Memorial Day 2017

What a wonderful Memorial Day weekend! We thought it was going to be quiet and get some stuff done around the house but that all went out the window quickly. We went to a bday party for a friend, enjoyed the carnival at the race track then bbq'd and swimming fun on Saturday and Monday (the 1 thing we actually did plan) was an amazing Memorial Day parade in La Canada. Heathers Great Grandpa, who will be 101 on June 12 was honored at the parade and got to ride in the parade in a beautiful Indian motorcycle side car! He was on cloud 9! Jerry's neighbors are part of a group that takes disabled vets on motorcycle rides to Sturgis and other events whenever they can. They thought it would be fun if Jerry could ride in the side car during the parade.. they are such wonderful people.  

This is Bob and Donna w/ Jerry 

pics got a bit out of order .. but this is from the carnival .. silly girls! Zoe and Heather have been friends since Heather was born :) Zoe was at her baby shower which they just thought that was hilarious 

3 generations of Hannah's 

I could only get a pic of the back.. we were standing as they walked by (more important that getting a better shot) 

cool vintage fire truck 

Jerry was giving hugs to everyone .. he had so much fun! 

Heather ran out and gave him a hug and it started a trend :) 

always happy to see the Trojans being represented :) .. they were there for the Keck group 

this was a cool looking beast

the hook and ladder is pretty cool

some of the heros in the parade

semper fi! 

this is a mounted drill team.. the horses are gorgeous 

these ladies are part of the Korean- American league of LA

their costumes are beautiful! 

some more hero's .. we really like military vehicles..they are pretty cool 

this is the biggest real life tonka toy I have ever seen! 

Here's a shot of Bob's bike 

can't get enough hugs from Great Grandpa :) 

he can get up and walk around on his own but not for long .. he says its because of a little shrapnel he got one time he was shot down but most of the time it doesnt bug him. Love his spunk! And his secret to living a long happy life.. live each day for what it is and dont waste time being mad or upset.. good advice :) 

the Ninja and the arboretum

As usual its been busy busy busy!! but loving every minute of it :) Heather had her Urban Acrobatic show case  at Citrus College over the weekend and if this video ever loads you can see our little ninja in action :) She has so much fun and is learning some great skills . 

As I was looking up some info on her schools website I came across a little note saying that we could go to the local nursery and buy a plant to donate to the new 2 acre arboretum our little city is building! I was so excited! Not only do we get this beautiful arboretum in our city which just happens to be by the school, we get to go to the nursery :) I love seeing the flowers and all the creative ways they mix and match them. Its relaxing 

Love the coy pond.. they are huge! and so many of them.  This is the larger pond . They have turtles too which are very friendly if they see you have a food dish in your hand. The nursery gives the kiddos cups of fish food and its sooo fun to watch the fish and turtles. 

I really liked the giraffe .. how clever 

Heather was making friends w/ the turtles, we named quiet a few of them. 

This is the Matilija Poppy aka the fried egg poppy.. isnt it pretty! This is the flower we chose for the arboretum. Its a natural poppy of so cal and its really pretty in bloom and pretty nice when its not. I think Heather liked the name mostly =) 

Here's our little ninja after the showcase doing the official ninja dab! She was really proud of how well she did and we were too. It's always nice when you can see them in action and show off all the hard work they do. 

Here's a shot from them doing part of their warm up routine.. she really loves doing back bends. Something I learned about back bends.. I always thought they were to help stretch your back but they are actually for your shoulders. The coaches are so good at explaining the exercises so the kids do them right. COG is a wonderful facility!!! 

Now.. time to get ready for summer!! yeah!! 

Spring Time Fun

I just love being able to spend spring break w/ Heather.. we always have fun and enjoy a little Mommy/ daughter time :) Of course we had to start the week by going to the beach :) The weather was a bit overcast but burned off pretty quick.. by 10:30 or so it was really nice. 

Balboa is always so pretty. We were sooooo bummed they were out of Balboa bars! How is that even possible! We went on a harbor cruise and saw the sea lions and even saw a few whales.. what a great treat!! 

