surf lessons & kickball tourney

We went to Arcadia to spend time with the Daines. Lucky for us they were in CA one last time before they move to NY. We had an amazing lunch (thank you Ginger) and some good "quality" conversations. It's always a good time with the Daines. We wish you all the best in NY.

Nadia wanted Jared to teach her how to surf. He did a great job. He is very animated (if you didn't know) and he is a great teacher. I think she enjoyed it.

Caden absolutely loved Nadia. She is a fantastic big sister to Marcus (remember Caden's best friend?) 

On Memorial Day, we played in a kickball tournament with our besties, The Thrapps. This was a serious tournament people, 24 families, uniforms, bracket chart and all. We had a really good time. Who cares if us adults were sore the next day? That just means we played our hearts out!

p.s. our team, The Grass Kickers, won it all (despite some minor controversies)!

game faces

Jared wanted to share his beloved Sioux City Sasparilla

I just noticed all these pics are of Caden, who by the way is wearing my sleeve on his head. I didn't really take an pics of the actual kickball games. We were too involved to be photographers :)

busy bees.

I'd much rather be busy than bored.

So, here's a look at some adventures in May...

We hurried home from Utah in time to catch a dinner date with our dear friends, The Mortensens.

They live in El Paso but, were going to be in Carlsbad for one night. We haven't seen them since they moved (over a year ago). So, we definitely wanted to make sure we saw them before they left. We became friends with Jay and Marisa in our ward in Culver City. We wish we would have hung out more before they moved. They are good people. Although, that last sentence is so simply stated, to me it really describes them. After spending an evening of chatting with these guys, you leave feeling so good. We had a lot of fun catching up, so much so that we shut down Claim Jumper. We hope to see them again soon and who knows maybe we'll live near each other in the future....Houston or Utah???

Next up, Genie's bridal shower.

Everyone did an amazing job putting this party together (especially my cousin Trish).

The bride-to-be was glowing and I think she had a pretty good time.

We are looking forward to her wedding in July. 

Did I mention that we also love her hubby-to-be? Fred is awesome! We are so happy for them.

We went to Nicole and Ronney's co-ed baby shower. 

Baby Aiden is due on my birthday! I'm looking forward to meeting the little guy. 

We had a great time. These people sure know how to throw a party. 

Ronney and Nicole

Pirate themed party - we couldn't resist

Diner and Trish - dressing the baby with only one hand

Fred - future father of 5

who can drink beer (apple cider in Jared's bottle) out of a bottle the fastest
Fred won.

Jared gave it his best shot, he came in second.

I just love this kid. He was on his best behavior at the party and let everyone hold him.

A few days later...Caden, Jocey and I headed back to LA. We went to my cousin Dylan's graduation. He graduated from Cal State Long Beach! We are so proud of you D!

Can you spot Dylan?

Go Beach!

Auntie Trish putting C to sleep. He didn't fare so well with all the air horns and cheering.

Little sissy and I

Auntie Cathy and her boy

Sibling love

Dylan's very supportive cousins

Then, the celebration...

my hub.

Happy Birthday to my awesome husband!!!

I appreciate your hard work and ambition. Thank you for being so encouraging and positive. I'm glad you chose me out of that sea of girls....haha. You are the best hub I've ever had.

 Caden is so lucky to have such an amazing dad. 

We love you SO much!