Kelly's Graduation

The banner for Kelly's group
Raif, Bailey and I got stuck by the procession going to our seats, but at least we got a photo of Kelly coming in!

Our graduate!

Kelly and Eli

Vega Family

Sisters!

Witt's

Kelly with Mom and Dad

Aunt Kelly and Bailey

Both Raif and Bailey were sick with the flu, but I wasn't missing this day!

Kelly and Grandma Pat

Kelly and her girls

The day finally came. As we were sitting in the heat, for hours and hours, we were all wondering why we made Kelly walk for her graduation. But, considering we've been waiting for 18 years for this day, it was all worth it! CSULB did a rather poor job accommodating all of their graduates and families, nearly 200 graduates had no seats for 15 minutes or so. And it was a nightmare for anyone to walk around and get a seat. But, after the names were called and the pictures were taken, all was forgotten and we were so glad to have been there. Kelly has chugged along for many years, 18 in all. When we thought she'd throw in the towel and quit, she got her second, third, and so on wind and kept at it. We are all so proud that she stuck with it, and accomplished her goal. It's not that we're proud of the way she achieved it, she can attest to that and hopes her daughters will not follow in her footsteps. BUT, we are proud of the fact that she stuck with it, and never gave up. She hung in there, kept at it, and we can now say:

KELLY

is a

COLLEGE GRADUATE!!!!

Why I Love My Dad's Retirement

Because he gets to do things like this with Raif

Sarah's Birthday Cruise

Our Crew consisted of the Irelands, Wards, Foxes, Jacobs and Durnins
Colby and Me

Aaron and Sarah

Nickie and Sarah

Aaron and SarahSarah and Me

Colby and Me

Sarah getting her delicious dinner from Open Sesame

Sarah and Shanna

Nickie and Me

The delicious and beautiful "Princess Cake"

Aaron planned a great early surprise birthday party for Sarah. Those of you who know Sarah, know this was not an easy task to achieve. Aaron told Sarah that the two of them were going to join us on the boat for drinks, followed by dinner at Mahi's. When they arrived to the boat, Colby and I greeted them in the cock pit. As we walked into the salon, and were pouring a glass of wine, 6 of some of her closest friends came out from the stateroom to surprise her. We then left for a cruise to Thumbs Island and had our dinner and dessert there. Shanna got tons more pictures, so check out her blog for more of the fun! It was a fabulous evening for a fabulous friend.

Happy Birthday Sarah!

Kelly's Graduation Party

I have yet to master the art of throwing a party and taking everyone's pictures. Here are the few I got from Kelly's graduation party.

Kelly and Jaymee
Kelly's neighbors Ron and Pam

Two of our Sarah's

Aunt Beth, Lucas, Carmen and Sarah in the background

The kiddos

Sarah and Aunt Beth-We are so excited that Sarah was able to make it to the party, and finally out of the hospital. She continues her recovery from her surgery, but we are so happy that she is finally home.

Aunt Shelley and Jake

Mom-call me next time so we're not so matchy-matchy!

Josh with Uncle Mark and Aunt Nancy

Kelly opening up her presents

We celebrated Kelly's graduation this Saturday (she actually graduated in December, and walks on Wednesday). Family and friends gathered together to have one great party. We dined on delicious tacos made at the house by Paulina's catering with margaritas and beer to drink. I didn't get everyone's picture, like I said before I'm still trying to master hosting the party, watching the kids, and taking pictures. Regardless, it was a great time and I will take a plethora of pictures at the graduation ceremony (Kelly, you have been warned!)

Elmo Concert

Our group, Bailey's friend Taylor got to join us since my dad could not attend
Bailey and me by the fountain after the concert

My mom and Raif

Raif is very excited

Bailey, Regan and Taylor

Bailey and Reagan during the intermission

Bailey and Taylor by the fountain

A little glimpse of the concert

So colorful!

Cute video of the kids dancing at the concert.

I love living in Long Beach. There is so much to offer here and all so close. The Long Beach Terrace Theater brought Sesame Street's production of Elmo here this weekend. Today's event was $20 for any seat in the house, and we sat in the 11th row. The Ireland Clan along with the Durnin Clan took up quite a bit of Row 11 at tonight's performance. Raif sat mesmerized the entire performance and Bailey was up and dancing the night away. My dad could not make it so we brought along Bailey's friend Taylor from her preschool. All the kids had such a fun time, and the performance was very cute!

Beach Day

Yesterday was a beautiful day, so we told Bailey that today we would go to the beach. Sure enough, today was completely overcast and looked downright yucky outside. But, you say something to a 4 year old, you keep your promise. Luckily, even a yucky day in So. California, in May, is still a fun day at the beach. We packed up the bikes, and headed over to the bay. I was dressed in a sweatsuit and sweatshirt, but kids seem to be able to go to the beach in the coldest weather, and not seem to mind. We had a fun morning and are looking forward to the weather getting a bit warmer out!

Colby and Raif getting some digging time in

What should I do with the sand?
Dump it, of course!

Where does she get these poses from?

It's a bit chilly. She is starting to look so grown-up!

Raif decided that running in-and-out of the water is tons of fun. Here are some fun videos of his adventures. Not great quality video, but still fun to watch.

One more video, just because!