) for a 5k race he helped put on, playing on the gigaball, the boy still likes hot wheels.

4th row: Hazel hiding in pool toys, bike date, happy boy, reading lots, big toothy grin, relaxing in the pool, hazel loves to beach comb.

Last row: late night ice cream dash, Marin invading the tent, hazel loves her cowgirl boots even in this heat!, 24th of July 5k race breakfast, night walk on the beach, Marin loves to climb in the dishwasher, sparklers on the 4th.

2011-08-22T21:55:00.000-07:00

Favorite pics from more beach time with family.

Oceanside Pier - July 2011

I can't believe....

2011-08-14T22:41:00.000-07:00

...she's one!
Happy Birthday, Marin!
We love you, sweet baby.

first day of school

2011-08-14T21:28:00.000-07:00

8.11.11
In my defense, on the first day of preschool (2nd year) I tried to get a snapshot of Hazel, but she just doesn't care. She's out the door running to see her friends and never looks back!

stars and stripes forever

2011-07-05T15:29:00.000-07:00

Every year on the 4th of July at our church the kids have a festive bike parade. They love it. This year was no exception.

a month in photos - June

2011-07-01T21:44:00.000-07:00

School started today and i have been wanting to go through my summer photos before it is Christmas! Here are some photos from June!

Top row: garden sunflower, squishy marin cheeks, all 3 in one photo!, ollie body boarding, strawberry picking in carlsbad, boys at the beach.
2nd row: music time, bribe hug, happy marin, with grandma & grandpa, airplane ride, hazel's beach energy is fantastic, jeep drive w dave.
3rd row: best water gun ever, airplane ride (sweet hair!), phone photo, hazel likes a wild ride, cousin hugs, washing machine entertainment, boardwalk bike ride.
4th row: deep in thought dave, summer snow cones, half marathon, ollie's getting big, happy dave, beach baby, holding dave's hand.
last row: half marathon friends, crazy hazy, sandy baby, sundance lift ride, backyard water fights, hazel likes dave's drums, at the San Diego temple.

to the beach!

2011-07-01T16:32:00.000-07:00

Above: Biking to the pier, waiting for the train.

Ice cream on the pier, sandy baby, strawberry picking.

Not your typical surfer – but he always has a good time!Above: Hazel loves taunting the waves with her cousins, and finding great sticks!

Boogie board rides with uncle Mike. The beach is always a great place to explore.

Boogie boarding with family and finding sand crabs are

Ollie's favorite things to do at the beach.

June marked the time of our annual beach trip with Dave's family. Fun is always had by all. Cousins, games and sand galore.

father's day

2011-07-01T13:26:00.000-07:00

Father's Day - June 19, 2011 - San Diego Temple

Utah trip

2011-06-30T21:40:00.000-07:00

 Spencer, Parker, Hazel & Ollie

The kids and I made our annual trek up to Utah to visit my family as soon as school was out in early June. (Yes, I'm a couple months behind in my blogging, oh well). I  love a good road trip and my kids actually were better in the car than I had  expected (thank you, technology!). When I asked my kids what they wanted to do during our trip the number one thing they wanted to do was PLAY WITH COUSINS!!! So  that's what we did. A good time was had by all. The only niece or nephew on my side of the family that was missing was my niece June. We missed you guys!    
 Mason, Mary & Miles

 Grandma Frankie, Kate & Marin

 We love Maggie 

From June 2011 

walnuts

2011-06-30T21:18:00.000-07:00

My sister Jen has a big walnut tree in her backyard. While up in Utah, Hazel and I enjoyed an afternoon of walnut cracking. It is tedious work -- but the hammering bit is very therapeutic. : )

sundance

2011-06-30T21:16:00.000-07:00

Whenever I go home to Utah, I am never disappointed by the beauty of the mountains. I love the good memories I have of the hours and hours spent up in them.

{ from June 2011 }

reality

2011-06-30T21:15:00.000-07:00

The reality, for me, of taking photos of my kids doing what I want them to do is that it doesn't usually happen! (see above!) It is funny to me that these photos are such an accurate representation of life sometimes. But, I've learned that most of the time, if you wait for it and remember to just let them be themselves it usually turns out better and more genuine anyway.

Marin just needed a little grandpa love!

