It's Gettin Hot in Herre

This post is going to be quick and dirty--not a lot of jibber-jabber. I take off VERY early in the morning for a visit to The Heartland, but I wanted to get this post done before I leave.

Summer is officially here! We had another cool and rainy spring, so I am happy that the sun is out. The warm weather, cool breezes, beach, BBQ's, ice-cream, and amusement parks. I'm smitten with summer.

Dave and Bon-Bon came down for a visit. We had fun hanging out with them, and we talked Bon-Bon into coming to Gilroy Gardens with us. She was a fan.


We accidentally dressed like twins. I promise it was accidental. You know this is true because I have nothing against matchy-matchy, and I would totally cop to it.

Having fun on the boats

Colin made sure he made his intentions known

I love this picture--me and lil' me

Taking a drive with Grandma

But nothing beats cruising in your own wheels! Sweet, sweet freedom!

All tuckered out after a long day in the sun!

We also hit the beach with friends. My favorite beach is New Brighton in Capitola. The day was absolutely perfect--warm with a cool breeze. I don't mind paying the $10 cover because it keeps out the riffraff.

These bunsies were made for the beach

Colin came along for the fun again. It's fun to see these two together. B can finally hold her own, and they spent a good amount of time wrestling over toys.



Eating Mum Mums, her new favorite. It's funny to hear her little teeth chomping on the crackers.

My Mom is SO mean. She won't let me eat sand!

We also hit up the Oakland Zoo with Braden and the Twinners.

The flamingos and giraffes were a big hit

B had fun hanging out with Braden

We also celebrated out first father's Day! After Lancer went to bed, I set up this sweet little table for him.

Why, yes, that is a Shake Weight! Don't front, you know you want one. We also gave him a vintage Daddies book, some nuts and chews from See's, and the best part of the offering--a digital frame for his office--pre-loaded with family pictures. Now he can see his little family all day long!

I expect to return from The Heartland with lots of pictures containing corn and brats. Until then!

Blakely's Blessing

We had Blakely's blessing on January 2nd. My mom was still in town, so we thought that would be the perfect time to have it. My dad drove up from LA where he was visiting my uncle, and Dave and Bon-Bon drove down from Utah.


Bonnie had offered to make a new dress for B, but my mom thought she had saved the dress from when Eriika and I were little. Sure enough, she found it, and it was in great condition, expect for a few little spots on the inside. It was exquisite. It was purchased 38 years ago by our Aunt Eileen, who was a very fancy lady with great taste.


In the circle we had Lance, my dad, Lance's dad, Dave Ashby, Steve Leeflang, Tyler Carter, Tyler Atwood, and Louis Gray. It was a wonderful blessing, and a great day with friends and family.

My family

Lancer's family

The whole fandamily

After church, we had a little luncheon for close friends and family. I served 2 (very juicy and delicious!) hams, Brooke's creamed corn, 2 orange Jello's and rolls. I did 2 GF double chocolate bundt cakes for dessert.

Lance made quick work of carving up the delicious hams for the crowd

Everyone dug in, and stayed to visit and eat

After lunch, Bon-Bon and Dave had to head back to Utah, and my dad headed back down to LA. We sat around chatting with friends for a few hours, and then gloated about B's good behavior, citing the fact that she made nary a peep during the blessing. What a little Angel.

Utah Baby Shower & Nesting

Last weekend I flew out to Utah for the first of three showers. Mini is quite fortunate to have a long list of people wishing to shower her with love and gifties.

Bon-Bon hosted the shower along with these 2 lovely ladies

They did an amazing job, and whipped up a delightful spread. The peonies smelled divine!

We were able to hold it outdoors in their gorgeous and immaculate backyard. They put up a tent, which kept the sun away, but allowed in a cool breeze. It was a perfect day!

My cousin Heather and her adorable daughter Summer were able to make it. She's due in a few weeks. I'm not sure why I look so large and tall standing next to her.

Mini got all sorts of cute clothes, blankets, and necessities. She's already one lucky girl!

Lancer dressed up--here he is in his finest clothing.

With my nieces Morgan and Taylor

Nieces Kristie and Brookie

We even got an update on the garden sign! Logan finally has some company.

After getting back, I had a little nesting/panic attack. I realized I was 12 weeks away from Le Bebe's arrival, and I still have a ton of stuff to do. I sat down and cranked out some final decisions.

I got this adorable 2 piece bookcase/storage bin from The Land of Nod in white. This will go in Mini's room. I love the vintage vegetable bin style on the bottom. Looking forward to chucking all of her goodies in the bottom bin with minimum effort.

Got this bookcase for the living room, along with some storage canvas totes from PBK for the shelves. Again with the cute vintage accents.

Here are the canvas bins from PBK--I got the hot pink totes, and the bright green totes marked 'Games' and 'Toys' in the picture below. 2 large ones for Mini's room (laundry and toys) and 2 medium ones for the bookcase in the living room (who knows what).

Got this adorable vintage-inspired white peg board to hang by the door. I'm wayyyy too lazy to open up a closet and use a hanger, so this is going to be a lifesaver. I'm going to paint it green, orange, or gray.

And, last but not least, I ordered new ultrasuede cushions for the glider Lancer bought from his co-worker. It has this aged denim on it that's not really stain-resistant. Even Lancer could tell it was worn out and stained. No worries, though. It's a great brand, and I love the mahogany wood. The new cushions are charcoal gray and will great in the nursery. Here's the fabric:

I'm glad I got them ordered, as they take between 8 and 15 weeks. Let's hope it's closer to the 8 week mark.


I'm feeling so much better. I'm not really the Type A, strung-out type but I certainly get in these moods where I feel overwhelmed, and I want things to get whipped into shape ASAP.

What's funny about the 3 pieces from Land of Nod is that they are the only things we have gotten new. Everything else has been used. I suppose that's the one good thing about waiting so long to have kids--everyone here has no room, and they're looking to unload all of their stuff for cheap or free.

Thanks to everyone who came to the Utah shower--it was great to see all of you!