Belly Laughing!

Tonight, Ellie had Ren laughing so hard! I just had to add these photos! His smile is so beautiful! Ellie was doing her usual shananigans! She makes crazy faces and noises that Ren just goes bananas over! So, I took out the camera and she stood behind me doing who knows what to get this reaction! Notice Ren's extra pink tongue?! He practically ate a pink marker...yesterday! His tongue is still pink!

Happy Birthday, Ren!

Ren turned one this month! My sweet baby is one! I can hardly believe it. It seems he was just born a few months ago. This lucky guy got two cakes! We spent the day before his birthday up at Uncle Tony and Aunt Natalie's home in LA. We had cake and sang and played with cousins! Cake number two was at home on his actual birthday. I attempted the little train, didn't look exactly like the book...but hey, close! Uncle Charlie and Aunt Liz came, with more cousins in tow. We are so lucky to live close to family!
Ren has blond hair, that probably needs a trim. I haven't wanted to cut it because I want him to stay looking like a baby! He took his first steps today actually! It was awesome cause Rusty actually got to see him do it! All night I kept trying to get him to do it again. Nope, no performing. He loves his siblings so much. He seems to really come alive when they are around! And of course we are all crazy about him! We all want to kiss this chubby cheeks!

Piano Recital

I held a piano recital for my students in January. It went very well. I was so pleased and impressed with each of them. They are unique and wonderful young people. It is a privelege to help them learn to play the piano. I really do adore them! I have been teaching for a couple of years now and this year has been the most fun! Porter, Chloe and Ellie go to another teacher, but I had them perform with the group anyway. Only two of my students weren't able to be there.

Jess and Ellie

I recently organized all my digital photos and got them all on discs. What a feat! Anyway, I came across this one and thought I'd share it! This has to be one of the all time most cute, right? Jesse and Ellie were such pals. I think this was like spring 2001, Elle was maybe one. She is wearing her diaper cover thing that matched one of her dresses. I'm sure Jesse put it on her!

Girls day

Last Saturday, I went up to Stevenson Ranch to a friend's home to scrap the day away! Cindy and I drove up to Darcy's together and had a great day. I was able to work on and finish several projects that I had been working on...including my family page for 2007. Plus, we visited all day. Darcy summed it up for us, we weren't moms or wives for a little while, just girlfriends. And I know I have the best life ever! But it was fun to just do things for me, for one whole day. Thanks Darcy, for opening up your home to us. And to Nathan for keeping your kids busy all day!

fun photos

Liz and Liberty

Charlie and Chloe

Garrison watches a cool fish

Beautiful girls!

Happy New Year!

Ren, Loralei and Garrison

Liz, Rach (now 33 years!) and Mir

Cute cousins at Aquarium

Porter and Chloe touch some rays and sharks, slimy

Loralei, Marc and Mir
We have been so lucky to have Miriam, Marc, Garrison and Loralei visit us! They came for about a week. Liz, Charlie, Drex, Quin and Libby came out and stayed most of the time too! We had such a good time together! We went to the Aquarium of the Pacific one day. That was pretty cool. I've wanted to take my kids for a while. And they helped us celebrate New Years, and my birthday! Us sisters (and Chloe) went out to lunch to Olive Garden. We had so much fun just talking and being together. Later that night we had the traditional strawberry shortcake, plus several other selections including carrot cake, white cake and cherry pie! I was very spoiled! Thanks everyone! I love you!