{ June 2011 }

other things

2011-06-30T21:10:00.000-07:00

My brother-in-law Zach did the Utah Valley Marathon
on June 9th and my sister Mary did the half.
Nice job you two!

columbine?

2011-06-30T21:01:00.000-07:00

I've been going through some photos from this summer and liked this one. Not sure what kind of flower it is, a variety of columbine maybe, but isn't it beautiful? It quietly grows in the dappled sunlight in my mom and dad's backyard. Does anyone know what flower this is? I love it. 

{from 06/11}

only one

2011-06-28T11:32:00.000-07:00

Shortly after putting our garden in earlier this spring some darling but pesky squirrels ate most of the sunflower seeds that we had planted. Only one plant survived and this morning Hazel really wanted to pick it. She was so happy! P.S. We also picked our first beautifully red juicy tomato – I love summer!

a month in photos - May

2011-06-27T17:09:00.000-07:00

top row: messy marin, giant grasshopper, hazel is banned from scissors, snuggle buddies, school festival, dave's tux at church auction, happy sisters.

2nd row: crazy kids in car, pre-race smiles, sweet marin, day after new haircut, hazel with hair, happy marin, serious runner mode - ollie.

3rd row: swinging smiles, mullet child, sister love, rainy day target trip, ollie loves face paint, done w the bumbo, happy hazel.

4th row: marin can climb the stairs, hazel loves to rock out in the music room, happy ollie, race day hazel, in chuck's plane, hungry marin, halfway through a 10k.

bottom row: strawberries ripen, summer is coming, race day, happy baby, marble maze mania, swing me higher, mom!, double dimples.

dirt bike

2011-06-27T15:58:00.000-07:00

On his way home from camping with his dad they stopped with some friends at a dirt bike track. Our friends let Ollie try out their kids bike. He loved it! Now he's saving all his pennies to buy one of his own!

flying high

2011-06-19T16:08:00.000-07:00

Earlier this summer our friends Chuck and Carla took Ollie and Hazel on a ride in their plane. It was really cool. The kids loved it. What lucky kids! Thanks to Kelly for the photos!

two teeth

2011-06-01T06:44:00.001-07:00

9-1/2 months

new do

2011-05-13T10:45:00.000-07:00

Doesn't everyone have a haircutting story? Well, this is Hazel's. I came into the room...saw a pile of hair....she looks at me, grins and says: "I just thought it would be funny." My friend Mandi, quickly came over for an emergency hair cut. She did a great job rescuing her from the Joe Dirt mullet. Hazel looks so much like my sister Liz to me now. Hazel loves her new 'do.

run through the vines 2011

2011-05-09T22:00:00.000-07:00

Last year Dave and Ollie did this same run and it looked like a lot of fun. This year I got to do the 10K, Dave ran the 5K and Hazel and Ollie ran the kids 2K. The kids were very excited about racing in their "fast shoes". Before the race Ollie said: "Dad, I don't want you to run with me, because I think you and Hazel will slow me down!" It was my first race since having Marin - I was by no means fast, but I did it! It was a hilly course but beautiful, cool weather and good company made it all worth it!

2011-05-09T21:10:00.000-07:00

2011-05-09T21:00:00.000-07:00

Miss Independent looks so keenly aware of the power she has over me.

food face

2011-05-03T01:03:00.000-07:00

Marin is a messy messy eater. She insists on grabbing the spoon away from me and feeding herself almost every bite. At least she's happy, right?

art class - Picasso

2011-05-03T01:00:00.000-07:00

Art class last week. Picasso's Three Musicians. We ran out of time before they could finish, but I think they got a great start. I love to see what they come up with!

a month in photos - April

2011-05-02T23:40:00.000-07:00

From top left: Hazel w friends in the backyard, Ollie's 1st grade open house, Hazel in the wildflowers, Ollie loves Bandu, Hazel's w her good friend Joseph, Dave's happy vacation smile, Ollie earned his white belt. 2nd Row: self portrait while driving mountain biking support, 6-year-old handwriting, Marin loves bike rides, my girls, rafting on the San Juan, Ollie and Xander on the wii, happy hazel. 3rd row: proud hamster owner, flower picker, Marin pats Dave's scruffy chin, ocean-ready kiddos, nasturtiums in the backyard, swishy baby kisses, riding bikes w Uncle Doug. 4th Row: beach baby, Ollie caught a bunch of Wooly Bear Caterpillars, happy in the tent, Dave, happy camper, me loving our rafting trip, Ollie decides on his favorite rocks. Bottom row: happy, she loves baths, Dave at the oars, my garden in full bloom, cheesy grin, beach camping, sweet Hazel.

to do or to be

2011-04-29T17:54:00.000-07:00

Did anyone else enjoy this LDS Conference talk as much as I did?

four

2011-04-29T14:09:00.000-07:00

Hazel: "When I turn sixteen I wanna be cowgirl. Sixteen is a teenager, right?"

