<3 <3 How Romantic <3 <3

So I planned a date for Bobby and I last night. I wanted to have a "Real Date"! It's been so long since we were able to just be alone. I made reservations at the Hyatt Regency Beachfront Hotel in Huntington Beach. We were married there New Years Eve, 2004. Knowing how much we both love Huntington Beach, I thought it would be nice to go back. We stayed in the one of the Courtyard rooms (we had the same view in 2004). The rooms are beautiful. We ate Dinner there in the room (Miguel's at Bobby's request). After we ate, we then put on the robes that they have for you, and sat on the balcony to enjoy the view. We could here the wind and waves, and smell the ocean, which is my favorite smell in the whole world! It was so nice to have Bobby all to myself, and spend quality time with him. With no distractions... t.v., kids, etc. When we woke up this morning we went to the best place by the beach for breakfast. The Sugar Shack! Yummy. I had their signature omelet, and Bobby had their egg, cheese, and avocado burrito. It was the perfect date. Now we are home with our kids and family, and enjoying just being together.

The Hyatt. We didn't have this view, but ours was nice too. This room looks a lot like ours (different color scheme) The bed had 9 pillows on it! Not kidding. Under the 3 you see in this picture, there were 6 regular pillows. Ha it totally reminded me of Cheaper by the Dozen. When the mom orders up 12 pillows from room service. The Sugar Shack on Main St. It's always that busy. The pier. I miss this place so much. I have some of my best memories with Bobby at this beach. We want to move back here some day.

He is Here!

Finally he is here! Bobby got in to LAX last night after 8. I met him at the gate. I was so excited to see him, that I had butterflies until I saw his face. No wife should have to be away from her husband that long. Unfortunately he will be leaving on the 5th. So we need to make the most of it. Can't wait to get started.

Only one left!

I'm sooooooooooo sad. There is only one more dance before Syd graduates. I know what everyone is thinking. Why are you sad? Shouldn't Syd be sad? I'm sad because I won't be able to do this any more. I love doing her hair for all of her dances. I love that she trusts me. Hopefully my nieces will need my services. Paigee? Only 3 more years until your in 8th grade dance.

Soldier What?

OK I think she gets her rhythm from her daddy. Ha watch her shake it for her favorite audience... Her!

Never to young!

MMMM... Don't you love the strawberry in her mouth. Can you see the heart?

So today, Kodi Lynn tried all day to show me what a big girls she is! She has to do it all by herself these days. It's so funny. Today Nan came into the kitchen and found Kodi on a chair washing the dishes. This is what I here:

Nan- "Oh Kodi I'll help you do that when I am all done." (she was on the computer,)

Kodi- "It's ok, the water is cold. It's ok Nan!" (Picture her holding up a finger to Nan, with sass.)

So of course I had to get a picture of it. Hey, I guess I should start a chore chart for her. It's never to early to start doing chores... Right? Later that evening she came and showed me her beautiful make over. "I look pretty Mommy, like Ariel! My "big" little girl.

Little reasons I love birthdays!

I love birthdays. Buying my kids gifts, and having special memories with them. I love the little things... Watching them get so excited about tearing off paper, or eating only the frosting of their birthday cake. One of my favorite parts about birthdays, is the card we get in the mail from my Aunt Dianna. She always makes these cute homemade birthday cards. This one is just so cute. I have been getting similar cards all my life from her, and my Grandma Cherry. I must get this trait from my Dad. He has kept all of his, and most of mine and Shannon's. Thanks Aunt Dianna for the GRRRRREAT card!

house updates

More shots from today

Degan still lovin' those sprinklers Frankenstein Yummy Not a fan of my cupcakes At least he is.

Very last minute

Bug nets with bubbles and candy. The kids tried to catch the bubbles with them. Thanks Marcy for the bubble machine. Yummy ice cream cone cupcakes. Complete with yummy bugs. Degan's was a snail. He slept until every one showed up. There were a lot of fashionably late guests. We love them all the same, and were so glad they came. Logan showing the kids how it's done. Go Logan.

(below) Degan playing with the sprinkler. As you can tell he didn't care much for the slide part.

Degan got a slip 'n' slide for his birthday. So we invited a few people over for some fun in the sun, and some birthday cupcakes, at the very last minute. We had such a good time. Degan enjoyed his special day. Thanks to everyone who made it such a perfect day. Even on such short notice. Man I can't believe my baby is one. I only wish he liked that darn slip'n'slide! But at least he enjoyed playing next to it. He he he.

My one year old...

... Wow one year old. Can you believe it? I feel like this year has just flown by. Here are a couple of thing you may have not know about our Lil' Chunk.

• Words: Mama, Dada, Bye, and ma (more) I know ma is a separate word because he only uses it when he's eating, and Mama when he wants me to hold him, which is all the time. hehe.
• Has 5 teeth
• Walks 3 to 8 steps. Depending on how determined he is to show off. He walked down Nan's hallway today.
• He's such a Guy's Guy
• But equally a Mama's Boy
• Loves food. (21 lbs.)
• Loves his big sister.
• Loves the word up. He can show you up and tries to say it, but if you show him up you better be prepared to throw him. Over and over and over!

Happy Birthday Lil' Chunk!

Happy Birthday Deegers!

Degan woke up in the best mood today! He's such a smarty to know it's his birthday! We got out of bed and let him open Nana Joni's birthday gift first thing. Only he was not interested in opening his gifts, so Pop's had to hold him and the gift. He has a one track mind... FOOD! Pop's was making oatmeal in the kitchen and he had to be "up in the mix" so to speak. We plan on having a little slip'n'slide party for him tomorrow. Daddy's contribution to Deegers. "Thanks Daddy" ~Degan

No diets please

So I have been trying to get in shape for this summer, but I don't really want to diet. I was walking 3 miles a day in Florida, and trying to eat more fruits and veggies. Now that I am back in California, I want to keep up my walks, and eating healthy. I was wondering if anyone wanted to join me? It's no fun walking alone. I am also up for any ideas on how to get in shape. I can't join a gym (no car), and I don't want to start a new diet. Diets don't work for me. I always feel hungry, and I cant stick to 'em.

Lazy!

Man I am so lazy with my blog since I have been back in California. Yikes! Well I promise to get something good up on the blog soon.

We're Here!

Well we finally made it. We got in late on Wed. and surprised the Byrds. Which everyone knows if they read Letti's blog. I am so glad that it all worked out so well. I never get my surprises to work. We are so happy to be with our family and friends. Kodi Lynn is stuck to Nan's hip, and Degan is enjoying all of the attention. We can't wait to start seeing all of our friends and family.