my colorful life

routine

2012-01-24T22:30:00.000-08:00

First he waits for her.

Then they wait.

Then she gets the royal treatment.

lucky dog.

chillaxin

2012-01-21T21:17:00.000-08:00

an easy weekend with lots of family time. crossing off the to do list. just how i like it.

these days.

2012-01-20T00:38:00.000-08:00

He'd rather not have his picture taken.
I sneak them when I can (close to never).
He'd prefer a hot breakfast over a cold one any day.
He likes to sleep with a dog. lucky for Eloise.
He has a special voice he uses only with Eloise.
He treasures the moment his homework is done.
He'd rather be outside than in.
He likes to compete. At everything.
He really likes to win.
He thanks me for dinner. every. single. day.
He sighs under his breath each and every time he is asked to take the trash out and then conveniently forgets to come back to put the new bag in.
His sister makes him crazy. But he can't stand to see her cry.
He leaves his cleats at the front door step. Even though his last pair were stolen from that very spot.
His brother is his very best friend.
He's a walking carbohydrate.
He's got middle school figured out. For now.
When he leads the family prayer he never leaves out a single one of us. Including all the pets.

I think we'll keep him.

on the loose

2012-01-19T06:06:00.001-08:00

Peanut, Avery's hamster, getting her nightly workout.

afterschool snack

2012-01-17T15:12:00.000-08:00

just down the road

2012-01-16T18:24:00.001-08:00

Last night was the Villa Park Football Banquet. We took advantage of the venue in Irvine, and got ourselves a room.

It doesn't matter the weather... rain or shine... they'll SWIM.

lookin' fly:

Even the tooth fairy knew where to find us:

off to Balboa for breakfast and a walk...

proof that I was there too:

three day weekends are the best.

her best self.

2012-01-15T09:11:00.000-08:00

Avery and her troop spent the day yesterday in Montclair earning their very first Brownie badge: "My Best Self". They rotated through physical and mental self-esteem stations and ended the day with a presentation from the cutest dentist we'd ever seen. A great bonding day for Troop 7344.

business as usual

2012-01-12T18:01:00.000-08:00

Its been a back to school, gymnastics, flag football, Girl Scouts, lesson planning, homework, spelling pre-test, packing lunches, alarm setting, and oh-how-we-miss-winter-break kind of week.

easing into the new year

2012-01-11T12:55:00.000-08:00

January 1st twenty twelve looked a little something like this:

After celebrating New Year's Eve with friends at Newport Dunes, we retreated with "The Carlsich's" to a super swanky hotel in Costa Mesa for some R & R. Then it was back to The Dunes in the morning for some fun in the 75 degree sun. A perfect start to what is turning out to be a fabulous year.

it wasn't pretty.

2012-01-09T22:29:00.000-08:00

Tonight was one of those nights where something little turned into an explosion. Hiroshima.

Words were exchanged. Voices got loud. feelings were hurt. Accusations made. Kids ran to rooms. Doors slammed.

Not our finest hour. Now what? Can't take it back. Can't rewind time. What was said was said. Period.

Apologies will be made. Cleaning up will get done. No sweeping under the rug. Owning up. Hugs will be given. Kids will see that its all a part of life and that apologies can be accepted and that life goes on. Teachable moments every day.

No regrets. Life lessons. This is real.

road trip. girls rule.

2012-01-08T08:27:00.000-08:00

a quick jaunt up to Corcoran last week to see Rochelle and her girls, was the perfect vacay for Avery and I. We got caught up, reminisced, made pizza, took pictures, wore matching jammies and sweaters, went for walks, and made the most of our short visit. Its never long enough.

We Resolve...2012 edition

2012-01-01T00:03:00.000-08:00

Hunter: To be nicer to family and in general. To get better at Madden on the Wii.

Avery: To hold Peanut (hamster) more often, to see Aunt Lisa and Uncle Frank more frequently, and to have a baby sister. There's obviously some confusion in the resolution department.

Davin: To play nicer with Avery. (music to my ears)

Dusan: To start his Master's Degree program. To make a 5 year plan.

