Pics don't do it justice! HUNTINGTON BEACH- SURF CITY!

GNO with my besties...such a suprise that I thought I was going to Cali on my own to run Surf City Marathon, which I'd signed up for many months ago, when Brette said she'd go with me a few weeks before, and same with Bree and same with Nat....and then, what do you know? We are all off together on one of the greatest trips I could ever imagine:

First, we had to secure Bree on our flight- way to go Breezy! no panic attacks, nothin'! You'd think her mom was a flight attendant or somethin? She must have some tips. We had a bit of a "stalker" at the airport, which we will always remember, right girls? We all took random pics, so I only captures a few of the many memories but off straight to Disneyland! These girls are true Disney fans. I loved it this time around having hardly any waiting time onto the rides. SO DANG FUN! We of course missed our kids and hubbies back home, but having a bunch of girls isn't a bad deal!

Bree and Brette swore Disney's cotton candy is the best! I think everything just tastes better when it's super expensive!

I couldn't believe how uncrowded it was! We walked onto the rides. I haven't had that experience before. Next time, I will know how to plan better when I take the fam!

Bree hadn't been for many years-

The beach across from our hotel...Huntington where the race started and ended...how convenient and amazing! The weather was unreal. I could move here...really! Come on, Chad! Let's do it!

We had some beach time, biking time, amazing food, and most memorable moment for me is coming up on our bikes:

I really feel so blessed to have such great, supportive, kind, fun, amazing friends! I love you all. And, ditto to my kids and husband, who I did miss and am a better mom when I come home rested (and with gifts)....never know what life will bring, so better live it

And enjoy the time we have together! Here is my favortie memory: Bree driving us around in this Surrey singing, and almost killing us while singing, "Beach Boys"...Crazy jogger along the way! We had some great laughs...

And thanks for being there, all of you, when I finished the marathon, which ended up just being a final touch to a perfect weekend! You are all the best! Truly blessed I am!

Merry Merry Christmas!

A few weeks later, I am finally posting about Christmas...of course, the kids were so excited for Santa this year and they must have been pretty good because he did come! And the three older kiddos were up at the crack of dawn, like most kids do...with giant, giddy, laughter! And try as they might, they could NOT get their little brother to wake up...he was nestled all cozy in his bed and very content...

So we let them just have at it: Jonah got his Drifter he wanted (Go Cart) Ashley got an I-Pod (Yes, she is only 5) Jacob got an airsoft gun. When Alex finally woke up, his favorite present was his mini-trampoline!

Dang, they were all so cute! I love these ages. I love their laughter and their energy. I love these kids so much.

Such a great year. We did many fun things over the Break: Airborne, movies, Jungle Jims, Skiing, shopping, etc.

We went up to Eden the last weekend before New Years. Jonah didn't have the best weekend: he was bit by a dog (literally ripped thru his coat and broke his skin), shot in the face accidently with an airsoft gun, and later, had strep throat....then, admittedly, I was ready for the kids and I think they were ready to get back to a routine and back to school.

Can't believe Christmas has come and gone: it's 2012~ Happy New Year! We are excited for our new adventures...Love!

Christmas Eve (s) at the Grandparents'!

Oh how we love Christmas Eve around here: traditions, food, family and the spirit of Christmas is in the air. Every Dec. 23rd we go to Roger's side where Nana Marsha works really hard for a fabulous steak candlelit dinner, with a toast to the New Year, and cousins do the nativity scene... My little Ash gets so excited she can hardly contain herself.

And Papa Alan is always so fun- he loves to tease the kiddos and make them laugh...

My Jake and Jonah are growing up so fast. Jake is so witty and fun. Jonah is so kind and also the life of the party...


talk about life of the party- the boyz on the Roger's side, (jigga and shooter) always have a trick up their sleeve making us laugh

And the cousins are so dang cute- love the nativity scene:

Look at our Papa

And all the Roger's cousins led by Nana Marsha for the scene

My cute Mary...aka Ashley. Abby just found out she's having a baby girl in June and Angie's having another baby girl end of May, so more girl cousins are coming! Yah!

Look at all those Rogers kids!

On Christmas Eve we go to Jones side where again, my mom makes a fabulous dinner with the entire family and we sing songs and do the nativity scene, open gifts, and spend time together

My dad you can tell, loves pictures, but hey, we need some memories here!

Look at those cute girls and that spread!

My nephew, ADam (center) just got home from his mission. Fun to have him home.

Ang found out she's having a girl! So fun.

Cool cousins (Jo rarely lets me take his picture)

Then off to bed for the little ones snuggled up in their beds getting ready for the "Big Man" to come.....sooooo exciting

Happy 9th Birthday Jonah!

Happy, happy 9th B-day Jo Jo! We are so glad you weren't born on your actual due date, which was Christmas Day, so Dec. 17th was the big day! This year, you went skiing with Jacob, dad and your cousins and then met up with some buddies at Airborne Jumping... What a fun-filled, action-packed day! (And night!) You have really started skiing and love going each weekend with dad and Jake. You are becoming a great skier! You just started Jr. Jazz and it's fun to watch you play basketball.

You are a social person who loves friends and they love you! Full of energy and life, you are usually making people laugh or laughing yourself. You are a great big brother to Ash and Alex.

3rd Grade has been such a great year for you! You have learned your multiplication, and excel in math and reading. I never have to ask you to do your homework or study. You are a fabulous student! Every morning, you are the first one up- early riser...with lots of energy! But you definitely need your sleep or else! I love when you do get tired, because it is the time you will let me cuddle with you and scratch your back- please don't give that up!

You and Jake are great buddies (most of the time) and even right now, as I type this, you are making a "restaurant" called "J and J Bros Restaurant"- can't wait to try it out!

We all love you, Jonah and hope you had a great b-day! You add so much life and fun to our lives and a smile to many faces. Love you! xoxo

Week Before Christmas

The week before Christmas and all through the house, creatures were stirring, even Jonah's mouse...ha ha. Lots going on this time of year! Here is a recap of our week: Riding TRAX downtown to Temple Square, Chad's phone got a cute one of the two boys!

After seeing the beautiful downtown lights, and feeling more in the Christmas mood, Alex came home and hammed it up with dancing and Santa cheer.... Jacob had a Christmas performance with his 5th Grade class and it was truly a great one!

Check out his shirt, I love these shirts the teachers make for the kiddos!

We had our 2nd Annual Chrismas fun with Derek's work, at Columbus Community Center. We love to get the kids, family together and do a craft with the physically/mentally challenged clients there and then sing and dance...

Whenever i go there, my heart is touched by these sweet people!

Ondy is always giving- she brought some books for kids...a reminder of what this season is all about

My mom and her co-workers also came, many of whom I do not know yet with the new transition of Dan Jones and Associates- now "Cisco Corp"...but fun to meet new people and even more fun to get down dancing and caroling

Ang finds out what they are having in a few weeks!

Countdown til Christmas! Can't believe it's almost here! xoxo