Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day weekend was spent camping and fishing at Big Lake with Jon's family. Not my idea of a fun vacation, but I went along with it. Jon loves it there and was so excited to take the kids fishing for their first time. It was beautiful and the drive ended up being a lot shorter than we thought. We got there on Friday an set up camp. Jon's dad and brother were there a day earlier than us so we didn't have too much to set up. And thank goodness we had a camper to sleep in and we were right next to the bathrooms and showers at the campsite. That evening we took the kids fishing with no luck, but they were having fun. The next morning the kids woke up at 5:45am! Rise and Shine!! It was freezing and way too early to get out of bed...but we got up and got moving so we could go fishing at a stream. Off we went with again, no luck in the stream. That afternoon we took the boat out, but the lake was so choppy we weren't out long. Emma caught one fish but it got away from her at the last minute. So we headed up to shore where Rick and Sean were fishing. We were finally successful! I caught a fish almost immediately, soon followed by Derrick yelling, "I got one!" and reeling in with all his might. It was pretty fun to see that! Then Emma caught her first fish and which was the biggest of the day (she was very proud of that). The kids each caught one more and Jon was a proud papa! Seeing the kids catch their fish was fun, but I was still not sold on camping or fishing! When we got back to camp Ron and Sarah were there and I was glad to have another girl! Just after dinner that night we heard there were elk in the camp, so we went to go see them. They were right up close to the campsite, and it was pretty neat to see. That night Jon received his early birthday gift from his brothers and dad. It was a Pontoon Fishing Raft. He really wanted one. He was very excited and couldn't wait to try it out the next morning. I chose to sleep in the next morning and hang out at camp with the kids. We played games and went on a nature walk. They were loving it there, and I couldn't wait to go home! We went out again that evening, but the fishing was a little harder. I was tired and dirty and cranky and ready to go home! That night after dinner everyone was worn out and went straight to bed. The next morning was clean up time! I was in a good mood that day...it was time to go home! Overall it was not the worst experience of my life, but certainly not something I will look forward to every year! But I am glad that Jon and the kids had a good time...maybe next time I'll just let them go! :)

An Ode to Emma's Hair!

Last night I did something crazy...I cut 7 inches off of Emma's hair! I shed a few tears, but she couldn't stop smiling. I suggested it about a month ago and it's all she's been talking about since then. I told her we had to wait until after her recital so she could wear it in a side curly ponytail for the recital. So, last night as soon as we got home I cut it. It took Emma's hair a very long time to grow from when she was a baby. I have never cut more than 1/2 an inch off at a time. She looks cute with short hair, but I'm already thinking she will grow it back out! Maybe it will grow in a little thicker! Jon was even a little sad when I cut it last night. But I tell people this all the time..."It's only hair, it will grow back!" So here is my slide show tribute to Emma's hair and the pictures of her hair cut from last night!

Emma's Dance Recital

Yesterday was Emma's dance recital. We went to a new studio this year because Emma wanted to try gymnastics. I knew what to expect going in and got exactly what we expected...not much! It wasn't the worst experience, but we would never go back there. Emma has actually decided to take a music class in the fall and take a break from dance. I am struggling with that, but I keep telling myself music will benefit her much more than dance will! The video of her dance got messed up by the highly rude and inconsiderate people around us. I was not impressed with the way the crowd acted. People we constantly talking and walking around during performances. During Emma's a guy walked in front of us and the lady in front of us decided to put her nasty hair into a bun on top of her head right as Emma was doing her tumbling run. I was not happy!! So, we eventually decided to be rude and I picked up Emma early from backstage and we went to dinner at Joe's Bar-b-que. Emma did great in her recital and we are so happy that she can go out and perform in front of a crowd. She even remembered to smile and she didn't fall! It all worked out! :)

Nice farmer's tan! She tans so easily and got this just from recess at school.

Showing off her sparkly toes. (Notice the sandal tan too!)

Cinderella Ballet

Last Saturday me, Emma, my mom, Sarah and Stevi went to the Ballet Etudes performance of Cinderella at Chandler Center for the Arts. Emma had been waiting to go for months and loved the ballet. I thought it was good but found it a little more difficult to enjoy since I did not know the music. But it was a fun girls day out!

School Carnival

Last weekend Jon went on a fishing trip with his dad and brothers. I had promised the kids we would go to the carnival at Emma's school, so off we went. It was your typical school carnival, but the kids had fun playing games and eating cotton candy. Emma got sparkles in her hair and saw her old dance teacher Miss Lainie, who we love and miss! She gave her a big hug! It really made me miss the old dance group! Derrick was thrilled to get to sit on a police motorcycle and they both got to sit in a police car, which they though was pretty cool. We were done in about an hour, but at least they had fun!

The Queen of All Grass Stains!

A few weeks ago Emma came running off the bus and I noticed she had a giant hole in her leggings. As she got closer I realized both knees were covered in the biggest grass stains I have ever seen! That's what I get for putting her in white leggings! She was so ashamed she wouldn't even look at me for pictures which makes it even funnier! I wasn't mad, but Emma was very sad!

California!!

In April my sister, Jeni, and I took a girls trip to California. We had a blast! We flew in on a Thursday night, rented a car and went to Magic Mountain, the Orange County Swapmeet and downtown L.A. Our rental car was so small and squirrly, I was just hoping I could drive it and not get us lost or in an accident! We made it, thanks to GPS!
Friday we went to Magic Mountain all day. I was a little worried I wouldn't be able to hack in my old age, but with a concoction of Dramamine and Excedrin Migraine we made it through the day without feeling sick! It was so fun...I love roller coasters! We even rode our favorite one, X2, twice!
Saturday we went to the Orange County Swapmeet. I had heard so much about this place I was almost worried I might be disappointed. But it did not disappoint! It was fabulous! I got some sunglasses, a super cute purse, some jeans, a hat and some headbands!
After the swapmeet we went to downtown L.A. because it is tradition in our family that if you are anywhere near there you must stop and eat at Philippe's and Cielito Lindo on Olvera St. The best french dipped sandwiches and taquitos you will ever find! And yes, we ate both!
It was a fast trip, but so fun and I'm glad we got to go!

We rode the elevator with these people who won a giant Jamaican banana at the park. It was good entertainment watching them try to get it in their car!

Entrance to the park

I took this so we wouldn't forget where we parked...we still walked right past the car!

A little worn after riding roller coasters all day, but it was so fun!

Me driving our tiny race car

Showcasing the car

Our cute new glasses

The best french dipped sandwich

The best taquitos