Me: To read 6 complete books. To always put the shopping cart back where it belongs after unloading groceries in the parking lot. Eat a fruit or vegetable with every meal. Lower the use of the internet from my cell phone. Challenge myself creatively through photography. Find new locations. Travel spontaneously.

What are your goals? I'd love to hear them. Best of Luck.

This was the year:

2011-12-31T08:50:00.000-08:00

We traveled: Chicago, New York City, San Francisco (3 times), Las Vegas (3 times), Kern River and Corcoran
We rocked out: Britney Spears, Nicki Minaj, Usher, Oingo Boingo cover band
We raised: 2 fire-bellied frogs, 1 teddy bear hamster, 3 happy healthy Chihuahuas
We read: Me (3 complete books), Avery (too many to remember)
We braved: Parenting a middle-schooler, white water rafting, and few home inprovement projects
We cheered on: Club Soccer, flag football, gymnastics, baseball, tackle football, and a 11-1 Varsity football season
We learned: Alot about photography, running an unofficial business, and that parenting a middle-schooler isn't so bad.
We continued: Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts
We lost: a few pounds (and gained a few as well)
We loved: The incredible opportunities this year has presented and can't wait to see what's in store for the next

Happy New Year.

you can never have too many

2011-12-29T10:05:00.000-08:00

From the Lego store...

To home...

I hope Davin never outgrows this passion.

one final check.

2011-12-28T10:24:00.000-08:00

Nothing tops The Grove in LA at Christmas time.

We caravan-ed up to show Judy (Frank's mom) just how Southern California does snow. In 75 degree weather, we all danced around as the machine-pumped soapy snow bubbles fell magically upon us while Sinatra sang in the background. Ohio's got nuthin' on US!

And with that our holiday to-do checklist was complete.

photobooth fun.

2011-12-27T13:28:00.000-08:00

slowly but surely figuring out all the amenities.

Christmas wrap up

2011-12-26T09:08:00.000-08:00

gifts, food, and family. another blessed beyond belief year!

oh you better not pout

2011-12-24T07:46:00.000-08:00

The Grand Californian Hotel at Disneyland never disappoints, but it is Christmas on steroids in December. Our friends, The McCaffer's, tipped us off to the best hint of the season... a visit with Santa in this beautiful setting. He was the real deal. After making it just in time to be second to last in line, It was well worth the wait.

Hunter requested Nike's, which Santa promptly came back with, "Why, I'm not a clothing store. I don't make clothes. What about a toy?" and with that, Hunter was stumped.

Davin requested Legos for the 9th year in a row. A boy can never have too many.

Avery requested a Nintendo DSi, which much to my relief Santa replied, "Well my bag is packed already, and you know it takes four days to do that, so I'll see what I've got once I get to La Mirada."

Whew... Thanks for the "gray" answer Santa. An answer which leaves room for forgiveness on Christmas morning rather than disappointment. I really like this Santa.

We've been on a fast and furious pace to check off our traditions list. And now a day of wrapping, double church services, and family. Merry Christmas Eve.

first timers

2011-12-23T12:14:00.000-08:00

The lights in Brea we're everything everyone had said they'd be. Even better with my sissy by my side.

mini bakerella

2011-12-22T15:41:00.000-08:00

Another year of Angel Finger-making, and it seems we have ourselves another tradition. Avery could bake everyday. It must be some sort of therapy for her, which is fine by me.

One part baking, one part silly. Love her.

And as usual, they were gone in a flash. yum. Grandma Ruby's recipe here.

under the lights

2011-12-21T15:49:00.000-08:00

Two nights this week the boys' flag football teams have played under the lights at Whittier College. Exciting for them. Freeeeeezing for the onlookers. But worth it. Spartans had 2 wins and a tie. Not bad.

And what team would be complete without the help of some fans?

reindeer games.

2011-12-20T06:00:00.000-08:00

Another successful Cub Scout Pack Meeting complete with ornament decorating, games, gift exchange, cookies, and hot chocolate. So proud of my Webelo! Sometimes its hard to believe this is year 4.

on being a grown up...

