Boys to YSSC

The time has finally come. What we have worked so hard for these past 10 months- the boys getting to go to Yosemite Sierra Summer Camp for two weeks. The best thing about working for YSSC again is that the boys get to enjoy a camp session for FREE!! I love this camp and I want this experience for my boys. Nathan is sold after two great summers and now it's Jason's turn to check it out!

 Jason and his gear!!

 Nathan's ready to go

 Me? I'm working- signing kids in to get on the bus!

AT CAMP

A glimpse of camp-more pictures coming soon!!

Birthday Celebrations

43 never felt so good!

 7/17: Mom had me over and we dined on Picante Martine's- so good!

7/18: Jake Kuljis spent the night-sweet boy

 7/19: July Birthday celebration

Melissa-Jason-Mary

 Happy 9th birthday Jason (almost)

 Julie & Steve with the boys!

A few of the many gifts!

Lunch with Ryan!

Ryan surprised us this weekend! Dan is out of town visiting his dad and Ryan calls and says he has a couple hours free on Sunday afternoon. So we travel up to Irvine, pick him up and chow down at California Pizza Kitchen. It was short, but sweet-so glad we got to see our boy!!

The Wade's Visit

Alexa and Janice visited us at the new place today. What a treat it was to have some female companionship and for us all to see our sweet friends. Janice and I got to catch up and the kids played. After lunch we headed to Pines Park to enjoy the view and beautiful day!!

 Chloe and Alexa

 Alexa & Nate- electric scooters

 Park fun!

 Love the view from Pines Park

Friends Forever!!

The Crazy Crouts in Capo Beach

It has been months of preparing, weeks of packing and days of moving things down to our new home in Capistrano Beach (south Orange County). Thanks to many friends who helped load us up and unload our things, lots of time & work- our home is complete! Honestly, we feel like we are on vacation. This home is so nice- it lends itself to our things and just feels like we won the lottery. The boys are getting used to the new home and neighborhood (Chloe too). Dan is figuring out the commute time and getting used to driving a motorcycle on the freeway and I am enjoying being closer to work and the beach!

 Chloe in our new chair

View from our deck- a little ocean view

View from our neighbor's yard- we are upstairs!

 Outdoor lounge area

 Outdoor dining

 Master Bedroom- so big and airy

Other side of room

 Jason's little room

Nathan's room (desk is around the corner)

 Living Room

 Kitchen & Dining Area- love the size

Goodbye Brywood Elementary

As our time in Irvine and Brywood come to an end, we enjoy the things that have become traditions- knowing that we will be making new traditions in Capo Beach.

Open House- May 21:

 Nathan at his desk (portrait below)

 Jason with his portrait (class below)

Spring Concert- June 13:

 Makenna, Nathan and Kayli

 Nate and Mom

 Farewell Nathan-June 19:

 Certificate of completion from Ms. Harris & Principle Ramirez

Ingrid Michaelson Concert

This was a long time coming! We have wanted to see Ingrid in concert since we first heard her. The last time she was actually in Southern California performing, we were in Hawaii. Ever since then I have held a secret (not so secret) grudge against my pal Ingrid. Why doesn't she come to LA more often? Okay, so she is an East Coast girl- but still, I wanted her to come.

She heard me cries and graced us with her presence on May 7th at the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles. Dan and I also had said we would never go to a stand up concert (no seats) again after the Sara Barallies concert where we stood for 6 hours straight. We are just too old to stand like that.

That said, we found out this theatre didn't have seats and we said YES-of course we are going to go!!

We had a grand time sitting outside waiting for the doors to open. We chatted with some young folks (we were some of the handful of older than 30 year olds there) and the time flew by. We had a great location once in the theatre.

The concert didn't disappoint. The two opening acts were fantastic and Ingrid and crew were AWESOME. On our way home we were already ready to see her again. Until next time Ingrid...