Viva...

...Las Vegas!
After a small detour to Irvine (to pick up Derek), the boys, Koko, Michael and I all headed over the Cajon Pass and up the I-15 to Vegas. It was a quick trip there and back, but we packed in some quality family time and have many pictures to show for it! It had snowed just a couple days before we arrived and there was enough snow for a small snow ball fight between brothers. Most of the time though, we were indoors practicing our gigs as a family band and visiting and gambling with Grandma Minnie. We did venture outside again for a short time for the mandatory family portrait. Many, many thanks to the Ciarlos for putting up with all of us ~ with special thanks from Kokobella!!

BIGGEST, BRIGHTEST FULL MOON!

Well, almost ~ it's actually tomorrow night! Shortly after the moon rose this evening, I stepped out to take a look. It was incredibly clear! This is what I saw through the camera lens!!

Basketball

TO

Celestial Triumvirate

The crescent moon, Jupiter and Venus. Word has it, if you didn't catch it tonight, the same trio won't be visible again until 2052!

Thanksgiving Day 2008!

This year, we ALL celebrated Thanksgiving with Nana and the Scharnells in Newport Beach! Good food, good fun and good family time!

It's a bird, it's a plane...

Look VERY closely... you may think this is a spot of dust on your screen, but it is actually the International Space Station with the space shuttle, Endeavour attached! We just watched it fly over the house! Really! Amazing!!

What a difference a day makes...

Today, we woke up to sunny skies and not too much smoke. Amazing considering the day before, the skies were full of smoke ~ and not too much before that we were watching flames above the city.

Tea Fire ~ November 2008

Last night at 7:30p.m. (November 13)

Looking down Cabrillo Boulevard towards Montecito this morning. View from Santa Barbara City College.

View of the Riviera.

Beach walk

A day off of work is the perfect time for a beach walk and Kelly and I took full advantage of it! The tide was extremely low, the sun shining bright and the breeze blowing just so. It was also a day of discovery... you never know what you might see on the beach!

Many thanks...

... to all who helped celebrate Dev's 20th birthday in style (of course, this includes Kelly and Derek)!!!

SCORE!!

On Saturday (November 8), Devin turned XX...two decades... twenty years... one score old!!!
You are such an inspiration to so many! We look forward to your amazing future!! Here's to you, Dev!!! WE LOVE YOU SO VERY MUCH!!!

VOTE!

Tomorrow is Election Day! This evening, before dinner, Devin and Kelly, filled out (for the very first time) their respective ballots ~ quite a moment for me to watch as a mom. I did the same and although it wasn't my first time, I cannot remember a time when I was more excited, or more proud to vote ~ having the feeling that we are a part of something so BIG!
GO TO THE POLLS TOMORROW! EXERCISE YOUR RIGHT!!!

Soul Surfin'

Today the weather was perfect! Not too hot, a touch of cool autumn breeze. For Michael, it was water time... for Koko and I, beach time...for all of us, time to relax and enjoy the day!!

D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S!!

I had the great fortune of having a most incredible birthday weekend culminating with a family meal and THE MOST DELICIOUS dessert! Kelly spent hours (yes, hours) this afternoon baking, making frosting and assembling a quadruple layer German chocolate masterpiece (and then he helped cook dinner!)!! I received many wonderful gifts this birthday, but this scrumptious work of art was extra special!! Kelly, thank you so much for all the time and love you put into your amazing creation! It was THE BEST!!!

"I want a ride..."

Who's having more fun?

Bouncy...

... and so thoughtful...


all boy.

Happy Birthday, Sora!

May all your birthday wishes come true!! We love you!!

Date Night

Last night, Michael and I had a date night ~ a combined celebration of our birthdays. Dinner at Opal, Jackson Browne at the Arlington, aperitifs at Opal afterwards.... we had the BEST time! I love you, My Sweet Man!!! More happy times to follow...

Throw one back for Kels!

The boy is twenty-one today!! Here is to you, your dreams, your bright, shining future! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KELLY-MON! WE LOVE YOU!!!

Michael's Birthday Weekend

Yesterday, September 13, was Michael's birthday. After having a yummy apricot croissant from Renaud's (Michael's favorite and thank you Dev and Kelly!), we headed out to check surf. Alas, there was none, so it was a beach walk instead. Later on in the day, Michael judged the Sandcastle Contest. Afterwards, we met up with the Arntz's for a celebratory happy hour. We ended the weekend with a family dinner and Keoni helping Papa Mike blow out birthday candles! Here's hoping ALL your birthday wishes come true!! Happy Birthday, Papa Mike!!!