Catchin' a Wave...

Jillian and Josh had surf lessons this past week. Let me tell you, they moaned and groaned about going as soon as Jav told them about it. Guess what happened...they didn't want to leave the water after the last lesson! A big thanks to San Diego Surf School for making it such a fun time for them!

I'm Already Tired....

We've been having so much fun since school's been out that I'm already tired! We've gone on vacation to Santa Maria and Clearlake visiting family, we've been to Soak City, Sea World, Family Reunions, whew! Jesse even got his braces on today -- which is a very big event that we've been planning for quite a while!

Hiking Pt. Saul with George, Teresa, Meekaela & Mia

Our new favorite puppy Farley

Lunch in the car at Soak City

Family Reunion at McCambridge Park in Burbank

Jesse gets braces!

We did so many fun things lately that I'll have to come back soon and add more pictures. I'm still downloading them to the computer! See ya soon!

Last Day of School

I realize that school has been out for many of you for some time now. But for our school, today was the last day. So much has gone on during the past week that it's hard to summarize. Let's just say that it was "all about Jesse". Being the graduating 8th grader there was lots of fun to be had. Jav planned a ragin' beach/bonfire party for Jesse and his friends, then there was the 8th Grade Banquet. After that came 8th grade Ditch Day to Knott's Berry Farm following by the Moving Up Ceremony last night. Our son is officially a high schooler! Not to mention that our dear younger two are now an 8th grader and a 6th grader. Although they didn't get to be in the limelight as much as Jesse they are really glad that school is over! Yea for summer!

Beach Party Bonfire

Knott's Berry Farm

8th Grade Graduation

Growing Up

Last Tuesday Jesse had his matriculation at school. It's an opportunity for the graduating 8th grade students to do a presentation of science, history, and language arts before some of the teachers at the school. Between presentations the teachers ask the presenting students questions about what they learned. The kids are required to dress up and be professional. All in all, a pretty nerve-wracking experience! I'm sure Jess is happy that it's finally over and he can look forward to the fun activities to come like ditch day at Knott's Berry Farm and the 8th grade banquet! Before matriculation I have only seen my son in a tie one other time -- check out the pictures. I sure miss my chubby little boy but I'm happy about the young man that he has become!

Little Jesse at 2 years old

Big Jesse at 14 years old

The Celebration Continues....

We've been kind of stretching out Jav's birthday celebration. Let's see, it's been two weeks now since his actual birthday! Yesterday we went to Benihana to celebrate one more time -- he got to hear "Happy Birthday" in Japanese. There was a newly engaged Caldean couple at our table (there's a very large Caldean population in San Diego). Anyway, it was interesting to talk with them and hear about their plans for a very large family wedding. Although we came out smelling like grilled onions, the food was wonderful and a very fun time!

Wow, What a Week!

There's one special week in May where we celebrate all week long. This past week was it! On May 19th Jav and I celebrated our 19th anniversary! We ditched the kids and went out to dinner ALONE! Then on Thursday our baby Josh turned 11. We had an interesting celebration for him because we were on the road but managed to get some good friends and family together for great pizza at Chi Chi's. Jav's birthday was on the 23rd (don't tell anyone but he turned 43!) but he had to share his day because we were at a very special wedding for our long-time friend Jackie. We drove all the way up to the Sacramento area for the wedding -- it's such a long drive! It was a beautiful day in a beautiful place. Check out the pics!

Family pictures from the wedding location -- Nevada City, CA

Of course, we had to stop and eat at Andersen's in Santa Nella -- it's tradition!

Here's Josh's birthday at Chi Chi's Pizza

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy day-after Mother's Day to all of you hard working moms!

I was able to attend the woman's retreat from our church over the weekend. Two days of sitting by the pool, being SERVED my meals, and not having to clean up after anyone but myself! Heaven! When I came home late Saturday night my mom-in-law had come and we were able to treat her to church and lunch out on Sunday. Later we took a walk around Lake Murray -- the kids on bikes and the adults walking. Jillian took most of these pictures.

My biggest "baby"

Mom-in-law and myself -- a flattering shot from the back...

Lake Murray