2011-12-19T21:21:00.000-08:00

As of Sunday, we've been married 12 years. I had the flu. I was the 4th one to get it in our house since Monday. I can vouch for the kids, it was not fun. So as the rest of the fam was off enjoying my birthday party at mom and dad's, I caught up on the entire season of "Up All Night" on NBC.com.

My anniversary. Alone. Nauseated. Yuck.

As I watched reruns on my new toy all day and it occured to me, that I'm a grown up.

Birthdays come and go every year, yet it does not bother me. I don't dread it. I look at it as a great excuse to have a fun night out. And I really don't feel any older. Like 37 for example... sounds old, looks old on paper, yet today I walked past Forever 21 and wanted to buy every outfit in the front window.

But grown ups have a computer like mine. And a mini van. And three kids. Three dogs, two frogs, and a hamster. Have been teaching for 12 years. Start their own businesses. Pay a mortgage.

So I guess I have to accept the obvious.

lucky lady.

2011-12-17T17:37:00.000-08:00

A morning filled with homemade cards and signs, phone calls, and presents!

And evening of dinner, drinks, and dancing with friends.

37 is not so bad.

I am blessed.

fa la la la la... la la la lah

2011-12-15T06:29:00.000-08:00

Christmas caroling at Kindred Hospital with both the Cub Scout and Brownie Troops combined. An annual favorite. The Girl Scouts presented the patients with festive hand made placemats, while the Cub Scouts delivered cards. We sung our hearts out up and down the halls of the hospital. Hopefully a few hearts were touched...and I'm sure a few ear drums were pierced.

At the end, all the kids had their chance with Santa. I've never seen my 3 want to get out of a situation so quickly... can you blame them? I think he smelled like beef and cheese.

After all the kids were done, I took the opportunity to sneak in a good word for myself with the big man. After making my request, I asked if he does birthday deliveries? NO? It was worth a shot.

As I was finished explaining how good I have been, he handed me my departing candy cane with his final words of : "I'll do my best, Check under the tree on Christmas morning."

I quickly responded, "Under?? It won't fit under!"

He replied, "Oh yes, of course... check around the tree... OR...would you prefer I just set it up in your office for you?

What a guy!

this old hat

2011-12-14T06:15:00.000-08:00

Davin found this hat the other day, that he used to wear when he was two. Must be snug and cozy on that ten year old head of his.

by land and sea

2011-12-12T18:31:00.000-08:00

Friday night we cruised Belmont Shore taking in the spectacle of lights that is born every year during holiday time.

The lights and reflections were amazing.

the grand finale: The Queen Mary herself.

And on Sunday night, we participated in the Villa Park boat parade for the 2nd year in a row. Lots of spirited parade-goers lined the streets while we tossed candy and merry wishes...

I can't get enough of these family-filled weekends.

speed trimming

2011-12-11T11:41:00.000-08:00

Our tree was bought, assembled, and decorated in under 2 hours. It's perfect.

yesterday was Thursday.

2011-12-09T08:45:00.001-08:00

December around here.

2011-12-08T06:30:00.000-08:00

I'm really enjoying our nights at home these past two weeks. My favorite month of the year.

from SF with love.

2011-12-01T21:54:00.000-08:00

A fast trip to San Francisco just before Thanksgiving. Hunter, Avery, and I road-tripped it to Lisa & Frank's. Shopping, ice skating, relaxing, and taking in all the holiday sites and sounds that the city has to offer this time of year.

Its just NEVER enough time.

footBOWL

2011-11-30T07:30:00.000-08:00

Hunter's first season of tackle football came to an end over a week ago in Murrieta. His team, the La Mirada Titans played agains the Mexicali Zorros. Even with a language barrier, these boys played their hearts out and most importantly showed the guest team what true sportsmanship is all about.

We will always look back on this first season with fond memories.
I have a feeling it won't be his last.

