Birthday Boy Part 2

Dylan turned 6 in October! He's such a cutie! I can't believe he's so big. He's a smart little cookie too. We're so proud of him!

California, here we come! And now we're gone!

Lance and I were able to sneak away for 48 hours and visit California for a friend's wedding (Congratulations, Shonna!). We had a good time without any children and it was a great trip. The weather cooperated and was gorgeous. Next time we're staying longer!

Here's the recap . . .

After a quick (free) flight into LAX, we picked up the car ($13.00/day-- can you believe that?), checked into our hotel (free), and were off to In-N-Out Burger (we did actually pay for that!). While we were at In-N-Out, the center strap on one of my favorite sandals broke (I'm pretty sure the 17 year-old behind the register thought I was drunk because it snapped while I was standing in front of him and I almost fell over. I also ordered a #5 when there are only 3 combo options . . . long story. He couldn't stop laughing every time he saw me. How embarrassing!).

Out with the old!

And in with the new!

We didn't have much time left in the day to do anything, and the Friday traffic was horrible anyway. We took a walk around Downtown Disney to end our night and watched the Disneyland fireworks while we walked.

Saturday morning we got up early and headed to, of course, San Diego! First stop: Coronodo.


Love that place!

Second stop: El Indo, of course! I pretty much made the trip for their can't-be-beat chimichanga . . .

and ended up falling in love with something new! Too bad it's only a seasonal item!

THE PUMPKIN BURRITO!! Pumpkin filling, wrapped in a tortilla, deep fried and sprinkled with cinnamon? Could it get any better?? I think not!

I just had to go back for a little more!

We made a stop in La Jolla where we just sat for a long time watching the ocean . . .
a guy bouldering SoCal style . . .

and some pretty crazy skim-boarders.

What a beautiful view!

We drove up the coast back to our hotel and got ready for the wedding festivities. Too bad I took my small purse-- that means no camera! We had a great time and Shonna was beautiful! Sunday morning we headed back to the airport and back to reality . . .

Thanks to those who helped with our kids so we could have a little break! I guess this means we owe all of you?

Funny Kids!

The other day, I had an appointment and knew I wouldn't be home when the two older boys got home from school. I told them in the morning that they'd be alone for about 10 minutes before I got back. I called a neighbor and let her know that the kids would be here alone, so if she saw anything suspicious, she would know that I wasn't there! This was their first time doing the "Home Alone" thing, and they were ecstatic! When I got home, Dylan had left me this note:

Translation: "From Dylan. To Mom. We are happy that you let us be home alone. Thank you. Jacob and Dylan"
This was on the back of the note. Funny thing is, it probably took him a good 5 minutes to write the note, and their freedom only lasted 10 minutes!!

Engaged!

This is probably old news for some of you, but I just realized that I never blogged that my little brother Jon is engaged! My parents thought the day would never come, but it is here. He's found someone to tame his wild heart. Hahaha! Congratulations Jon and Ariel! The wedding is November 21 in Draper, Utah.

If you want to keep up with the plans, here is a link to their wedding blog.

Calculator jokes

I found some cute calculators for 25 cents at Target the other day and picked up 3 for the boys-- they're always stealing my decent one and I never know where it is. So Austin was playing with his this morning, and I was trying to help him learn all of the numbers. I said, "Why don't you push the 3, since you're 3 years old?" He pushed it and I said, "It says 3, and you're 3!" He looked at the calculator screen and his expression turned to confused. He cocked his head to the side and said, "I'm E?"

Extra work?

I was on Craigslist the other day looking at jobs when I found one that caught my eye. Not for me, mind you, but for my dear husband. I forwarded it to him right away.

Breakdancing Teacher Needed

Dance Innovation is looking for fun, motivated people to teach breakdancing. One year previous experience is encouraged, but not required.

You see, he was quite the performer in his time (or so I hear). Unfortunately, I haven't been able to uncover any actual pictures or video documenting this time in his life, so it remains a mystery to me. I've repeatedly asked him to show me his moves, but he continues to refuse. Maybe he'll break them out now for a little extra cash!

TORTURE!!! (And the first day of school)

Seriously! How hard is it to get a decent picture??? I've so had it with the posed thing. We're going to do only candids from now on! Jacob is definitely the worst, but they're all catching his disease. So here's my best attempt at the "First Day of School Pictures." Grrrr.

Jacob started 4th grade and is my "light-sensitive" child-- only when a picture needs to be taken, mind you! This particular morning, I was telling him to OPEN HIS EYES and he kept saying something about "the sun, the sun", but our house faces WEST, so the sun was not only behind him, but behind the house as well! I was so annoyed!


Kill me now . . .

We can do this all day folks!

I finally gave up. This is ridiculous!

Dylan started first grade and wasn't any better. We got outside and I just took the two of him and then gave up. Are you kidding me? I WAS NOT doing that again!


Little Austin (finally) started preschool this year-- hooray! He was thrilled to go but not as much about the pictures.


I know he looks like I'm going to beat him here-- I guess he saw how the picture sessions with his brothers went . . .

Finally! A cute one! Thanks Austin and Miss Emily!

Here's to hoping our school year goes more smoothly than the 1st day pictures!