Happy 15th Anniversary Kelly and Eli!

15 years ago today my sister and Eli got married in a small ceremony in Bullhead City, Nevada. They both knew what they wanted and had an inexpensive wedding and moved right into their first home. They are now on their 3rd home and have two beautiful girls. I have known Eli for about 20 years now, and he seems more like a big brother than brother-in-law. Kelly and Eli know how to make each other laugh, and I think that is why they have been together so long. Congratulations to both of you! Here is to the next 15!


Yes, I know this should be a picture of Kelly and Eli, but I can't find the one on their wedding day. So for laughs and giggles, here is a picture of Kelly and me at her bridal shower.

Say Cheese!

Every time Raif sees the camera, he makes this ridiculous face and says, "Cheese," it sounds more like, "eeeeeeees," but we know what he is saying. Bailey is also a ham in front of the camera.

Happy 14th Birthday Jaymee!

Jaymee had her 14th birthday and 1st day of high school this past Wednesday. We celebrated her birthday dinner at my mom and dad's house Saturday night. She opted for a pumpkin pie instead of cake, which I was also happy about. We had no candles, so we used tea lights instead! When they become teenagers things such as candles don't mean as much, hey at least we lit something! My mom made baked spaghetti, a crowd favorite.

Bailey's 1st Day of Preschool

Bailey had her first day of preschool yesterday. She is now in the big classroom at Great Beginnings. She is so excited because our neighbor, Annabelle, is there with her on Wednesdays. When she came home, I asked her who she played with. She explained that she played with Riley, and then when Annabelle got to school she ONLY played with Annabelle! We are looking forward to another great year of preschool.

Movie Night...at Home

Last Friday, we were supposed to have date night with the Irelands. Our babysitter cancelled, and we couldn't find a replacement. So, instead, Colby got gifted a screen projector from a retired friend. Instead of using it for work, we hooked it up to Colby's laptop and used it as a home movie projector. Colby and I put the kids to bed, got some cozy blankets, and watched a movie outside in our backyard. It was so much fun and a great date night at home!

This is not the best picture, but you get the point.

Pretend City

As one of our last outings before school, Sarah and I packed up the kids and headed over to Pretend City in Irvine. It was packed with fun things for the kids to explore. The kids had lots of fun pretending to be doctors, farmers, grocery store workers, and chefs/waiters.

Bailey is obsessed with babies, so this room was right up her alley.
By far, my favorite room was the restaurant.

Kid size furniture in the house.

Raif hopped in the crib.

A car at the farm.

Raif checking out the groceries.

Visiting Daddy at Work

Last week we went to stay down at the hotel in Laguna Beach where Colby is working on his project. Not you typical "visiting Daddy at work" photos! We hung out at the pool during the day and then Colby joined us for a late afternoon at the beach. Raif, who has been hanging out at the bay ALL summer long, decided he did not like the sand nor the waves and would not be put down or walk in the sand. We had a great visit and night's stay at the hotel.

Bailey and Colby checking out the waves
The water was freezing!

Raif and I sitting on the chairs

Raif's turn to check out the water

Colby's working on getting alcohol served down at the beach, I think I'm missing a cocktail in my hand!

We did take a stroll down the beach to the local park. Raif loves swings.

So does Bailey.

The park had all of these tunnels to go through, Raif just dove in!

Colby also had a go at it.

Raif also loves slides.

And, so does Bailey.

After a fun early evening at the beach, we ordered room service, Bailey's new favorite thing to do at a hotel.

Bailey is eating shrimp cocktail, ahi sashimi, halibut fish-n-chips, she's so typical for a 4 1/2 year old!

Raif dug into an entire plate of french fries!

As we were eating our room service, this is the view from our hotel room as the sun is setting.

Almost gone!

I brought along the portable DVD player for a little peace and quiet, for me!

Our day view from the room!

Taken from our balcony.

Like I said, not quite your typical visit to Daddy's work! We've been very blessed to get to visit so many beautiful places.