San Juan River

2011-04-26T10:00:00.000-07:00

Our friends Tim and Annie invited us to take our kids down the San Juan River on a rafting trip. Dave and I hadn't been down a river in far too long – so we left Marin with my sister-in-law Michelle and made the 12+ hour drive. It was so worth it! We had a fantastic time. Ollie and Hazel loved it. The weather was great and the company was even better. There were 12 adults and 13 kids on the trip. The Easter bunny even found us way out in the middle of nowhere. It felt great to row a boat, to unplug from everything and just relax! It was fun to see old friends and make some new ones. Here's to more trips soon!

8 months

2011-04-14T17:54:00.000-07:00

Squishy. Smiley. Perfect baby. I feel so lucky!

Carlsbad camping

2011-04-14T17:52:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week we went camping with some friends. Fun was had by all except for some late night surprises (aka: sick kiddos - yuck!) Other than that it was great. The weather was divine. Beach cruisers and sandy bums. Good food and s'mores. Our campsite was right on the cliffs with a perfect view of the ocean. I didn't want to go home!

vernal pools

2011-04-14T16:59:00.000-07:00

Some random photos from last week of our walk to some vernal pools and later a bike ride for the boys. We saw our first tarantula in the wild and many woolly bear caterpillars almost made their way into Oliver's pockets. Another beautiful day! Being outside in fresh spring air is the best!

hamster races

2011-04-14T00:53:00.000-07:00

Did you know Petco has annual Hamster races? We took Ollie's hamster, Chip. She surprised us by taking 2nd place! All of those late night hours on her hamster wheel have paid off!

Hazel is four!

2011-04-07T00:50:00.001-07:00

We all had a great time at her cowgirl party! Her special requests were face painting and a horse piñata. She is such a fun little girl. I can't believe she is four already. Photos by Kelly.

a month in photos - march

2011-04-07T00:48:00.000-07:00

Cowgirls and Leprechauns. Face paint and cupcakes. Hoodies and bare feet.

11

2011-03-20T23:49:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe I've been married to my sweetie for eleven years! For our anniversary we spent some time running/hiking up in the hills near our home. It was a beautiful day that I always want to remember.

green

2011-03-20T23:03:00.000-07:00

You don't have to look too far to see where Hazel gets her sense of humor from.

disneyland

2011-03-06T16:01:00.000-08:00

swing

2011-03-06T16:00:00.000-08:00

a month in photos - february

2011-03-01T22:59:00.000-08:00

February 2011

From top left: hazel's ballet class, bowling w the fam, 6-month marin, burger king joy, marin and annie, sweet hazel, hazel in a bucket. • 2nd Row: Ollie's new hamster Chip, Annie and Marin, hazel in the rain, hazel in the car, dave near tenaja falls, basketball is the sport of the month, hazel in the rain • 3rd row: thinking hazel, doug and messy hazel, ollie and class pet, valentine loot, passe hazel, toothless grin ollie, dad time • 4th row: i caught dave yawning, hazel fell asleep in the shower!, pink bowling balls are best, hazel on a slide, clothes off right after church, dave at dinner, annie and marin • 5th row: happy ollie, annie at dinner, ollie's bedroom door sign (he has since added "and mom", hazel before dance class, hazel is a wild painter, marin, ollie has a severe sweet tooth!

a month in photos - january

2011-03-01T21:52:00.000-08:00

January 2011

From top left: Arizona cousins farm, four wheeler, skis on the tramp, bunny on a skateboard, lost second tooth at school, marin 5 months • 2nd row: Hazel's mischievous smile, lounging marin and hazel, princess party hazel, marin, ollie ski-ready, at the park w ollie and michael, hazel mackenzie and tessa on the tramp • 3rd row: found a cat while walking home from school, hazel holds worried marin, hazel biking to the park, ollie's first paintball gun shot, skiing w hazel, annie and hazel, viking hazel and knight joseph • 4th row: hazel in the snow, on the lift with dad, marin loves her toes, ollie on his way to a birthday party, bubble heads in the bath, hazel's new helmet and gloves, hazel wearing ollie's shorts to get a laugh • 5th row: reading books at night, nerf gun collection, ollie and michael, robot box head ollie, sleeping ollie, bouncy balls collection from Farmer Bros, Annie and ollie on the ski lift.

