Take Me Out To The Ballgame!

The Crazy Crouts headed to Angel Stadium today for a great game against the Texas Rangers.
The boys had camp in the morning and then we took them out early, grabbed a bite to eat at Fresca's and then joined the crowds milling in to get to their seats.
Thankfully we were in the shade since it was a very warm and sunny day. Our seats were all the way in the back, but we had a great view of the game. Angels won- 1 to 0.

Happy Birthday Jason

My baby is 6 years old today! How has the time gone by so quickly. It feels like yesterday that he was put into my shaking arms after I had delivered him (without an epidural mind you). His big, beautiful eyes and smile have been mesmerizing me since 2005 and even 6 years later he still slays me!

Although we celebrated with the Crouts on Saturday and my family on Sunday- tonight was just for Jason. We went to fabulous Fudruckers for amazing burgers! This of course was after Jason spent the day at Science Camp with Nathan. I was informed that they sang him Happy Birthday at camp- so great!

We love you sweet Jason. Have an amazing year being 6!!

I AM 40!!

Yes, you read correctly- I am now 40 years old. Four decades ago I was born in Newport Beach, CA at Hoag Hospital. I was a morning baby (just like I am a morning person). This has been an amazing life so far. I pray (Lord willing) that I will get to live 40 more years and see my kids grow up, my grandkids grow up and grow even older with my best friend Dan!!

Enjoy some pictures of my life~~

4 months old

5 years old

13 years old

21st birthday (with brother Mike)

40 years old!

Happy Birthday to ?

Today we celebrated Grandma Mary's birthday, but also my birthday (7-17) and Jason's (7-20). We enjoyed a wonderful bbq after seeing Harry Potter. Dave and Sandy, Steve and Yvonne, Debbie and Al, Mary, Ryan, Nathan and Jason as well as Dan and myself (and dogs too) were all in attendance.

The End:: Harry Potter

Today we went to see the last installment of the Harry Potter movies (The Deathly Hallows- Pt. 2). We have been watching HP all week in preparation for the big day.
The movie was good, but I loved that the 3D glasses were Harry Potter's glasses. Another great thing is that we got to see it with Ryan (home from AZ) and Uncle Dave and Aunt Sandy (visiting from Portland).

Celebrations!

For our family and friends, July is a BIG month. We have many birthdays and anniversaries in this month. Thank goodness for calendars that remind us of all the important dates!

Tonight we celebrated just being together again. Dave and Sandy live in Portland, OR. and Steve lives in Bisbee, AZ. Ryan was also in town from Phoenix so it was a real treat.
We ate at Mario's By The Sea in Laguna Niguel! Good food-YUM!! As you can see, Nathan and Jason are missing. This was an adults only dinner so our sweet neighbors took the boys for the evening- we ALL had a good time!

Patio Project

While the boys were in camp today I got a bee in my bonnet to do a little home improvement project. More specifically for my patio. I wish I had a before picture of what this place looked like when we moved in 6 1/2 years ago (not impressive at all). As the kids have gotten older, the patio has evolved. The patio garden is now another living space. We have awnings that hang over the whole area and cut the heat down.
This space used to be all of the small gray rocks, but then I moved them to the other side. It has housed DIRT for the past two years- a place for the kids to play or just get muddy. Now that we have the dog I didn't want the dirt any more- I know it seems a little anal with all those rocks lined just so, but I think it looks really clean!
I wasn't originally planning to put pavers in this area, but after I did the other side I felt like they should match- What do you think? I love my yard now.
My body was so sore after doing this project (in one afternoon). Each of those pavers weighs at least 5 pounds and I moved 26 of them from Home Depot on to the cart, to my car, from my car to the back yard and then into place (OUCH!!)

Irvine- small town fun!

Okay, I don't have pictures, but my words will have to describe what we did tonight as a family.

We first took the dog to Central Bark for some fun, puppy time. It was kind of mellow there- not too many dogs and there was a nice breeze. After about 45 minutes there we headed to Knowlwood for some hamburgers. Since we had the dog with us we needed to be able to sit outside and Knowlwood is just the spot. The hamburgers are awesome, the price is right and the atmosphere is great for families. As the train passed while we were leaving, I was reminded of living in a small town and I had to smile!

After dinner we headed to the Great Park where they were celebrating their 6th anniversary. There was an incredible air show, planes to see and go into, a petting zoo, food stands, tons of booths, demonstrations and live music.

On the 4th, Dan and I had ridden our bikes into the park to check out what was new and boy were we impressed. We had been years ago when they first opened the orange balloon, but not much else was there. They now have manicured lawns, walk ways, buildings and some attractions. Tonight it really felt like a fair. I wished over and over that I had thought to bring the camera. I guess this is one activity that we will just have to remember in our minds, but you can be sure that we will go again next year and I WILL have my camera ready!!

Life Is A Beach

Today the boys and I met my mom and niece in Laguna Beach for a fun filled day of sun and sand. We went to our favorite beach, Emerald Bay, and had the best time ever. The weather was nice, the water was cold, but bearable and the wave weren't too big (most of the time). I was impressed by both boy's bravery. They were in and out of the water and having so much fun. Nathan especially really became the "wave king" as he dove under the big waves. I even went out in the water to play with the boys and it was worth the frozen toes!!

The following pictures don't even begin to tell the story of how great our day was, but you get the idea!!

4th of July Fun

Happy 4th of July!!

Yesterday we went to Farrell's Ice Cream Parlor to celebrate some July Birthdays. This was the first of many fun filled events that will celebrate growing another year older. My sweet Mother in Law, Mary has her birthday July 16, mine is on the 17th and Jason's is on the 20th. It sometimes makes it a bit tricky, but we usually celebrate it together and that makes it so much more fun.

We were all decked out in our 4th of July gear to celebrate the upcoming holiday. We matched Farrell's which is always ready for a party. We had yummy food, big Sundaes and were sung to by the staff- what more could you ask for?

July Birthday Babes!