2nd annual desert trip

We went to Ocotillo Wells for a 3 day adventure. I say adventure, because Tommy brought his dune buggy. His uncle built it from scratch and Tommy's family now owns it and keeps it running. Tommy and his brother Trevor worked on the buggy a week before we left to get it running so we could take it with us. They replaced and fixed a lot of parts on it. I am so thankful that they know what they're doing, because I have no clue. Every time we go to the desert we always bring the buggy home not running. Their goal this trip was to bring it back running and...they were unsuccessful.

In the desert we celebrated Emma and Reuben's 6th birthday!

This year the weather was a lot warmer than last year. We were all prepared for winter and we when got there it felt like summer. It was nice, because I rather be too hot than cold. Scott and Tina let us stay with them in their trailer. There were 11 of us who slept in the trailer...7 adults and 4 kids. They have 5 beds so we all had plenty of room. We camped with Mike/Kendra and their 5 boys, Scott/Tina and their 4 children, Scott's cousin John (Wyatt), Scott's parents and the three of us. Scott's other cousin and friends were there the first day, but had to leave early. Kendra's family and friends came Friday night and they're all staying through the weekend. We left Saturday evening.

bobble head

Tommy's new friend (the Fire Chief)-the buggy broke down on Friday afternoon...their mission: to fix the buggy. After 5 contacts and 18 hrs later Tommy was lead to the fire chief at Ocotillo Wells fire dept. On Saturday we went to the fire dept. and Tommy talked with the chief and told him the part he needed. The fire chief said he'd go home to see if he had the part. Not 10 minutes later he returned with not one but two! Just when we were about to leave they received a call and had to go. We got there just in time! This was the short version...for the long version give me a call :)

Tommy and Trevor fixing the buggy in the desert
(you never know what you can use a diet dr. pepper can for)

Thanks everyone for a fun and safe trip!!!

adorable

1st birthday

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY FRANCIS!!!
January 5, 2009

Go Chargers!

On Saturday we were invited over to Tommy's cousins house. John made us fish (Mahi Mahi) and chicken tacos while we watched the football game. "They were the best fish tacos I have ever eaten" said Tommy. That means A LOT if you know my husband. :) John also made his own corn salsa and secret white sauce (sour cream, spices, hot sauce, and more!) thanks again John and Rachel!!! We can't wait to come back for more :)

Jodi's baby shower

the girls that made it all happen...

It's a boy! I helped my friends at church set up my new best friend's baby shower. I had never met Jodi until the baby shower. My friends kept saying that we have so much in common and would be best of friends. Her theme as you can see is jungle animals. I loved the centerpieces and table settings. They were so cute! And now I have a new best friend!!!

chocolate cake with chocolate pudding filling
w/Reese's peanut butter cups sprinkled on top...delicious!!!

family visits san diego

My sister flew down from Portland, Oregon for our nephew's 1st birthday. Here are a few pics while she was here.

my mom and Eddie's best friend, Francis, and Sean

Francis and his new ride

happy new year!!!

2009!!!

sightseeing

My brother drove down from Sacramento for Christmas and to be with the family. While he was here we decided to go to the Zoo and Sea World. I think the rest of California had the same idea. With it being Christmas and San Diego hosting the Holiday Bowl the parks were really crowded, but we made the best of it.

family christmas

The Saturday after Christmas Tommy's extended family gets together and celebrates Christmas. We have a delicious breakfast at 8:30 and the children under the age of 18 open their stockings around 10am. Then we exchange presents. (We pick names the year before so we have a year to think of what to get the family member we chose). This year I filled the stockings. The stocking are handmade and decorated to the uniqueness of each child. There are now 8 cousins who live in San Diego under the age of 18. We hang out until around 2pm. For lunch we make ham sandwiches, if we're hungry. It's a fun time to be with family, play games, and eat!!!