Eastward... Northward...Eastward Ho!

View from our motel room in Sedona

Monument Valley


Landscape Arch in Arches National Park


Michael and I started off this past Monday on our version of the "Great American Road Trip." We packed up the Highlander with our dear friends, Michael and Penny and set off for Telluride, Colorado via Sedona, Arizona and Moab, Utah. We have already enjoyed incredibly wonderful meals with new friends and in new places, enjoyed short hikes to take in the most glorious views of magnificent natural wonders, had the opportunity to experience dramatic weather ~ and the best part is this is just the beginning!! Tomorrow, we leave Moab for Telluride and more beautiful scenery! Happy trails.....

Bella ha tre anni!!

There is a special being in our lives, one that brings incredible joy to us all every single day!! If it wasn't for Kokobella, there wouldn't be a blog... okay, it wouldn't be named as such! I was catching up (yes, finally!) with some album organizing and came across these pictures. Hard to believe, our wonderful bundle of energy, our curious puppy turned three in May ~ seems like just yesterday "Bella" looked like she does in these pictures! She is SUCH A JOY to us all! Who knew we could love a pup so much! Good girl, Koko!

Seventh of July

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, LOVE OF MY LIFE!! Here is to our life, our enduring love affair!! Thank you for making every day a honeymoon day! I LOVE YOU SO VERY MUCH!!!

Sum... sum... summertime!

Michael has been on "vacation" for a couple of weeks now. For me, yesterday was my first day of summer break. Today, we enjoyed some beach time ~ with special entertainment provided by Keoni Kim Young! Here's to more fun in the sun!!

Reunion

This weekend, Michael and I headed down to Del Mar/San Diego to meet up with some of Michael's childhood buddies. Michael was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to play golf at Torrey Pines with Bill, then we all met up at Bill and Loretta's for a wonderful barbeque. The next morning had in store for us a beautiful walk along the shore in Del Mar with Randy and Linda. For me, it was good to finally meet everyone and put faces to names. We look forward to keeping in touch with our friends ~ old and new.

Presenting...THE GRADUATE!!!

Yesterday on Father's Day (Happy Day, Michael!), we celebrated Derek Alan's graduation from UC Irvine!! It was an incredible event culminating Derek's hard work over the past five years in school and golf.
Big D, you are an amazing individual! You have and continue to make us ALL SO proud!! We excitedly look forward to your many more successes ~ we know there will be MANY!! Here, Big D, is to your spectacular future! WE LOVE YOU SO VERY MUCH!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!

USA Water Polo

This afternoon, Michael and I spent a few hours at the Dos Pueblos High School pool watching the USA Water Polo team play the team from Australia. These guys were BIG! and tough! and fast! As fun as it was to watch this aggressive, demanding game, the BEST part was Michael's opportunity to meet up with one of his former players from San Marcos, Terry Schroeder. Terry is the head coach for Team USA, a four-time Olympic athlete and a legendary water polo player. Good luck in Beijing!!

Waiting for Jeopardy

I was tuned into the Stanley Cup Final while waiting for Jeopardy to begin. I honestly can't remember the last time I sat to watch a hockey game. When I was a kid, I used to watch a semi-pro team play quite regularly. The game tonight just about made up for all those years I missed as it went into a third overtime period. It was SO exciting, I'm planning on tuning in again on Wednesday for Game 6! Oh, got to go...Jeopardy's on!

Papa has a Fit...

... and it's a good thing! Today, Michael and I drove down south to buy a new (more economical) vehicle. We came home with our Tidewater Blue Fit. We actually had a surprisingly wonderful (and not too painful) day ~ patiently waiting at the busy dealership, lunch at In-N-Out and talking on the phone (via our headsets to each other) as we caravaned home. Cool new car... Roger... 10-4!!

Boys, boys everywhere!!

The sun finally came out on Monday!! We were glad for a day off, a day of sunshine and most of all... a morning with family!!!