We also visited the Cat House in Rosamond (out by Lancaster) Its a conservation center and we learned so much about these beautiful cats. Heather wants to be a biologist and save the leopards and cheetahs.. she was surprised how big the leopards really are. They dont have cheetahs here but quite a few leopards, even a black panther and a clouded leopard. They have smaller cats like the jungle cat and jaquandri also. My favorite, the Marquay was there too but was to shy to come out and say hello. Maybe next time :) 

This cute boy is still a baby! He's only 2 and will get a bit taller and put on another 300#.. yikes! 

I love their coats

Good Friday I was able to pick up Heather and her BFF. We got some ice cream, played at the park and of course made slime... not sure what the big deal is with slime but its fun to make :) 

Had a personal fashion show from these two cuties 

decorating some eggs w/ friends :) 

the Easter bunny is getting clever w/ hiding eggs ..Heather has so much fun trying to find them all 

the Easter bunny made a stop at Grandma and Papa's too :) 

We made a carrot patch brownie:) it was yummy! 

Grandma Cheryl and her little helper :) 

Spring break and Easter were so much fun! Now.. lets see what other fun we can have while the weather is so darn nice!! 

Hello Feb

I cant believe how quickly this year is flying by! Feb has been filled w/ adventures

I have to admit we are actually enjoying the rain too .. its weird having so much water fall here on So. Cal.  There have been quite a few water leaks around town because our pipes just arent used to holding so much water and the ground is saturated but at least it helps with our drought situation...

This amazing rainbow was in Nevada .. not often do we get to see violet showing itself off 

we were mezmorized 

BAP is always a fun race. Everyone gets to bring their families out to catch up and enjoy some good racing. I have to admit its really nice having the outlets right next to the race track.. best of both worlds :) 

Wayne was flying at the jump!! 

This was at Aunt Mary's and Uncle Toads.. she loves climbing trees 

who doesnt love some good bubbles 

the monkey trying to escape! 

a friendly woodpecker tapped out a little song for our get together for Grandpa's birthday bash :) 

Heather is always happy to have some time with her Uncle Toad : 

This has been a crazy year so far! Can't wait to see what else is in store for us .. the adventures continue :) 

2017 here we come

Im a bit behind but its been so crazy busy! Christmas and New Years was fun and relaxing. Having the long weekend for the holidays was so wonderful. We went camping for New Years and yes it was cold but it was beautiful! The kids had a blast and even though it rained like crazy NYE it stopped a bit after 11 so we were able to bring in the new year w/ a cozy warm fire and friends. 

got to love Dingo w/ her ear muffs on.. the kids thought she would be warmer LOL she's such a good dog

There's our camp.. we werent the only ones out there but it definitely wasnt crowded 

The girls dug a big hole.. they were going to make a jump for their quads but had so much fun digging they just made a huge hole :) (yes, they filled it in before we left) 

Got to see the man in red.. love the little chats they have :) 

she even asked Santa what he wanted .. love her heart! 

My Grandma turned 97 on Dec 30. Still strong and smiling and independent. She did give up driving a few years prior but that was all. 

It was a very sad day on Jan 4... my Grandma passed away suddenly. Thankfully with out pain and my Dad was with her. They were heading home after shopping and she had a sudden sharp pain in her back and passed about 30 min later. The paramedics and doctor said it was an aneurysm. My grandparents anniversary was Jan 8 so she got to spend this anniversary with her true love. She missed him greatly. God has another angel looking over us 

We flew to Oregon for the services. We were able to squeeze in a day at the coast to have some family time . I actually got a pic w/ my little mini me :) 

it smelled like fish and you could taste the salt water but its really cool to see the sea lions and seals. Although it was cold there were a lot of creatures in the cave

the Oregon coast is just beautiful 

I love the waterfalls

Pops and his two amazing grandkids 

This is Mo's the best place for clam chowder and chili (well.. not mixed together or anything) they have the best bread bowls to serve them in and the view is spectacular! 

Crazy cousin time 

My Grandparents are together again and smiling just like here in their 50th anniversary pic

My Grandpa had passed in 2000 on their anniversary so its pretty amazing they got to spend this one together. True love 

Heather and her BFF's on spirit day! Love these girls! they have a true bond of friendship 

Well 2017 we may have started off bumpy but Im going to be optimistic that it will get better. There are a few things Im hoping turn out how I want, but one thing I know for sure is I have an amazing family and great friends and that makes my life good! Thanks God for the blessings of such good fortune