Jimmy Kimmel Live!

We started off with another lazy morning-- we're on vacation, give us a break! Then Dan & Megan treated us to a gargantuan lunch at Claim Jumper's -- complete with appetizer pretzels and a lemon bar broule (to share) for dessert. It was soooo good! Thanks guys!

After lunch we dropped Jake & Hadley off at Gramma's and the four of us went down to Hollywood to see Jimmy Kimmel Live! We had to wait in line for a little while, but we got in and were able to see 1.5 shows taped. The first show will air next Tuesday... with Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker--- hilarious! The second aired tonight with guests Sharon Osborn (who I think is adorable!), Brett Ratner (some cocky guy who directed the Rush Hour films... and his CRAZY Granny!), and Common (the "socially conscience" rapper... with the explicit lyrics... we were thrilled.) But it was a lot of fun anyway! Dan will be shown on national tv since he was sitting next to Fidel Castro for one of the jokes. (We dvr'd it for anyone who wants to see!)

We had a really fun evening. After the concert -- well actually during the concert--- we walked over to Grauman's/Mann's Chinese Theater to see the foot & hand prints of the stars and take in the Hollywood experience. Then headed to In-N-Out for one last burger before Dan & Meg head home. Finally back to Gramma's to get the kids... they were both sound asleep... thanks Mom!

We've had so much fun with Dan, Megan & Hadley here... we will miss them dearly when they leave early tomorrow morning... We love you! Thanks for coming. We'll see you soon...

Hanging Out With Hadley

We had a lazy morning around here. Hadley pushed Jake around for awhile... they are playing together so well. Jake is really sweet and gentle with her, it's cute to watch. And Hadley just laughs at him. Adorable.

After lunch at the El Pollo Loco we drove out to Ventura to introduce Hadley to the Pacific Ocean and let her get her feet wet. She wasn't all that impressed and refused to put her feet down... in the water or the sand. Megan and Dan enjoyed the cool ocean breeze and the 30 degree drop in temperature though.

We took the long way home with a drive up the coast, I love that drive -- it's so relaxing (unless you have a screaming baby in the backseat, which we did.)

It's been a really nice, relaxing day. We love having Dan & Megan here... I think we're going to hold 'em hostage. (sorry Kim!)

Happy 4th Birthday Abi!

Today our niece, Miss Abigail Joy, is 4 years old! She was born the summer before John & I got married and in our wedding pictures she looks like a little sleeping angel. Abi is such a sweet girl. She loves playing horses and dress-up, swimming, and helping everyone. We love you Abi and wish we lived closer so we could see you more often!

Happy 4th Birthday Abi!

Whirlwind Weekend

Saturday morning started bright and early with a trip to the airport to pick up Dan, Megan & Hadley. There was a quick stop to the Kwik-E-Mart for some mmmm donuts- pink sprinkled ones for all. After a little visiting we left Jake and Hadley with Grandma & Grandpa and the four of us went to see... The Simpsons Movie. There were some laughs, but not as many as I expected. John says it was a little bit of a let-down after looking forward to it for so many years. We laughed though and still had a good time together.

Then it was home for naps before our big evening!

In the evening we all made our own sandwiches for our picnic dinner a the Hollywood Bowl. I love going to the Bowl. The weather is perfect, the entertainment is great, and the company--- absolutely wonderful. We were able to see Gladys Knight (and one Pip) as well as Wayne Brady. The show was so much fun! Jake danced the entire time... and I am NOT exaggerating! He loved it.

It was a late night so we all slept in on Sunday morning. We headed to church at 1pm and then home for dinner (Heather's yummy Creamy Italian Chicken recipe... which was a hit!) and an intense game of Ticket To Ride.

It's been a fun weekend... and now Grandma & Grandpa are leaving in the morning to continue their West Coast theater tour, finishing up in Salt Lake with a two week stay with Great Grandma. We're so glad they came down to visit us on their trip! We love seeing them.

Grandma & Grandpa Are Here!!

Jakey had a good day today and a great evening with Grandma & Grandpa. He kept them entertained... which was really nice that he was so happy. We had dinner at Nick-n- Willie's Pizza... yummmy!


Jake got his ABC Book today too. He loved it and wanted to look at it over and over. He even showed it to Grandma & Grandpa over and over...

I'd like to introduce you to Jacob Potter. (I just love this picture and had to post it!)

What I Get....

... so I thought being home would bring back my usual Jakey boy... I was wrong. I suppose that's what I get for thinkin'! :) Today was not a fun Jacob day. Whining. Whining. No nap. Whining. Did I mention whining? Yeh, it's been fun. It's now 9:45 and he's STILL not asleep in his crib. I can hear him in there... whining and throwing himself against the bars. nice.

But... tomorrow Grandma & Grandpa get here... hopefully they get to spend time with Happy Jake! :)

I did get the 4x6 prints of the ABC Book, now I need the album... I'll get there!

Jake's ABC Book

I mentioned before that my friend Mandy was making Jake an ABC book... well she's finished and we (all) absolutely LOVE it!

I sent it to Costco for printing tonight and will pick it up tomorrow -- along with a small 4x6 photo album. I can't wait to see and hear Jake's reactions as he sees all the pictures. I'm sure this is a book he will cherish.

If you would like one too... Mandy's in business, check out Marry-Moments... she's super talented.

When Gramma Comes Home

We're so glad when Gramma comes home, glad as we can be.
Clap our hands and shout for joy and... go home to sleep!

We're home! We had a nice stay with GG'ma, but there's nothing like sleepin' in your own bed.
Tonight we took a family bike ride (Jake was SSSSOOOOOOOOOOOOO happy to be in the trailer again, it's been far too long) over to The Habit for dinner. yummmmmy.

First Party Invitation

Tonight Jake went to his first friend birthday party. It's Ella's 2nd birthday and he had a lot of fun playing: in the water, with her new vet clinic, with her new Leapster, and especially eating cupcakes and CHEETOS! I could not get that kid away from the cheetos bowl!

Happy 2nd Birthday Ella! Gakey loves being your friend.

Now We'll Sing (drive) With One (two) Accord(s)...

It's official. We are now a two Accord family -- Honda Accord that is. Now I get to choose which car I want to drive... the old white one or the "new" silver one... oh, decisions, decisions.... maybe I'll trade off from day to day. Who knows.

Happy 30th Ben!!!

Holy cow, my baby brother is 30. Wow.

Happy 30th Benny Butt!

I LOVE YOU!

(I was hoping to put some "through the years" photos on here, but I'm at mom's so I'll have to setttle for these. You're cute anyway!)