Halloween Costumes 2013

I think the days of easy costumes are over in this house. I remember when they could just put a little outfit on and be done. Now Nathan wants his to have a backstory and an action that go with it and Jason just wants to have his face painted and scare people- what is up with that?

We pulled out the stops this weekend and put together a robot costume for Nathan. He couldn't make up his mind what he wanted and the robot was the only thing that appealed to him, but you have to make them yourself. There was lots of gathering of supplies and a bunch of imagination and luck that went into this guy. We all fell in love with him though- he was worth the effort!!

School Pictures

Here they are- the boys school pictures for this year. I can't believe Jason is in 3rd and Nathan in 5th. Where has the time gone? I love these sweet boys!!

Solar EXPO & Decathlon

Irvine was lucky to host the Solar EXPO and Decathlon and the Great Park. I had read about this in a magazine a few months back and knew that we had to attend. We finally made it on the last day and were so glad we did. What is a Solar EXPO & Decathlon you ask? There were two parts. The first area was all about more earth friendly ways of getting and using energy (being green). Many companies were represented and showed ways that they are offering better sources of energy. There were electric cars represented- even ones that weren't on the market yet. Also, electric bikes. 

The second area was the decathlon. college students from different universities all over the world were chosen for the competition which takes place every two years. It's called a decathlon because they compete in 10 different areas (use of solar power, comfort, sustainability, hot water, comfort, fuel efficiency, etc.).  The teams arrived 4 weeks ago and began assembling their houses. Two weeks ago the judges started monitoring the data generated by the homes to see which one would win.

The future of these structures differs- some will be bought and lived in by someone, some are donated and some will go back to their home campus for use as classrooms or future projects.

I'm so glad we were able to go. It was neat for the boys (and us) to see hard work, creativity and team work at its finest.

Girl's Getaway

Back in 2006 4 friends and myself from church went away on a girl's weekend. For years afterwards we kept going, but would add a friend or two to the mix. The most we had one year was 8. The last time we were able to do this was two years ago. It was the last time that Julie went with us before moving to Georgia. So this year, 4 of the 5 founding girls got to go again. This year we went to Arrowhead. We stayed at a friend's home who graciously lent it to us for the weekend. We ate, played games, watched movies, walked by the lake, slept and caught up- what an amazing time we had reconnecting. I love you girls!!

Betsy, Kara, Melissa and Raquel- ready to leave

Me and Raquel 

Beautiful ladies by the beautiful lake

 exploring the area

 Breathtaking!

Fight the Good Fight

Back in the spring my friend, Editor-Suzanne Broughton, asked me if I would be interested in participating in an article for Breast Cancer Awareness month for our local OC Register Family Magazine. I agreed and awaited the next step. In mid August I had a phone interview and in mid September I was photographed for the layout. The focus of the article was to highlight 5 local moms who beat breast cancer and how it changed their lives. It was great fun to do it and I'm so happy with the finished product. The magazine hit news stands today!!

 Suzanne, Editor, and me before the shoot

 Say cheese!

Finished layout and article- so neat!!