GNO- Girl's Night Out

Terra's birthday was August 29th and Brooke's September 9th, so we gathered the girl's for some Taste of India and went to see "The Help." Loved the book, but LOVED the movie even more! So fun to get together with people I adore!

Never a dull moment with these 3 that's for sure! So lucky to have good friends!

Another man in the house!

Watch out world......look who's shaving!

Personalities within the family....

My sweet boys...

Logan after reminiscing good times before the kids started playing football has been asking to go back to the days of our summers spent camping and four wheeling. And decided he would set up donation banks on the kitchen counter to further his cause.

.....Jaret after hearing just how pricey Four Wheelers can be-- decided we can then choose to donate to his cause for "Dirt Bikes" instead. Isn't that nice?!

And then there's sweet Ayden....the youngest of them all.....yet full of so much wisdom.....

Teaching us all that things don't come for free. Offering to "Fix stuff for us, for 25 cents."

Love that kid!

Labor Day Weekend in San Francisco!

Had my twins been able to come with us, our trip to San Francisco quite possibly could have been my VERY favorite! My great Auntie Ada celebrated her 95th Birthday over Labor Day weekend. The perfect excuse to plan a trip! RSVP's were requested last month, so we confirmed our little family of 6 and bought our plane tickets at the same time. Good thing we booked with Southwest Air....if a person cannot make their flight they give you a voucher, which you can use for a later date! PHEW! So, while our sweet neighbors the Giacalone's, and my brother Steven entertained the twins. Darren and I headed off Friday morning with our older two, McKennah and Logan for our trip to San Fran.

We arrived at around 11:00 and checked into the ever fantastic Omni Hotel! It was just 2 blocks from Chinatown where we were able to walk to, and meet up with my Mom, Dad, Aunt Ligaya, and brother Darren.

My sister Jen, and her husband Jeff were able to meet up with us after they got off work to grab a bite to eat and shop Union Square. I could have spent an entire week there alone. So many fun shops, and things to do! We did think we would have time to come back, so didn't spend too much time in the shops, but wish we had. Our time was short, and completely jam packed we never did make it back. The perfect excuse to make the trip again! After the fun filled day we hopped onto a San Francisco Trolley back to the hotel! The kids loved it!

I have decided that my new favorite way to tour a new city is on a bike! After having sooo much fun pedalling through New York's Central Park, we decided we would try it again and bike across the Golden Gate Bridge.

It was the perfect day. Overcast just enough to keep us cool as we broke out in a sweat! We rode 8 miles across the bridge into Sausalito. Also known as "Little Sicily." A quaint little town with rolling hills, fun tourist shops, and yummy places to eat. We stopped for some ice cream, then decided we hadn't seen enough just yet..... we rode an additional 6 miles to "Old Mill Park" a beautiful park filled with California Redwoods, and Giant Sequoia's! My family was all pleased that the additional 12 mile roundtrip was just to see some tree's. ;)

We did ride the 6 miles BACK to Sausalito and were able to catch a ferry to Fisherman's Wharf where we found, of course, the nearest crab shack...and feasted our sad little famished hearts! 24 miles, saddle sore, and smiling! Best Day by far!

Sunday we woke up early and headed off to Alcatraz. We had just an hour to spare, and luckily the audio tour was just 45 minutes long. When I tried to order tickets online it said the tours were sold out until the end of October. We lucked out and found out the place we rented the bikes from sold Alcatraz packages! It was so fun, and worth the time!

After Alcatraz we hopped into our rental car and made the 2 hr trip to Sacramento for Auntie Ada's party. She was beautiful, she was witty, she reminded me sooo much of my Grandma Jennie. I miss her. I was able to see cousins I haven't seen for 10 years or more, and were surprised to see so many relatives there from Utah. What a fun reunion, and reason to celebrate! It is nice to see that no matter the time away how close bonds can still exist. I love my California relatives, wish soooo much I could see them more often.

That may have been our shortest trip EVER! We didn't have a minute to sit still, just the way I like it! So much fun, and so many memories I will hold forever in my heart. Family vacations are the best! I can't wait to plan the next!

My favorite time of year....

Not only do I get to watch my Utes......I get to see these cute two little boys work hard, try their best, and make us proud!! Jaret and Ayden had to move up a division this year so we weren't too sure what would happen, but they've proven themselves again!

Jaret retained his position at Quarterback, and Ayden a starting Cornerback, and Wide Receiver. Some of the best plays have been "Scott to Scott!" I love to root for these two. And am sad and happy for them at the same time, as Darren and I head out of town this weekend, with the older two, these boys will stay; because the team cannot let them go. Good for you, good job....we'll miss you!