The friendships:

The number:

The fans:

the excitement:

the life lessons learned:

the coaches:

We are so proud of our football guy.

all mine.

2011-11-29T22:26:00.000-08:00

disheveled

2011-11-28T23:04:00.000-08:00

The end of football season for 2 of us. The end of winter baseball for 1. The start of flag football for 3 of us. And in the thick of holiday card photo session season has left me feeling spread thin. Lots of editing to be done as the house falls apart around me. December is approaching and I will close up shop for the month and just enjoy.

We'll adjust and catch up. We always do.

tonight's the night.

2011-11-25T09:52:00.000-08:00

Mid-week night practice.

Villa Park is preparing to take on the Tustin Tillers tonight in Round 2 of CIF playoffs. Tustin ended the Spartans season last year. Tustin is Dusan's alma mater. Villa Park is 11-0. These facts combined will make winning that much sweeter. This is THE year. We need to WIN. I'm so nervous I can hardly take a deep breath.

We can do this. Go Spartans.

blessed and thankful

2011-11-24T09:09:00.000-08:00

not bad for a self-timer pic in the backyard on our way out the door to Grammy's for Thanksgiving dinner. and all 3 dogs?? minor miracle.

might just throw a stamp on it and call it Christmas!

recap and a gig

2011-11-13T21:54:00.000-08:00

week at a glance: Gram turned 88. We celebrated with games, Costco pizza, and carrot cake cupcakes. Dusan's team went 10-0...hi ho hi ho its off to CIF playoffs we go. Avery got a gig. A cute one. Today my mom and I took Avery to Pasadena to "try on" a line of children's boutique clothing and take pictures with a few other adorable kiddos. I was giddy that the pictures were done by Madison Ave Photography. Amazing, simple amazing. I managed to sneak a few shots of my own here and there...

Avery did great. She was herself. Who could ask for more.

Do I want her to be a model? no. We don't even make mention of the word. Would I like her to have her pictures taken in exchange for beautiful images by an amazing photographer and sometimes some new clothes? absolutely.

My scavenger had a little time for creativity in between shoots: just plain Avery.

I can't wait to see what the real photographer came up with...

at the end of her rope

2011-11-08T06:00:00.000-08:00

her latest craze: my silly girl.

winningest

2011-11-07T12:40:00.000-08:00

My father in law is retiring as the winningest high school football coach for the state of California. Yep, he has truly earned that title with over 360 wins to his credit and thousands of athletes who can attest to his greatness. On Friday we attended a pep rally at St. Paul High School in his honor just before going to the last home game of his career. Isn't he handsome?

when dad does the shopping

2011-11-06T09:48:00.000-08:00

the Target list:

the loot:

his defense: they were on clearance.

UCLA vs. Cal

2011-11-02T19:11:00.000-07:00

85 degrees at The Rose Bowl in October surrounded by family... the perfect day.

costume craze

2011-11-01T12:12:00.000-07:00

A week's worth of festivities...

I had an opportunity to be the Fortune Teller at my school carnival last week. I think I've found my true calling... Avery came along dressed as a "kitty cat cowgirl".

Avery and her buddy Ryan dressed up as Jack & Annie from the Magic Tree House series of books... Revolutionary War period to be exact.

Hunter was determined to be scary this year. I was just glad he is still a participant...

Davin who refused to break character... my gorilla (thanks to Aunt Mari) Oh SO scary.

As you might be... we are all suffering from severe sugar hangovers today.

this and that.

2011-10-24T22:42:00.000-07:00

my mom did this pinterest-inspired halloween project with the kids this weekend. I will treasure these year after year. I love the way the front window glows.

my man boy...

red ribbon week this week.

and any guesses where she's off to? here's a hint: it's monday.

nervous energy

2011-10-21T06:17:00.000-07:00

I decided to give the bathroom a facelift this week. Wednesday night to be exact. 5 year old paint in the busiest room of the house was in need of some attention.

and I don't think one has quite recovered from his Cub Scout camping trip last weekend. The second he had the chance to sneak in some zzz's this week... he did!

and another week has flown by. just like THAT.

it doesn't feel like Fall

2011-10-15T08:05:00.000-07:00

but it sure is...

for realsies.