6-1/2

2011-02-26T12:13:00.000-08:00

I can't believe how big this kid is getting!

6 months

2011-02-22T22:38:00.000-08:00

Tenaja

2011-02-20T22:52:00.000-08:00

We almost made it up to Tenaja Falls last week. Next time! We started late in the afternoon and the sun disappeared all too soon. Nice day for a hike.

on the tramp

2011-02-03T12:57:00.000-08:00

snow day

2011-01-26T12:39:00.000-08:00

Dave's birthday request this year was to spend a day in the snow. It was a great day. The weather was beautiful. It was so nice to be out in the fresh mountain air. We all had fun and the kids were thoroughly worn out when we were done. Happy Birthday, Dave!

book look

2011-01-19T22:57:00.000-08:00

Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fantastic read. I loved every page.

View all my reviews

5 months

2011-01-19T22:43:00.000-08:00

I feel like if I stared long enough I could watch this baby grow. It's hard to believe she is five months already!

this afternoon

2011-01-19T22:14:00.000-08:00

Bike riding with Hazel is always an adventure. She nearly ran me over in the middle of the road today. But she felt really bad after she saw that she rammed me so hard that my leg started bleeding. Kids are awesome. I vowed today that I am never going to be the one who tells her that a dandelion is a weed.

a month in photos - december

2010-12-29T15:01:00.000-08:00

I think my iphone has ruined me. I use it everywhere instead of taking a better quality camera with me. Oh, well. Here are a few photos of what we've been up to this month.
From top left: ollie at school in favorite zip off pants, the adventures of hazel, sound asleep, marin's first mickey ears, photo with santa cow at chick fil a - love it! weirdest picture of the year, a pug like dede, all of us • 2nd row: chunky cheeks, christmas tree at disneyland, all smiles at dland, carousel, more disneyland, mailing Christmas packages at the post office, gingerbread house time at school • 3rd row: hazel loves broccoli, kids love baking, old town adventures w thor and logan, ride at legoland w dave and uncle doug, hazel loved the unicycle rider, on daddy's shoulders is best, legoland on christmas eve day • 4th row: Disneyland w cousins, on the disney train in the rain, christmas jammies, santas knee, ho ho ho, student of the month, hi hazel • 5th row: pillow pet love, hazel feeding marin, water was so freezing at the beach, but the sun felt good, marin love, biking in a wetsuit is a first, Christmas dress.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T01:03:00.000-08:00

From our family to yours, we hope you have a wonderful Christmas!

*I'm counting this as my December "art of the month"

5"x7" Digital collage. Pencil drawing manipulated in Photoshop.

stargirl

2010-12-23T12:25:00.000-08:00

Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A delightful quick read. Everyone should take a couple of hours and read it for themselves. I loved it! I plan to read "Love Stargirl" soon. Thanks, Amy for the recommendation!

View all my reviews

santa claus is coming to town

2010-12-12T16:02:00.000-08:00

Marin's blessing

2010-12-03T10:18:00.000-08:00

giving thanks

2010-11-26T17:33:00.000-08:00

We had Thanksgiving at our house this year. It was fun to have family around. Lots of wild playing, games and laughter. Dinner was delicious - thanks to many helpful hands!

thankful

2010-11-13T20:40:00.000-08:00

almost 3 months

2010-11-08T12:29:00.000-08:00

Hard to believe my little Marin is almost 3 months. We adore this little munchkin.

