Heat Wave!

It's been like living back in Arizona again with the over 100 degree temperatures this week. Right before we drove out to swim at Uncle Matt's (grilling above) the a/c went out on my car. But dinner and swimming were fantastic.
Then this weekend Emma and some friends brought buckets of water out front to stay entertained and keep cool. Inventive girls! (the shot above is right before Emma unexpectedly got soaked).

Nash and the too small bathing suit. hee hee.

Koral is 18

Rachel, me and Koral at the big 18th birthday celebration (June 14th). The whole weekend was an extravaganza of Koral. She turned 18, graduated from high school, and she's off to CSU Fullerton in no time at all. We were exhausted when we got home on Monday. Partying with an 18 year old for 3 days will do that to you.

Koral and her matching boyfriend, Tex, having a blast at Saturday's party.
Another fun cake by my mama, JR.

Splashin' Nash

Sweet Mandy (in the big hat) from a nearby ward offered to teach swim lessons to toddler/pre-schoolers for FREE. She is an angel. Nash and I spent a bunch of afternoons at the Valencia pool learning and swimming and playing with our friends. He is shaping up to be quite a brave swimmer. (picture by Heather Keil)

My niece!

Riley Michelle arrived just over an hour ago. Stats: 8 lbs. 20 in.

Here's the exclusive photo from the happy Daddy. Guess I can't sell the rights for the first photo to People Magazine now. Darn.

A Niece!

In the next month James and his girl, Jessica, are giving me a niece, Riley Michelle. She's due right before my birthday, too. Nice gift, huh? But then Emma may lose her standing as princess with Grandpa Mike...maybe.

summer heat + A.B. + clippers =

Primary Talent Show

Emma and our neighbor, Taylor, who is a year older made up their own dance to Hannah Montana's "Rock Star" and performed at our ward Primary Talent Show. They were great. I was pleasantly surprised at their ability to do it all on their own.

Not one to shy away from the stage Dedan told the story of the 3 Little Pigs with his own special ending where the Big Bad Wolf gives up and goes home, then the Pigs follow him, blow his house down, and "eat him to death!" That's my Dedan.

The closing number was a compilation of songs (about dogs) for any kid who wanted to be in it.

Dedan LOVED it. Hammed it up nicely. (in red above)

Nash enjoyed watching...from the very front!

Our 13th Anniversary

To celebrate 13 years of marriage Harland took me to the Four Seasons Aviara for a few days of child free vacationing. We hooked up with Rachel & JP one day and somehow Rach & I convinced the boys to get a pedicure. Their first and last. It was fun...expensive but fun. We married good sports. Here's to another 13 years of torture and bliss!

My Beautiful Grandma Marjorie

This picture is from a *few* years ago, but it's me and my Grandma (pictures of her are few and far between). She passed away today at the age of 89. Miss you already!

TWO YEARS OLD!

CUPCAKES FOR BREAKFAST!

He's really cute when he's not living up to the "terrible twos" reputation. He enjoyed opening his gifts, but the best was his new tricycle. We're still working on him figuring out how to push the pedals.

ALL my parents

Somehow I was blessed enough with parents who managed to not only be civil, but kind and friendly after their divorce. That plus being divorced for 32 years means I get fun nights like this where I've got my kids, Mom, John/step-dad, and Dad. I don't know what's more fun when we tease my mom who can't keep her "husbands" names straight or watching Nash eat from everyone's yogurt (Yes, I know I'm evil. My mom tells me all the time).