oh yes I did...

I went on a trip.

By myself.

I went to visit my sis in beautiful, sunny San Diego.

It was quiet, it was warm, it was relaxing...it was quiet.

One of the best days (aside, of course, from wedding, babies, etc...ahem) was spending the day by myself...BY MYSELF...cruising around town in this little number...

(eat your hearts out Jordan & Brynn)

I spent the day shopping and found some killer deals on shoes and clothes.
Come on ladies, is there anything better??
While driving (with the top down) I listened to a little Michael Buble.
Speaking of Mr. Buble...
the day ended with a visit to his San Diego venue.
That's right.

...and thank you Diane.

I had an AMAZING time!

(and a BIG thank you to my hubby for very willingly holding down the fort while I played. Love you!)

ramblings...

So far Junior High is getting rave reviews...whew!

My question when they got home after day one:

"Anyone shove you in a locker or try to sell you drugs?"

"No?"

SUCCESS!!

(Hey, these things cause worry.)

They headed out the door on day two with smiles and even a hit of cologne. Apparently there are a few "hot girls" to speak of. Yowza.

Here they are officially being teenagers...although technically they are still only 12.

These next pictures say "Stop taking my picture. Now."

This guy had a great first day as well. He did complain a little about the time of second grade lunch, though.

His words "I was STARVING! We used to eat lunch at 6 now we eat at 9!!!"

It took me a second or two, but I cracked the case...

He used to eat at 11:30 and now eats at 11:45.

I'm a genius, I know.

That 15 minutes is killing him.

Oh, and the front tooth?

It finally fell out!!!

We are all LOVING school!!

can't believe it...

I can not believe that these two boys headed out the door for Jr. High this morning.

They were excited, nervous, etc.

(I was excited, nervous, etc.)

I know they will have a great day.

I can not believe that this guy is now a second grader!

He was excited and a little hesitant (a first for him)

I was also excited...but not too hesitant.

Love this kid...!

Now if only that top tooth would fall out!!!

I can not believe that this little girl is sitting quietly next to me right now making some sort of craft. "Quietly" is the operative word here. She's a talker!

Preschool starts in one week!

Happy first day of school!

makes me smile...

...after a trip to the library

...just the two of them walking home from church

(I had to drive home to get my camera to catch this one)

...cuddling

...family pic after Matt & Zach's ordination

Good, happy times...

I love it.

12...

Handsome little studs.

just because...

I really love this girl.

can't ignore...won't ever forget...

So...I celebrated a Birthday over the weekend.

Let's just say it was one of those "milestone" Birthdays that is tempting to just ignore and forget about. I don't usually fret about stuff regarding my age, but I do feel like this one has sort of snuck up on me.

Needless to say, had this milestone been ignored I would have missed out on a lot...

Stacy makes me this beautiful and sinfully delicious pavlova every year for me on my special day!!

Eric & Angie gave me this (probably because I never stopped talking about wanting one...)

Thanks, guys!

And John...well he really outdid himself.

Five days before the milestone he surprised me and told me he had called these six girls and arranged an overnighter here!

We shopped in Park City, we ate, we chatted, and we shopped some more!

Then he came up and we stayed a second night while these two stayed with the troops.
Thanks Johnny boy!!

I was completely showered with gifts and cards from family and friends.

Talk about the best.birthday.ever!!!

This ranked right up there with my 12th B-Day slumber party (12 girls/24 hours) yikes!
I will never, ever forget this Birthday!

Welcome 40!