2011-10-14T12:46:00.000-07:00

Gymnastics is her thing.

It was time to get serious. The Y was great for starters while we were still deciding if this was her path or not. We figured out quick this is where she belongs. The discipline of the sport says it all for her.

It was time to find a home for Avery that would promote her growth and push her to move ahead. We have found a gym with a low student to coach ratio and potential for tons of growth and eventually the team aspect.

And I love that Davin is just steps away doing his thing with the boys group... Its a 2fer, as I like to call it.

Thursdays are a favorite in this house.

100 degrees today

2011-10-12T20:04:00.000-07:00

Both the weather and Davin's temperature. i have never been so happy to play nurse before. It was a productive day of catch-up in the comfort of my sweats and slippers. editing, laundry, dishes, and more editing. Sports and activities 7 days a week this time of year leaves me feeling with not a second to breath. I'm constantly a step behind. The mid week day off was just what the dr. ordered.

right at home

2011-10-11T06:00:00.000-07:00

riding lessons once a week. great behavior in school has landed Avery back at the stables she knows and loves. so proud of her hard work...

night on the town.

2011-10-10T19:47:00.000-07:00

A fun date night in downtown L.A. for some drinks, appetizers, and scenery that just can't compete. much-needed. The Standard was the perfect spot for our Saturday night on the town with The Carlsons.

one day...

2011-10-07T12:30:00.001-07:00

I'll miss these teeth.

rainy day remedy

2011-10-06T11:43:00.000-07:00

60 mph. something for everyone. getting the wiggles out on this fabulously Fall rainy evening.

tuesdays are my favorite.

2011-10-05T12:55:00.000-07:00

with minimum day schedule, not only is there always time for a home cooked meal... chili & cornbread to celebrate the feeling of Fall.

but some play time too. These two took full advantage yesterday.

one more day. please.

2011-10-02T18:12:00.000-07:00

Our three day weekend started with some hookie. Lunch at Fashion Island and a little retail therapy was in order.

taking advantage of the warm sun that doesn't quite make it to the bay area this time of the year...

after dinner night cap before watching Bridesmaids.

It's Fall y'all...

some time enjoying America's favorite passtime... Mariner's WON!

Never enough pics together when my sister is in town.

lots of spilts. lots.

on our way to the VP football game.

and now we're pretty much pooped from it all.

first at-bat

2011-09-29T20:46:00.000-07:00

First game of the winter ball season last Sunday. Davin did great. It is all new. He is enjoying his new path. That's all that matters.

and the reminders don't get any more clear than this:

1 down and 9 to go. go mariners.

smarty pants.

2011-09-28T06:22:00.000-07:00

We are so proud of our 600-scoring mathematician. Davin received an award at our district office on Monday night to celebrate his third grade state testing accomplishment. I am still in awe. Such a smarty.

thisweekwasablur...

2011-09-25T09:29:00.000-07:00

Matador Spirit Week:

Cousins on Sports Day

Decade day:

Nerd Day (whoever told me that this is the face expression of a nerd? never again.):

a minute of down time on the driveway:

Lots of editing:

a quick visit from Auntie Mari on the sidelines of Hunter's game:

and a new week begins:

sunny side up.

2011-09-23T21:47:00.000-07:00

Behringer Park.

how's it going, you ask?

2011-09-21T16:32:00.000-07:00

Well I can tell you this: it's working. and that's all that matters.

How long will we keep it up? Forever and a day. Free choice dress on Fridays for perfect behavior....

What was the original violation you might want to know? Not much really... a little chatty was all. This is just a good old fashioned dose of nipping it in the bud.

end of story.

what we didn't do this weekend...

2011-09-18T15:24:00.000-07:00

and it felt GREAT to have a break.

behavior modification

2011-09-16T11:13:00.000-07:00

Monday:

Tuesday:

Wednesday:

Thursday:

Friday morning:

School uniform for 5 straight days has worked like a charm for my little public school girl. I'm the meanest? Whatever it takes.

every Sunday.