Santa Barbara

2010-11-07T22:04:00.000-08:00

This weekend we took a trip to Santa Barbara. It was our first visit and the area was even more beautiful that I had expected. Dave ran a half marathon on Saturday (I forgot to take my camera to the race!). He ran a great race -- I think this is his last one for the year. We also got to hang out with Dave's brother Chris and his family. (His wife Lizzy ran the race as well.) We had a great time. We rented an RV-- that was a fun adventure. And thanks to uncle Doug for helping out with everything. We also stumbled onto these beautiful tide pools (see photos) at really low tide. There were many sea creatures to be found. It was very cool. And as always, the beach (or anywhere out in nature really) is the best playground for kids.

first beach day

2010-11-03T12:33:00.000-07:00

Last week we took Marin to the beach for her first time. Obviously, she won't remember much..but she slept and was calm and happy. It was warmer and more pleasant than all the days I remember from this summer. November!!

2010-11-01T22:50:00.000-07:00

Was there a bribe involved? Absolutely.

spooktacular

2010-10-31T22:48:00.000-07:00

2010-10-29T22:53:00.000-07:00

Was Hazel going to smile for the camera today? Not on your life. She's too busy playing. Attitude and super-woman stances keep this girl on her toes. Ollie on the other hand quite likes to pose for the camera. Maybe it's an age thing. Anyway, we had fun at Peltzer farms. We're glad Ollie's buddy Michael could come along, too. I think their favorite thing was the corn maze.

lake perris triathlon

2010-10-17T14:25:00.000-07:00

A few shots of Dave's race yesterday. Go Dave! He's done a lot of races this year, I'm really proud of him. Hopefully I'll be running next to him soon!! My good friends Amy and Shantil did this triathlon as well. They all looked fast and strong! Nice work!

2 months

2010-10-15T12:24:00.000-07:00

Marin turned two months old yesterday! She is a happy and cheerful little person. We love her so much!

october art

2010-10-12T17:53:00.000-07:00

So, I took a little hiatus from my "art of the month" because of the baby, but this last week I've been feeling the urge to get some paints out for a quick painting. This one is an 11x14 canvas done in acrylics. For the girls room.

st george 2010

2010-10-07T21:15:00.000-07:00

He did it!! Dave ran the St George Marathon last weekend. It was his first marathon. He did great! The heat was a record-breaking high but it was a great day other than that. Here's hoping that we get in next year! Anyone else care to join us?

love

2010-10-07T19:31:00.000-07:00

My friend Kelly had her studio lights set up and she let me stop by to snap some photos of Marin. So sweet!

halloween rocks

2010-09-29T21:42:00.000-07:00

Hazel loves trinkets. Hazel loves making stuff. She and I painted these pumpkin rocks today and had a lot of fun. We are a tad premature with the whole Halloween thing, but oh well.

chuck e...

2010-09-28T21:04:00.000-07:00

...Cheese! Ollie begged and pleaded and begged some more... and finally we caved. Yes, he had a Chuck E. Cheese birthday party last week. He was in heaven and I was chasing everyone with hand sanitizer. Dave hit the jackpot once or twice and Ollie had tickets coming out his ears. You're only six once right? It's hard to believe my little Ollie is so big!

one month old

2010-09-14T22:22:00.000-07:00

Hi friends, If you are a doting grandma or nice friend and would like to continue to see a plethora of baby and kid photos, you have come to the right place! :) They are my world! Marin is one month old today.

never dull

2010-09-14T20:35:00.000-07:00

pretty much a pro

2010-09-14T20:30:00.000-07:00

Ask Ollie and he'll tell you that "pretty much, I'm a pro on my new bike." He sold his old one at a garage sale last week. His sweet new ride has been ridden to and from school many times already and there are tire skid marks all over the neighborhood.

favorite app

2010-09-13T20:57:00.000-07:00

A while ago I blogged about the Hipstamatic app for the iphone and how much I like it. Well, the same people also made this app called Incredibooth. Essentially, it turns your iphone into a photo booth. Very clever. I love it - and so might you! With a new baby in tow, we've had a lot of "at home" time - hence the always entertaining photo booth in your pocket! :)

gramma frankie

2010-09-06T22:14:00.000-07:00

My mom came to visit (aka: Help me!) this weekend. It was so nice to have her here. We miss her already!

dads are...

2010-08-27T15:37:00.000-07:00

...different than moms. Dave says he can't wait until she's big enough to play!

day 6

2010-08-21T13:37:00.000-07:00

We are so in love with this little baby.

4 days old

2010-08-19T13:15:00.000-07:00

watch out preschool...

2010-08-19T13:10:00.000-07:00

Here she comes!!
Hazel's first day of preschool.
She casually says: "Bye, mom." and never looks back.