Conquering Mt. Whitney

I am very pleased to report that my very studly husband and his friends conquered Mt. Whitney this weekend. Yes, that would be the highest point in the lower 48 states. Elevetion 14, 491ft. Congrats Mike!!! He has already started talking about doing the climb again in 2010-this time I will hopefully be able to join him. Anyone else in?

Take me out to the ball game

We went to a Dodger's game this week and enjoyed spending $5.75 a pop for Dodger dogs. I have to admit that I really like a good hot dog, and it was definitely a good hot dog, eventhough I about died paying that much. Blake enjoyed the game, especially because one of the players was named Blake. Julia enjoyed scrounging on the ground for food. Don't you love summer!!!

4th of July and beyond

We had a fun filled 4th of July. It started with an early morning pancake breakfast, swimming and a barbecue with good friends, and then fireworks with Jean and family.

I know this picture isn't very clear, but this is Blake who fell asleep in his chair while eating yogurt around 6pm on the 4th. Apparently all the partying wore him out. We were grateful for the little nap since he was up very late watching the fireworks.

On the 5th my friend Andi got married. Andi and I met at UCLA 8 years ago when we interned at Hooper Ave Elementary school together. Good times:) She looked so beatiful on her special day and it was a really lovely wedding and reception.

This little 2 year old (Riley)was their ring bearer, and he was about the cutest thing I've ever seen.

And this was my hottie date. Isn't he cute!!!!!!

Swimming Lessons

Today was Blake's first day of swimming lessons. And yes, my child was the one who cried during the ENTIRE 30 minute lesson. Should be a fun 2 weeks!!!

Agree or Disagree????????

What do you think about today's Supreme Court ruling striking down the death penalty for child rapists?
Here's what the presidential candidates had to say:
Obama: "I have said repeatedly that I think that the death penalty should be applied in very narrow circumstances for the most egregious of crimes. I think that the rape of a small child, 6 or 8 years old, is a heinous crime and if a state makes a decision that under narrow, limited, well-defined circumstances the death penalty is at least potentially applicable, that that does not violate our Constitution."

McCain: "That there is a judge anywhere in America who does not believe that the rape of a child represents the most heinous of crimes, which is deserving of the most serious of punishments, is profoundly disturbing."

Espana

Spain was simply amazing!!! I've been dragging my feet on posting about our trip because I just don't even know where to begin. We had a great time and there was so much to see. Here are some of the highlights. La Boqueria- One can find ANYTHING in the world at this fascinating semi-enclosed food market in Barcelona.

Parc Guell- Barcelona- I think this was my absolute most favorite thing in Spain. A gigantic park designed by master architect Gaudi. Mosaics galore.

Churros con chocolate with Andy and Amy.

Roman Aqueducts- Segovia Can you believe that this was made about 1800 years ago?

Paella- sooooo good!!!

Another beautiful residence- Segovia- Everyone puts flowers on their balconies. entry ways, etc etc.

Alcazar- Segovia This was an awesome castle.

John Edwards -Madrid - We were walking down the street when Mike noticed none but the famous and failed presidential candidate John Edwards. I was so excited to get a picture with him. (but why did I have to be wearing that travel shirt borrowed from Jean on that day?)

Old man-Toledo - Old men and women get all dressed up in Spain and they are so cute.

Bull Fight-Madrid- Sorry PETA people but we did go to a bullfight which was fascinating and horrifying all at the same time.

Apartment-Seville- We scored big with this apt. rental for 2 nights. We had an awesome apt. to ourselves complete with washer and dryer for the same price as a dumpy hotel.

Plaza Espanol-Seville- I loved the tiled bridge

Brightly colored building-Seville Isn't that beautiful?

Man in Pink- Seville- I have never seen so many men in pink. The men in Spain love to wear pink. MIke still refuses to wear it.

Seville-Yummy dinner of fried fish and gazpacho soup right on the river.

Another tiled entryway-Seville- not a flattering picture of me but check out that awesome tile job. I'm cookcoo over tile.

Narrow alley-Seville- Watch out for cars-no joke!!!!

Well that's it folks. I have about a million pictures but I didn't want to bore you all.

I highly recommend a trip to Spain.

Lauren's Wedding !!!

I just had to post all these pictures of my beautiful little Lauren on her beautiful wedding day on May 31st. They got married in the San Diego Temple and then had their reception at a hotel nearby. Seriously it was the most beautifully decorated reception I have EVER been to. I felt like I was inside a Martha Stewart Weddings magazine. Lauren looked stunning in her wedding dress and the two of them make such a cute couple.

And the flower girls looked really pretty if I do say so myself. I'm so pleased with the way the dresses turned out.
Stay tuned for Spain pictures next.