2011-09-13T14:44:00.000-07:00

Cleaning the hamster cage. A weekly chore. Bed head and all.

all his own.

2011-09-11T22:09:00.000-07:00

Now this is a sport our house hasn't seen in awhile... Davin fell in love with baseball this summer (he did not fall in love with me taking his picture through the fence at his 2nd practice tonight). Next stop, Winter Ball. Despite the Angels get-up: Let's go Mariner's (uniforms are on their way).

My dad couldn't be more excited to have a ball player in the family.

labor day luau

2011-09-06T22:10:00.000-07:00

Better late than never. We had the family over for June, July, and August birthdays on Monday. Mother Nature definitely got the memo that it was a luau theme, cause the weather couldn't have felt more like Hawaii.

Mai tais and teriyaki chicken were served.

I cherish my time with Gram... and Avery couldn't get enough of hearing about Gram's childhood pony.

a great 3rd day to our weekend.

Orange Street Fair

2011-09-05T22:36:00.000-07:00

After attempting to take the kids on Saturday night, we went back for a second round Sunday morning when the crowds weren't shoulder to shoulder...here's some highlights...

Pull up contest hosted by the Marines.

Davin did 12 and earned himself a hat which he did not take off his head until bedtime.

There was lots of winning.

Including some inflatables and 2 fish which we said goodbye to just a few hours later. RIP.

Face paint was a highlight.

Yummy snow cones.

The street fair just doesn't disappoint.

boot SCOOT 'n boogie.

2011-09-01T22:11:00.000-07:00

Davin got the scooter he wanted for his birthday yesterday. He accessorized them with a pair of ODI grips from the bike shop. Tonight was his first time to put it to the test.

Avery did her best to keep up.

up up and away.

2011-08-31T00:05:00.000-07:00

For Davin's 10th birthday we headed to Sky High Trampoline is Costa Mesa for the most Davin-esque day he could have asked for: flying, jumping, dodge-balling, foam-pitting, cousins, and friends.

wall to wall trampolines had nothing on these kids...

moms just wanna have fun

meanwhile back at the house.... Oreos with ice cream was his DOC... (dessert of choice).

Davin, you are adored. Here's to celebrating a Decade of Davin today...

back in the saddle again.

2011-08-30T08:50:00.000-07:00

Nothing says Back to School like new shoes. Which ones are your favorite? I know my pick...

Pinterest thief alert: "Hope this helps you stay cool, as you head Back to School" cups with Crystal Light singles for all the teachers. Middle school is gonna break my bank, but its worth it.

Back to my most dreaded chore: packing lunches. ugh. Avery helped tonight. So they aren't really lunches, but over stuffed snack bags instead. Thank goodness its a minimum day.

How was your first day?

ready, set... go Titans!

2011-08-29T14:42:00.000-07:00

After several weeks of practice, practice, practice...

and a week of cheer camp...

it was game time!

The107 degree weather had nothing on these smiling faces!

It was a good day to be visitors... Hunter kicked in all 3 field goals for his team which resulted in a WIN for the La Mirada Titans.

Two kids on the same team = heaven.

A great start to an exciting season...things are looking up for #34.

last week of summer.

2011-08-27T08:28:00.000-07:00

Hunter and I had some lunch at The Grove...

where we were immediately thrown on TV

with Mario Lopez for a live taping of Extra.

Hunter's team had their first scrimmage. He survived (and so did I).

We celebrated birthday (10 days early)... with some friends and family... more pictures to come.

Spent many hours getting my classroom ready for 70 incoming 6th graders.

Teacher Training Days...

Back to school meant close-toed shoes... what???

My favorite 6th grader got orientated on the who's and what's of the middle school.

More close-toed shoes...

Weekly gymnastics classes

My attempt to finish my summer reading which is quickly turning into Fall reading too. I'm like a turtle.

One final hoorah at horse camp... don't worry Ginger, she'll be back!

