Birthday Boy!

Today I celebrate my husband, my love for life!!
All of you who are lucky enough to know Michael, know that he is an unbelievably talented artist, a phenomenal educator, a magnificent multi-faceted being with a zest for life that is hard to match! He loves his kids and he adores being a grandpa!
We are so very fortunate to have him in our lives. I, even more so, to have him as my tremendously giving partner.
Thank you for making me smile each and every day! I am thrilled to be by your side!!
Here's wishing that your special day and all your days are filled with you being loved and appreciated for the extraordinary man that you are!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MICHAEL RALPH IRWIN!!!

What is she thinking???

Can I have some more please? When is my Daddy D coming home? Are we going to the beach soon? I wonder if I'll get a new toy today? Is it Friday yet?

Hittin' the books!

Kelly and Devin are taking three classes together at City College this semester. One of the classes they share is Japanese. For the boys, this weekend included some play time in Orange County with Derek and Danielle ~ and definitely some brotherly study time!!

Saturday morning

Saturday is definitely a "sleep in" day ~ the first day after a long work week and all. We were awake by seven o'clock (yes sad but true, seven is still sleeping in compared to a week day!) and could have lounged longer until I opened the room darkening drapes to discover the magnificent "popcorn cloud" sky! So, it was time to grab the camera, treat ourselves to coffee, take Koko for a walk on the beach and enjoy a yummy breakfast with Nate and Dev. Life IS grand!!

READY, SET, COLLEGE!!

Devin and Danielle have been friends since they were two. As you can see, they have been through several graduations together. Tomorrow is their first day of college. It's so hard to believe that so much time has gone by ~ and how quickly it has passed! Dev and Danielle have grown into such super adults!! We are so proud of both of you! Good luck in college and in your amazing futures!!!





P. S. Kelly ~ one year under the belt...Derek ~ one year to go! You two are remarkable!! Thanks for being such a fantastic support for Devin! You make Mama so incredibly proud!!

Papa and Keoni

Tonight, Papa was drawing for Keoni ~ anything Keoni wanted him to draw. Papa drew a gorilla, a horse, bunnies, a turtle, Koko and Keoni. Papa is a fabulous artist ~ of course, Keoni is a magnificent subject to draw!!

Working for the weekend...

Work has been more than a bit hectic as of late ~ starting up school is a busy time. Remembering to breathe, taking one day at a time, looking forward to more beach time... working for the weekend. Can't wait! Can't wait!

Happy Birthday, Girlfriend!!

Today is Sammi's 14th birthday! Sammi is an incredible young lady! She is a wonderfully well-rounded person and the most talented violinist! We only wish we could post videos of her playing ~ you would be amazed!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our dear niece and cousin! We hope you have the best of birthdays! Love you, Sammi!!!

Mammoth Adventure

We just returned home from four days in the mountains. Robin had never been to Mammoth before and we were determined to provide her with as much mountain recreation experience an extended weekend would allow.
We swam in June Lake, we read, we fished at Convict Creek and the Owens River, we enjoyed the company of the local cows and we ran as fast as we could away from the mosquitoes...aaugh! We had wonderfully delicious meals, taught Robin how to play "Cutthroat" and we even went out and listened to some blues music. We had an incredible time together!! Here's to you, Robby! We love you!!

Dodgers 1, Giants 3

Last night's game didn't turn out as we (Dodger fans) had hoped... we didn't witness any historical moments...but, we had a FANTASTIC time!! The family came from all over ~ Irvine, Santa Monica, Las Vegas and of course, SB! We enjoyed the famous Dodger Dogs, cheering for the team and most importantly, special time with family!!! We can't wait for our next gathering! Go Dodgers!!