Happy Birthday, Dad, Clarence, Chuck, Charles, Uncle, Papa, King!

Today is a very special day as it is my dad's birthday! If you do not know my dad, he does not like attention and parties specifically for him. Let's just say that if Dad says, "No party," he means no party. Period! Well somehow Mom convinced Dad to allow us to have a "dinner" party to celebrate his special day. We celebrated with family, good food, and of course yummy cupcakes!

Even though Dad my have a "stubborn" side, he is the most patient, loving, passionate (about many things if life but especially his two little buddies, Addi and Luke... let me tell you Pa/Clarence spoil those two little ones... they don't even have to wait until he's sleeping to get a "yes"), sports lovin' Papa anyone could ask for!

Happy Birthday, Dad! We love you to pieces!

Oh Bellingham!

On Saturday, Bran's volleyball team was up in Bellingham playing Western Washington University. As you probably already know, we attend as many of Bran's games as possible, so of course last night was no exception. Since earlier in the day I was on Bainbridge for a dear friend's baby shower, I had decided to drive up to Bellingham separately from the rest of the ohana. I don't mind driving by myself on longer road trips, in fact, most of the time I really enjoy it. There's nothing like a little alone time. But for this trip I thought it would be fun for my Small Group gals to see some of the HS Youth Group Alum who now attend Western. Plus, I knew AG really enjoys watching volleyball. B and AK were not able to go for one reason or another, but AG joined me on the adventure. It was fun seeing J and R while we were up in Bellingham and I am so glad AG was able to come with me. It definitely made the drive up and home seem like nothing!

In case you were wondering, Bran played well and ended the game with 21 digs (and is still leading the conference). The Wildcats played with a lot of heart but the game did not end in their favor. It was a tough loss to say the least ... in fact, one of the worst ways to get a "L." But, Bran played hard and we are so proud of her!

Birthdays, Birthdays and more Birthdays!

There are so many reasons why I love my mama and life would be quite boring without her too. Mama often "misplaces" things (aka her phone, glasses and keys are in her back pocket or her purse), is creative (just check out her bulletin boards), has paved the road for all of us to have "AJ Syndrome," can have laughing attacks like nobody's business, is the middle child, likes her games/puzzle books, regularly attends all of Addi's activities, drove my sister and I to all of our activities growing up, entertains us with her crazy antics, causes trouble with my sister, proudly supports my cousins volleyball careers by attending as many games as she can, is now the "cook," takes care of us when we're sick, volunteers at the school she taught at (I totally admire her passion for children and education), enjoys her haupia and ensamadas, and LOVES doing laundry.

Happy Birthday, Momma! Here's to many more years of laughs, love, craziness, adventures....and funny faces! "Love you most."

**Photo taken by the Lil' Munchkin herself. Nah is making a "funny face."

September is a very popular month for birthdays, especially in our family. The past week has been filled with birthday parties, dinners, presents, family, friends, and lots of pictures being taken! Check out Mom's blog here for more pictures of our September birthday celebrations.

...A Year Later and I'm Still Laughing!

While searching for something on my computer, I found this video that I took last October while my family was in Portland. Every time I watch this video, I laugh.... its nearly a year later and I'm still laughing! Wowser, Addi looks so young.... the babe has definitely grown up!

ENJOY!

Did you enjoy how my mom was encouraging Addi to "pounce" on Cyn's head?

Here's to you Scotty and Patti

As the news spread that Senator Ted Kennedy passed away from brain cancer, I couldn't help but to think about two special people in my life who have also been affected by the same horrible disease - Scott and Patti. Two of the most giving, caring both professionally and personally, brave and inspirational (before, during and after their battles) people i know.

Here's to you Scotty and Patti....

Just a few memories of you both that I tightly hold on to:

- Scotty-isms and the bow tie
- your Faith

- the frantic IT questions :)

- the stories

- the long days and hours that we spent together

- your adoring love for your families

- You want to talk about networking, both Scott and Patti were two of the most networked people ever!

- your passion for your work, co-workers, colleagues and clients

- Patti, how you were like the "Department Mom" always taking care of us girls...

- Scotty, the weekly message that you'd leave on your voice mails were priceless

- your creativity

- Did I mention how every year when Training Camp rolls around I think about the time when our plane caught on fire and we had to make an emergency landing?

...... this list could go on and on and on!

I need to go through my old photo files and find some fun pictures, but in the meantime, here is a picture of Tirza and me visiting Scott last June.

As the Nation pays its respects to Senator Kennedy, I honor and remember you, Scotty, and think and pray often for you, Patti!

I5 Dive - Skycoaster Adventure

The other day we headed down to Wild Waves for all sorts of fun on the water slides and rides. While we were there, the boys decided that they wanted to do the I5 Dive Skycoaster. Check out the video below of their adventure:

.... and a few pictures that I took of their adrenaline rush:

Lazy Sunny Days

Some of my most favorite days ever are the mellow (ok and the crazy days too) ones spent with my family. As many of you know it has been quite hot here in Seattle the past few weeks, so Addi was getting to use her little backyard pool quite a bit until it popped. So I'm not quite sure how it all went down, but she ended up with a new killer slide that has a pool at the bottom. Below are a few pictures from the day though all of the slide pictures are on my cell phone and I'm not sure how to get them off (ha!):

First it was nap/rest time where Addi fell asleep on Nah:

Papa took a rest too!


Sorry, I'm not sure why this picture won't flip horizontally... its horizontal everywhere else! Also, notice the plug that Addi has in her mouth, it is for her doll. She hasn't used the plug in a super long time.

Then, we played, danced, listened to Michael Jackson's Greatest Hits, sat in the shade, ate snacks and of course slid down the new killer slide!

Then, Addi of course insisted on taking a few photos with my camera and made sure that all of our eyes were open and we were smiling nicely.

Sorry Mom, I couldn't resist putting this next picture up. I think its funny how you are always hounding us not to make funny faces and then here you are not taking pictures nicely!

What a fun day we had! I love my family!