My "I'm gonna order and hang canvases this summer" came in this week and were hung just in time.

Cheer practice for Hunter's team.

First official game of the season today. Go Titans...Let's hope 34 is a magical number. It was for his dad!

And in a few short days, life will resume as we know it... back to school.

rollin' down the river.

2011-08-15T07:44:00.000-07:00

After last week's camping/ rafting trip at Kern River, I can proudly cross one off my parental bucket list. River rafting. All day. Class I, II, and III rapids. A perfect run for first-timers. There was just enough thrill to keep the kids on their toes.

Meanwhile, back at the campground. See our lonely little site, better known as Camp Ancich? Don't let the lack of scenery fool you. Paradise Cove at Lake Isabella was beautiful with the lake right in our "front yard".

Master Chef Dusan grilled up some mean chicken and baked beans each night.

I'm not gonna lie, the temperatures were hot and the wind was fierce. So fierce, our tent broke. But it didn't detour us. It was all part of the memory.

Watching the sunset both rise and set on Lake Isabella never got old. I've got a feeling we'll be seeing this spot again...

gear.

2011-08-13T08:09:00.000-07:00

One week of Hell Week conditioning complete. One week of gear-wearing, hitting and tackling complete. Mixed reviews so far. Hunter is physically and emotionally drained. And so am I... for him. Its only the 2nd week. Its all new. I hope, for his sake, things improve.

matadors

2011-08-10T08:10:00.000-07:00

In a few short days, these 2 cousins are heading to middle school. To my middle school. together. How lucky are ~~they~~ we? On Tuesday, we headed to Target to make sure that they have every possible instructional tool a 6th grader could possibly need to make their school year a success.

Can't wait to see what this next chapter brings these two scholars.

momma's don't let your babies grown up to be... cowgirls.

2011-08-09T15:54:00.000-07:00

Last week Avery participated in horse camp at a residence in La Habra Heights that houses 16 horses. She got a very personal experience caring for "Ginger" each day. Lots of brushing, bridling, leading, walking, riding, and even some trotting. It was the highlight of her summer.

down by the sea

2011-08-04T09:57:00.000-07:00

Back to back visits to our favorite retreat: Corona del Mar.

vegas by iphone

2011-08-03T21:54:00.000-07:00

Killing time on the 3 1/2 hour drive. Don't judge... the roads were empty.

Thank you Groupon.

There was no place else we'd rather be.

The Chandelier Bar at The Cosmopolitan Hotel. hands down: coolest ever!

I don't care what anyone says: GREAT show!

The view from the Ghost Bar...

24 hours of bliss.

snakes, lizards, and golden gate park

2011-08-01T21:24:00.000-07:00

In no praticular order: California Science Institute and lunch in Golden Gate Park. Thank you Lisa & Frank for a memorable day.

8 minutes at Crissy Field.

2011-07-31T15:57:00.000-07:00

It was cold. No, make that freezing. It was windy. Like all your hair in your face kind of windy. And the kids were tired. But with the help of my sister, we pulled off some fun family shots at the best location the city has to offer (in my opinion anyways). Thanks to my sister for shooting this fast and furious session of us and making my vision come to life...

all around town.

2011-07-30T09:57:00.000-07:00

Little Italy for dinner. Lots and lots of walking. Best way to see the city in my opinion. Those hills are no joke! San Francisco just never gets old.

downtown to Chinatown

2011-07-28T10:02:00.000-07:00

First stop in San Francisco was high on everyone's priorities: Chinatown. Lots of shopping, souveneirs, strange delicacies that we would consider household pets, colorful paper lanterns, and the fortune cookie factory. There was something for everyone.

bags are packed...

2011-07-23T22:31:00.000-07:00

not zipped. but packed. Avery wanted to get everything ready for San Francisco on her own this time. She assured me, "I got it mom".

I could hear her huffing and puffing down the hallway only to find her pressing her entire body weight on top of her suitcase in attempt to zip it. She had packed enough to move to San Francisco, not to visit.

