I Was There

Where? In Utah. Although I forgot to take pictures until the last day when we were in downtown Ogden. Oops!

Operation Gratitude

After being moved by the touching experiences of the heroes that spoke yesterday, I was grateful that I reached the goal I made on my fiftieth birthday to knit fifty scarves to be donated for care packages for deployed soldiers. My target date was September 11th and I donated them today at Operation Gratitude. They are located in the National Reserve headquarters in Van Nuys. It was inspiring to see all the donations rolling in and to talk to the receiving coordinator Nancy about all the many people and organizations that contribute to their cause. We were standing in the warehouse where the soldiers do their drills, but also where they are deployed from. Their sacrifice became more real as Nancy explained that one of their functions is to provide a large stuffed animal for every child who is sending a parent off to war. It is called a Battle Buddy and he is to be kept safe until their parent returns safely home. How can we ever give enough?

Let Freedom Ring!

We commemorated the tenth anniversary of the 9-11 attack by participating in the Freedom Walk at the Ronald Reagan library. There was a wonderful program with patriotic music and inspiringly heroic speakers before we began our descent from the library. It was a beautiful evening to remember the freedoms we share in America.

Are we there yet?

The most frequently asked question these days seems to be - "When is your house going to be done?" Over the course of the last 15 months we have signed five three month leases. Apparently we don't have a clue when the house will be completed. But I think we're getting there.

Football, Volleyball & Snapper Jack's

It started with a heart breaking loss to Utah State, then a friendly volleyball game and finally yummy food at Snapper Jack's. What a fun Saturday!

Tree Hugging

How do you properly hug a tree? Izzy will show you.
1. Pick a tree that needs hugging.
2. Position your feet in close proximity to the tree, about shoulder's width apart.
3. Open your arms and embrace the tree.

Hot, hot, hot!

What do you do on a 113 degree day? You go to the park and watch Chris play Australian rules football of course!

Our Summer Vacation?

If your vacation lasts about 24 hours, does it count? We spent our "vacation" at the Ventura County Fair. Went up Friday afternoon and got in line for the Trace Adkins concert at 3:30. Thought we'd be one of the first, not so. Afterwards, we took a walk around the midway, then watched the fireworks. The next day it was all planned out - bbq lunch, photo and art exhibits, dipped ice cream, visit republican and democrat booths, rodeo and then more food. What our summer vacation lacked in time, it made up for in fun!

Beach Boys Mania!

Last night we made a last minute decision to head to the fair to see the Beach Boys. Although Allen and I acknowledged we've never been fans, they are such an iconic band, we couldn't resist. I'm so glad we went. We got there late but Allen managed to find us seats in the front. They put on a great show and there is nothing like singing out "Help, help me Rhonda" or feeling the pride swelling during "California Girls". Good times.

Birthday Surprise!

The tickets were bought weeks in advance, the arrangements made with family and it was all kept from Allen - until hours before when due to logistics and work he had to be told to meet us at Dodger Stadium. I was disappointed that we were unable to keep his birthday celebration a surprise, but then fate worked it's magic. On a soda run with Chelsea, a ball popped over the wall, whizzed by Allen's head and bounced at his feet. It didn't go unnoticed by another fan, but Allen was closer and scooped up the ball, without spilling his tray of drinks! (A fact that he is extremely proud of.) But this wasn't just any ordinary ball. It was a first major league home run for the Washington Nationals pitcher John Lannan. When Allen popped up with the ball some Dodger fans yelled, "Throw it back!" But Allen was thinking, no way. After returning to his seat, there was a lot of excitement over him getting his first major league ball, especially for his birthday. He mentioned he should probably contact the pitcher or send him the ball. But that wasn't necessary, a representative from the Dodgers tracked him down and said the Nationals wanted the ball. Always the negotiator he asked if he could get a ball from the Dodgers in exchange. That's when the attorneys stepped in, Chris sited a property law class where he had studied a case involving a Barry Bonds ball and Dustin was there to back him up. That poor guy knew he was in for it then. He promised Allen a ball with three of the current Dodger all stars signatures on it.

Laguna Love

You gotta love Laguna Beach. From the stop lights that signal to hang loose to the gold painted fire hydrants. But the best part of Laguna is sharing it with people you love. But what's up with the thumbs? I was born with my mother's thumbs, Chris got my dad's and Lisa got one of each. Can you tell who's who? Don't you just love genetics.

A Theme Too Far?

Our selection for book group this month was An Accidental Tourist. I just couldn't resist.