July 24 - 27, 2008

Camping/fishing in Bishop, CA. Our family, along with the grandparents, Jason and Laura's family spent 4 days in the wilderness. Let's not exaggerate now ... we "camped" in a cabin. The kids slept in a tent just outside. It was a fun weekend, tiresome but fun. I think between the fishermen, fisherwomen and fisher-kids, we caught a total of 36 little fishies. Bryan caught the most and Ali pulled in one. We sat by the fire pit outside everynight after dinner, chatted, made smores and tried to point out constellations and spot shooting stars. During the day we fought off the mosquitos (I only got 3 bites thanks to Repel), fished and lounged around the cabin.

The trees, the stream, the rocks ... all so pretty. And got a picture of father and son!

Our first little fishy caught by Grandpa Dennis!

I really wish someone would think to pick up the camera and take candid pictures of me playing with the girls or doing my own thing. **Sigh** But I guess for now I'll deal with the posed pictures that I ask Bryan to take of me.

My two little angels! It's been a fun summer for Autumn ... she loves hanging out with "sissy"!

July 22, 2008
Day 2 - Are you Smarter Than a 5th Grader.
Ali and I ventured to the CBS studios and watched 2 episodes of an extremely long, extremely boring game show taping. It was a great experience, but I would not recommend this activity.

July 23, 2008
Day 3 - Wall-e at the El Capitan, Hollywood
It was Autumn's first trip to the movie theatre. Ali, Auti and I were joined by Laura and her two kids, Emily and Joseph. Autumn loved the 20 minute stage show prior to the movie, but during the movie she just couldn't sit still. On my lap, then she wanted to sit in the seat next to me. It was so nostalgic to see the seat fold up under her little legs ... not weighing enough to hold down the bottom portion of the seat. I can remember sitting next to my mom in the movie theatre and annoyingly push the seat up and down to hear the "squeek, squeek". The older kids loved Wall-e ... it really is a great movie. Half way during the film, I took Auti outside to explore the little shop next door.

I don't realize how quickly Autumn is growing up until I see a picture like this. My baby!

July 21, 2008
I've planned my vacation week with something to do everyday with the girls. The first 2 days are Ali's though ... things that Auti isn't old enough to do with us. I feel a little bad about that, but Ali enjoys our "step-bonding".

Ali and I smashed cans last night so we could have some extra spending money for a tour on the Queen Mary today. (We always split our "recycle money" and treat ourselves ... I'm surprised Ali didn't choose to spend it on a Sim's game.) Both of us were looking forward to our trip to the QM since our favorite Ghost Hunters crew has investigated there. With the digital camera in hand, Ali snapped away in hopes of spotting an orb (spot of energy) or a shadow poking around a corner. I will admit some places on the old ship were a little bit creepy, but I had to be the brave one. Ali did well ... wandered not too far from me and snapping away. Our tour guides were great and we loved hearing the stories of the ghost sightings.

The famous first class swimming pool known to be haunted by a little girl and a lady in white. Many counts of laughter and footsteps.

Also located in the swimming pool area. The little girl is known to play in this closet.

This is the walkway in the ladies changing rooms of the swimming pool. Many say this is the most active paranormal portal on the ship. Each of us stood in a changing room cubby (in the dark ... yes, Ali and I stood together in our cubby) with our hand stretched out in the walkway ... I felt a cold draft and a couple of tingles on my fingers and arm.

I can't remember the room number now, but this is supposedly the most haunted cabin aboard the QM. Many guests have seen images and had the covers pulled from the bed. Needless to say, it is no longer available to guests staying overnight.

This is Winston Churchill's suite. The smell of a freshly lit cigar has been reported to come from this room.

It was a tiresome, but fun day!

July 10, 2008

The 4th of July is a double celebration which always includes the customary fireworks as well as Bryan's dads birthday. This year we celebrated at Kristin's house. I am a paranoid mom when it comes to fireworks. I don't understand the thrill that Bryan and Ally share when he comes home with a big box of "explosives". I'd much rather hide behind the protective sliding glass door or enjoy a professional fireworks show. As much as I wanted to write my name in the air with a sparkler, I don't think I'll ever get over my fear.

I can't remember the last time Bryan and I took a picture together. Why don't guys smile? I don't get it.

And of course ... the Double A's! Auti imitates everything "sissy" does. It's so much fun watching these two play together. Ally is such a good big sister!

She's growing up way too fast. We've always spelled her nickname "Ally". The other day she wrote "Ali" and told us that's how she wanted her name spelled from now on. Made me a little sad when I realized this is the first of many decisions she will be making for herself. But at the same time, I'm proud of her!

The Double A's with Grandpa Dennis.

July 5, 2008
It's not very often that I am able to spend time with my friend, Natalie, since she lives in Austin now. I always worry that my life long friend (well for 20 or so years) won't know my kids and vice versa. I was so happy to have captured this cute picture of Autumn and Natalie. It's funny how Autumn was so comfortable ... she's usually squirmy with people she doesn't know too well.

Natalie and her sister Sabrina made the cutest little tu-tu's for Autumn and Ally. I think they've worn them everyday since we visited the "Oldhams".

Thank you to Natalie and Sabrina for inviting the girls and I to their parents house for a visit. It was great seeing everyone again. Maybe it's the many years I spent going to the Oldham house when I was growing up ... but, I always feel so at home.

June 30, 2008
Ever since those little ringlets started growing on Auti's head, we've said that her real daddy was Luke Walton. Well this weekend while Bryan and I were in Vegas we spotted this 6' 6" Laker player at the Palms hotel. I fumbled around with the camera that of course was thrown in my purse with batteries that were dead .... AAAHHHHHH! Bryan snapped this shot with the camera on my cell phone. Not the best picture (or the best b-ball player either), but hey .... I really can't complain.

I so wanted to tell him about our little inside joke that he was my baby's daddy ... but somehow I don't think he would've been that amused. I don't even reach his shoulder!!!!

June 25, 2008
I've spent the past couple of months involved in a major project at work. My company introduced a new brand called MyBlinds, and my goodness I feel like that's all I've been living and breathing lately. MyBlinds will be available in Home Depot and Expo stores nationwide. (I'm so proud.)

New, fun collection, catchy colors and tag lines ... My Mood, My Business, My Planet, My Stuff. I love the way this program is marketed. You can tell it's targeted towards females ... Simple, Smart, Stylish.

I had the opportunity to visit a few local Home Depot's yesterday and today with a co-worker. While she trained the associates, I installed the new display blinds, set the sample books and put up the POP.

Yes ... anything boys can do, girls can do better. There's something so invigorating about power tools. Makes me feel so independent. Home Depot seriously needs a better means of air conditioning ... can I look anymore beat?