Bash Bash Bash

We've had a busy week or two...Ruby's birthday fell on the week of Easter... here we had a bash with cousins...it's always a treat to cram bunches of kids around to eat and scream.... we served mac n' cheese and chicken nuggets... The next night Marty's dad and his wife, Mary came by to celebrate, this was her actual birthday night... her favorite gift (next to her spring dress-princess dress- from Gpa Lee) was this mini chair..... I know, I know not the best decorating, but it was thrown together with stuff I had at the house..okay.... and it was carrot cake in the shape of a bunny -thats cute right? Plus it's made with no sugar and whole wheat flour and olive oil- pretty tasty!


And even the NEXT day Gma and Gpa Anderton took Rube's out for chicken O's at Artic Circle and the playground at the mall...She LOVED it , called it her DATE with Grandma and Grandpa...one on one time is really special to her...so yet again we celebrated her 3rd birthday...she better not get used to the idea of week-long events ...

For an Easter Bash , we went up to the chuch house in Morgan and had a party with all my siblings and their families...once again, a little chaos , but sooo fun, esp. for the kids ...we played all kinds of games, dyed eggs, had treats and made a craft...then back to my parents for a big dinner and 'short' outside egg hunt...in the cold...

Easter Morn'

Buddy here -with a newly knitted sweater from Gma Diane...so gorgeous, I love the color- you did FABULOUS, Di ..and since it's so stretchy and a little big - it will definitely fit him next fall too! yeah!

Self Portrait

Okay, so this isn't a self portrait of ME, but that seems to be a blogging theme of late, (haircuts, braces, more haircuts) .... Ruby has needed a cut for a long time running now...she has really fine, thin, sad, hair and I've only had it cut ONE other time. I WISH I had a before and after - because she had a true RAT-TAIL in the back, not a Mullet , that would be saying too much ....it was just one big long tail in the back that hung down 3 inches longer than the rest....it was hilarious, I always just pulled it back all the time...anyway the girl that cut her hair said the more often you have it cut and trimmed the better it will grow in....thicker....so here's to more frequent hair cuts and hopefully thicker hair for RUBE

"The Mini"

Yes, we finally joined the world of mini-vans...a Mazda MPV Baby....I know- Jami & Brett, your disappointed - but we really enjoy it so far and I feel like a soccer mom- ya know what I mean...anyways with gas prices and all we felt this the better choice- but I'd still like a 4-wheel drive down the road- maybe when Marty's car gives up the ghost....

CAL....ifornia LOVE...

It's SPRING in California, which made it sooo worth the trip out there....(we flew for free, 3 round-trip tickets, one of the benefits of having a rewards credit card!) and we stayed in Marty's "hometown" for a couple days....we always head straight to Super Taqueria! Sorry all you all that think that Beto's is IT.....Super TAQ is a fast food place, family owned that serves the best/most fresh burritos I've ever had which gives you the best of both worlds-fresh, gourmet food for fast -food prices $-NICE, this place is PACKED anytime we go, night or day...it's succulent shredded chicken, pinto beans(homemade), rice, avacado slices and mozarella cheese wrapped up in a big homemade tortilla...they have lots of other authentic choices but we always get the "super giant burrito".....sooo good...I crave it anytime I think of going there...

My brother-in-law bought this truck to fix up and do some local transporting on the side...he is a farmer in Gilroy , CA...the garlic capitol of the U.S.

My little niece -adorable and beautiful RED hair.....Lucy and Liam are going to be best buds...

Grandma Diane fixing-up Ruby's hair...she loved it...

Marty's family lives out in the country, sooo jealous...

We eat out alot when visiting...this place had really good vegetarian flautas (sp?) and it was so nice to eat outdoors...I got almost uncomfortably hot! It was awesome!

Autie Kim and my boy...

Ruby loves to be virtually free of her parents when we are with family...I hardly see her, she's an independent little stink...

ahhhhh......the coast...though a tid bit chilly...

David (Marty's bro) pretended to gather buckets and shovels for Ruby before we left ... oh, but we knew better, Ruby never even saw the buckets, David got right to work... no wonder kids love him...

Ruby is wrapped up in two towels and a hoodie, not only because it was a little windy but her good, watchful Dad let her get eaten by a massive wave and take her out...completely soaked and FREEZING COLD...I, in defense, was in the car nursing, so therefore couldn't be there to see what was going to happen and rush to her rescue...unfortunetly it cut our trip to the beach a little shorter...oh...... spring flowers...

the rolling hills are gorgeous this time of year...this is looking out from Raquel's house (Marty's sis)

Raquel and I and our babes...

Diane, I think this picture is a good one to compare to that pic of Samantha..the way they are both looking up at the camera with those big eyes...they look so much alike!

I love having a reason to visit California and we thank our family for hosting us and loving us...we wish we could afford to live there too! HA ... but what a relaxing wonderful gettaway! Thank you....p.s. sorry this song is a little annoying about now, but I couldn't post without it...I also had to do the instrumental version because it's by 2Pac....whoops