15 Year High School Reunion

This weekend was my 15 year high school reunion. I was very apprehensive about going as it was our first one and I haven't seen a lot of these people since I graduated. We had a class of about 425 people so I wasn't sure what to expect.

Kate, Jenny, Steve and I went out to dinner in Appleton first at a Mexican restaurant on the Ave. It was really fun - a highlight of the evening actually. I love spending time with the two of them and don't get enough of it so when I do I try to take it all in. I was bummed not to be able to take part in the Margs but did have a few sips which quenched my thirst.

We arrived at the reunion fashionably late. Actually later than we had anticipated but we still had ample time to visit. It was a lot of fun. I enjoyed mingling, catching up, seeing friendly faces, and rehashing fun times from long ago. It was a very pleasant surprise and I'm really glad I went. There were only about 120 people there including spouses (although many spouses were left home for the night) so there were a lot of friends that I missed seeing. Who knows - maybe for the 20 year they will all be there!!

Thanks Katie and Jen for encouraging me to go and Steve for being so gracious and tagging along.

Experimenting with Swear Words

Steve's conversation tonight with Braden while they read a book about a bird called "bee eaters."

Steve "Bee Eaters are a type of bird..."
Braden "Meat Eaters?"
Steve "No, they are Bee Eaters. They are birds that eat bumble bees,"
Braden "Fu.."
Steve "What did you say?"
Braden "Fu.."
Steve "Braden we don't use that word. That's a very naughty word."
Braden "Okay, Blubs."

Oh goodness...

POOL PARTY!

I bought the kids a new pool this year - one that I'd be able to fit in as well for a little respite on hot days. Well, today was hot and Braden had the great idea to get it out and give it a try. We blew it up and slowly filled it with water. I know that I used to play in a pool outside in our yard, and I don't remember complaining about the temperature, BUT the water from the hose is FREEZING! There has to be an invention or a brainiac idea of how to heat up the water a little or I highly doubt I'll be stepping foot in it anytime soon. :)

The pool has a bench in it so the kids were able to play with just their feet in the water and some toys. As you can see, they are throughly enjoying themselves and maybe after naps it'll be a little more bearable!! I think this officially starts our summer fun.

BBQ for Braden

We invited the Olson's and the Tanty's over for dinner last night. Braden, Evan and Daniel were the three amigos this year at preschool and they have missed each other in the last few weeks. Amber, Kristin and I know each other pretty well but Cory and Steve hadn't really had a chance to get to know Daniel's daddy, Josh.

It was such a fun evening. We blew up the bouncy and the kids had a blast. They ran and ran and even managed to eat a few bites. Andrew kept up with the big boys and Olivia tried for a while but then lost interest and played with Tyler in the sandbox.

It was the perfect mix of kid time and adult time. I look forward to many more backyard get togethers this summer!!

San Diego

Steve and I traveled to San Diego for 5 days last week for the annual Springtime in San Diego. This is a trip that Steve attends due to his part on the Steering Committee for the National Sports Forum. I'm fortunate enough to tag along. Last year we brought the kids, this year we left them behind and it was absolutely wonderful. Not that they weren't there - we wished they were there many times and they were often the topic of conversation but the time with just the two of us was amazing. Very rejuvenating.
We stayed on this resort island which was delightful. We had our own bungalow with beach access to they bay. It felt quite spoiled.


We ate at our favorite restaurants and did many of our favorite activities. La Jolla is a non-negotiable stop whenever we're in town. We love walking around the beach, admiring all the houses and of course seeing all the seals and sea lions on the rocks. This picture was after our first dinner of Mexican. It's hard for me to believe that I lived here at one time. I don't think I appreciated the beauty as I should have.

We wanted to kayak but were turned down due to my pregnancy so we hiked down into a cave that we would've kayaked into and then did a 3-hour bike ride down a mountain, along the boardwalk and through the most amazing homes I've ever seen.



The last adventure before Steve's events began was to hike along our favorite trail in Torrey Pines State Park. It's up a huge hill and then around these trails that are along these cliffs atop the ocean. ABSOLUTELY breathtaking. We counted 13 lizards along the path and had to take a picture for Braden.



The Steering Committee events officially started on Friday at lunch and went until Sunday breakfast. It's a great group of people, a few of whom I've gotten to know over the years and really enjoy catching up with. Jason's wife Kate was there again and we had a great time taking about kiddos and soaking up some sun while the boys were at a meeting.

I'm glad to be home with the kiddos and do wish that they could have experienced it again but the time with Steve was really special. We don't get that anymore and don't get the chance to just enjoy each other without the stresses of life. I love you honey and appreciate you letting me tag along. :)

Special time with the Grandparents!

While Steve and I were in San Diego, the kiddos spent a few days with my parents and a few days with Steve's parents. I had a really hard time letting them go - a much harder time than they were having! They left with my mom without so much as a lingering hug or glance back as the car pulled away. :)

Both sets of grandparents did a great job spoiling them and filling them with love. Some of the highlights with my parents in Appleton were hiking on the trail, a morning with Papa at Starbucks, and Bay Beach (a kiddie amusement park). While they were with Steve's parents in Wauwatosa they went to the Zoo, Braden and Judy went to see UP at the theater and they got Chinese for dinner.

The photos are from Bay Beach. Olivia surprised Steve and I as she is shy sometimes about doing things on her own but it looks like Miss Independent decided it was just her style. Check out the crazy hair!!

A few things I love about summer...

Cooking with herbs right from my backyard!
Planting flowers with my mom!
Eating dinner outside (grilled by Steve) with my three favorite people!