My Birthday

So I can't say that anything compares with the cruise we were on last year for my birthday, but I did have a lovely birthday and was properly spoiled by family and friends alike. :) We only took one token photo of the delicious pumpkin ice cream pie Dennis bought me (and we didn't actually eat for my birthday, but it's hard to put candles in fondue!).

Anyway, we had delicious fondue and then went to a free concert for Lehi Family Week featuring Andre Boyer, which was absolutely fantastic! A perfect birthday celebration that the entire family enjoyed. He is a true performer. Wow!

Since I have a birthday near a holiday, I am a firm believer in celebrating for at least a week, if not longer. I had several friends spoil me and take me out to dinner the week following my birthday, which made it all the sweeter--I'm always happy to drag it out!

Thanks everyone for a fabulous birthday--I love you all!

Grandma's 80th

My grandmother turned 80 this past September; however, my aunt and uncle recently moved to Hawaii, and their first grandchild was due to be born in November, so the celebration was pushed back to the first week in November so they could fly to California once and be present for both wonderful events.

I was fortunate enough to get to fly down Sunday morning, attend the celebration, and then drive home with my parents that evening. It was wonderful to see my grandparents and of course see family members from far and near.

I just want to comment that my grandmother is one of the most amazing women I know. She is strong and gracious and kind, and she recognizes the Lord's hand in her life in all things--one day I aspire to be even half as amazing as she is.

Doesn't my grandma look fantastic for 80? I should have gotten a picture of the top of the cake--it had a beautiful picture of my grandmother from high school. We only had one candle to avert a fire hazard. :)

My sister Summer drove up from Arizona with her husband Tyler (not pictured).

My Aunt Michelle flew in from Indiana (without her husband Gary). Can I just say she looks amazing? I have always thought of her as fit, but she lost some weight and fits in a size 2 again--whoa!

My dad and his siblings (L to R): Krista, Greg (my dad), Michelle, Doug (in whose home we held the party)

Some of my cousins with my grandparents (L to R): Ashley, Brooke, Taylor, Kimmy, Me

Same cousins with spouses who were present:

Beach Trip 2009 - Take 2

Well, after a crazy spring break trip to the beach (think everyone with the flu craziness), we decided to head back with dad. Woo hoo! What an awesome trip. Always better when Dad's around (mom feels like she sort of got a vacation too), the weather was perfect, everyone's health was perfect. We could not have asked for a better trip.

We drove all night Tuesday night and got there in the wee hours of the morning on Wednesday. We were overlapping with my mom's last day at the beach with my sister Brianne and her friend Melissa. What fun! We tried to be quiet as we got everyone into bed, but Grandma let Aspen sleep with her, and that was the end!

We were up bright and early and out at the beach by 9 a.m. We pretty much spent the whole day on the beach. Grandma and Breezy left really early the following morning (like 4 a.m.). We spent Thursday morning at the beach, then headed to Little Tokyo for our traditional Shabu Shabu. Yum! Aspen even loved it, although Shaylee wouldn't touch most of it. We also stocked up at the Japanese market on foods we cannot get here in Utah. The kids also got some fun souvenirs.

Thursday morning we headed to Crystal Cove State Park and the tide pools. We found TONS of crabs, plus a rabbit and some birds nesting in a sea cave. We spent the rest of the day on the beach. That night, rather than fork out another load of money for our traditional dinner at The Old Spaghetti Factory, we decided to make spaghetti at the house, but Dennis had to have their broccoli with mizithra cheese. Not wanting to give up my parking space on a Friday evening, I roller bladed down to The Old Spaghetti Factory and convinced one of the guys doing valet parking to go in and get it for me--he told me to just go in with my blades on (I had brought sandals in a plastic bag, but it's a hassle to take off your blades, go in, then put them on again). Anyway, that was great.

It rained Saturday, but we were packing up and heading to Great Grandpa and Grandma Pearson's for lunch and an afternoon of games and visiting. Thanks for a great trip!

I make dirt look good!

But Mom says I shouldn't eat it!

Connor loved the water and got all the way in.

Devin got pretty brave with his boogie board.

Check out these waves!

Who knew Dennis was such a water fiend! We had to drag him out (he and I boarded most of the day Friday, and it was awesome!).

Not sure what Shaylee is doing here (then again, am I ever?).

Water soccer, very popular.

My boys . . .

Devin is also quite the sand digger/builder.

Grandma and Connor had a great time.

Heading to the pier for our evening walk and Balboa Bars.The girls . . .

The ducks (they enjoyed our leftover rolls)

Connor couldn't get enough of them.

You don't think I'm going to let you make me leave, do you?

Let's go to the beach!

I wasn't kidding about that kid wanting to live in the water!

Check out my man! What a hottie!

Our sand princess--although she said getting in the water was the highlight of the trip (it took her 3 days to work up the courage to put her toes in--I was so proud of her!)

My girls . . .

Crystal Cove State Park (above the tide pools)

Check it out!

Careful, slippery when wet.

Our rabbit friend

A crab

Birds nesting in a sea cave (did I mention Connor is a bird watcher like his Grandpa Pearson? couldn't get enough of them).

Playing Skip-Bo with Grandpa and Grandma Pearson