I took a closer peek at the contents inside and this is what I found:

7 rolled cardigans (first question: who taught her to roll her sweaters? And are 7 necessary?)
4 pairs of skinny jeans
pillow pet
cowboy boots
2 pairs of house slippers
4 sets of flannel pajamas (is it Christmas already?)
17 bows/ barrettes/ flower headbands
a ziploc bag of pretzels (cause I'm sure those are rare up north!)
a wool peacoat (I'm sorry but does Antartica sound the same as San Francisco?)
6 sparkley belts (ya never know, she might have drastic weight loss and need help keeping her britches up)...
tennis shoes
ballet flats
gladiator sandals
and last but not least a fedora.

Did I mention we are only going for 3 days?

The funny thing is Hunter and Davin could have packed all of their belongings in one Target shopping bag and probably still had room to spare... BOYS!

rain boots in july

2011-07-22T22:19:00.000-07:00

Can't beat the price. $7.99. Thank you very much Saver's. Price tag says it all.

What's a girl to do when her brothers are at baseball camp and football conditioning? Why not a pancake picnic in the park? Avery was definitely in her happy place yesterday. And I didn't miss a second of it. It was so refreshing to get behind the lense and, for once, not give a single second of direction. I did my best to keep up with my wild one...

blood sweat and smiles

2011-07-19T11:14:00.000-07:00

Another successful year at The Dusan Ancich Youth Football Camp at Villa Park High School.

Davin. the mission. and more Davin

2011-07-07T09:57:00.000-07:00

While in Santa Barbara, we were able to check one item off the "4th grade summer bucket list". The mission was beautiful and Davin was about as interested as any average 9 year old boy. Lots of forced smiles on this excursion.

things are prettier in Santa Barbara.

2011-07-06T10:41:00.000-07:00

last week I attended a conference in SB. my dad brought the kids up for a few days so we could play tourists in the evenings after "work"... 80 degrees and sunny was the perfect retreat from the 90 plus temps that were happening back at home.

Avery got her answer to "what IS a Hippy, mom?". The colorful gentleman who own this car has made a piece of art out of his transportation. Fascinating.

great advice:

The pier had no railings and cars could drive to the end and back.

my middle-schooler had this expression everytime the camera came his way. I knew that agreeable smile wouldn't last forever.

Checking out the fishermen's buckets never get old.

next we were off to the mission for the 4th grader in the family...

hotel motel holiday inn

2011-07-06T08:20:00.000-07:00

the kids would have been perfectly content never leaving our hotel in SB. with a sliding glass door that opened to the pool deck, swimming was easy money. avery was determined to perfect her dive. Davin swore he has the biggest canon ball. and hunter loved relaxing by the bon fire. My dad is a kid at heart and is always up for a good strong hand stand.

patriotic parade.

2011-07-04T21:24:00.000-07:00

At 10 a.m. every 4th of july, this is where you'll find us. Lots of neighbors, friends, family, and dogs all out circling the block in all our patriotic best.

We always start with the pledge of alliegiance...

Easy does it: Avery took a different method of wheels this year. She did great!

Mom & Dad ( the original Parade marshalls)

Isn't Dusan talented? Riding a beach cruiser WITH eyes closed! Wow!

I dusted off my roller blades from the 90's. good as new.

Davin and Noah

Avery and Tess

I love that by 11 a.m., we have all worked up a great big sweat and are ready for our next festivities...

you'll shoot your eye out kid.

2011-07-04T15:59:00.000-07:00

Pyromania was at whole new level on our street this year. mix 4 middle-school aged boys and a nephew with no fear and a duffle bag full of tricks and you better be ready to run. The boys dumped the powder from these Party Snaps into liter-sized soda bottles to make bottle bombs. I wasn't their biggest fan. We also had a Disneyland style firewrork tip over and shoot straight at us 8 times in all different directions. Luckily, no one was hurt but it did make for a memory none of us will ever forget. I think we will be sticking with the explosives sold in the stands from now on, and not the back alleys of L.A. good times.