Love and War

...was where we ended up last night. For dinner that is. Our day began with church, followed by a quick bite out and a birthday shopping spree for Miss Brooke. Umm, yeah, anyone shopped with preteens lately?
For.
Hours.
On.
End?
Well, after that, we intended to see our friend Jeff play with his band but arrived a little too late. Hopefully, we'll catch him next time.

So, we enjoyed a Texas sized meal with our girls, Taylor and Anna while making every effort to gather boyfriend information. Pointless might be the word to best describe the mission. We did discover, however, that Anna should never play poker professionally, but Taylor on the other hand...



The youth of today. They were completely unfazed. Secrets and all. Clearly we were far more affected by the days events so after our to-go-boxes were packed and ready, we took out tired selves home and got some much needed sleep.



I do confess that raising a family gets the best of us sometimes, but tomorrow is a new day. Right? Right. March on soldiers.

"Take your mark, swimmers!"

Is a phrase we have grown familiar with over the last four seasons. Each summer we have had two or three of the kids swim, but this year, six, 6, yes, VI of our crew suited up and joined the team! I'm not going to say all were thrilled in the beginning, but once a few ribbons were awarded, the purpose was clear in their eyes... which sibling was the fastest?

There is nothing like the competitive spirit between brothers and sisters.




Brayden was a green pea this year. Here, he is waiting for his turn in the first relay.



And he finished!



But did he place?



Collin, also new to the team, has loved it! Sometimes we find him awake at 7:00am ready to go. Unfortunately his practice doesn't begin until 9:00am.




Freestyle relay was his first event at the meet. You might wonder about the numbers written in Sharpie on his arm... his days events. Don't worry though, Heloise said the ink comes right off with a smear of sunscreen and a dry towel.




Collin feeing a bit confidant after his race.




Grandma rocks! She watched all her grandchildren. In the sun. For 5 1/2 hours.



And, we had a surprise show of support from Cousin Matt who is in the Navy and sailed around the world just to make it to the meet.




Brooke can't believe she is part of such a dedicated family... see the amazement?



So she gave the backstroke her all to make it worthwhile.



Matt approved.



Then, Cousin Ryan showed up just in time to pose for a family photo (that I will later crop and sell to Abercrombie) and watch Maren swim.




So she swam her heart out.



And then hurried back to visit some more.



Anna spectated this year because she spent her days teaching swimming instead of training.




She also captured a few floral shots in the meantime between events.



And her friend Taylor came to cheer on the team too.



Gib, waiting at the ready bench, loves it when I call his name and snap his sunkissed face. Can't you tell?



How 'bout those arms?

And then there was little Ryan, after hours of watching, munching, taking dips in the baby pool and playing some serious wall ball, his only question was,



"Is it time to go home yet?"

Thanks again to Grandma, Ryan, Matt and Taylor for coming out last night. The evening wouldn't have been the same without you. Ya'll are the best!


Where was Blake you ask? He was at baseball practice to prepare for his big tournament this coming weekend. He'll be back next week though so get ready.

The Top Five... actually six

Sam and I had dinner last night with some friends at a local steakhouse. It was an awesome place, of Del's caliber, which triggered a conversation about some of our all time most memorable places we have dined in America. I didn't realize I had created a subconscious list of favorites, but now that I have, I'll share them with you. The order is chronological, and doesn't necessarily reflect the best.

First: Antares atop Reunion Tower (soon to be Wolfgang Puck's), Dallas, TX, 1981. I was on a double date with my boyfriend, Chad Griggs and his parents. I honestly don't remember the cuisine, however I do recall sitting in my chair and Chad standing on the interior part of the restaurant (the non rotating side) laughing while we (his mom, dad and I) drank our iced tea and went round and round, literally. Being my first date and all, I wasn't sure if I should stay and laugh with his parents or join in on the fun. I eventually, excused myself and ran around acting like the fifth grader that I was. I also remember the plant beside the restroom we kept hiding behind while he stole a cheeky kiss.

Second: Some seafood dive in Destin, FL, Summer, 1989. I was traveling with a family as their nanny while they vacationed. We were nearing the end of our trip so rather than cooking in that night, we went out. The atmosphere was of course beachy and the snow crabs were divine. The best I have ever had.

Third: Elgin Plantation, Natchez, MS, 1993. We stayed at this beautiful B&B with my Mom and Dad, when Gib was just a baby. The home was phenomenal and the grounds were breathtaking. Every morning we were served a southern breakfast made by their long time housekeeper and oh-my-gosh was it good! There is something about waking up to the smell of breakfast and knowing that you didn't have to prepare it or clean it up. The most memorable flavor of each morning was the grits - by far, and I've never been a grits fan until I tasted hers. Simply amazing, the food, the pampering... I need to go back!

Fourth: The Buena Vista, San Francisco, 2002. I love this place! It was my first get away weekend with Sam Brown. The coffee house was recommended due to their famed Irish coffee recipe (it was strong and good), but to our surprise the Crab Benedict we ordered turned out to be one of the most amazing things I have ever tasted. Also, this little coffee house was the very place Lucille Ball and Henry Fonda visited in the movie, "Yours, Mine and Ours". Although we didn't recognize the irony until later, fortunately we bought a watercolor of the cafe that we have framed in our bedroom today. I smile every time I look at it.



Fifth: Ragnar's, Colorado Springs, CO, 2004; 2006. A magical experience. The first time, we went to Ragnar's with friends, the second time we went with the kids and my parents. The evening began with a ride on the Gondola up the mountain to meet the open air sleigh ready with wool blankets and hot chocolate. Everyone sat close to help curb the freezing temperatures until we arrived at the restaurant. The feel was a little folksy, with sounds of John Denver and Neil Diamond performed live by a one man band. The food was served in courses and very delicious, but the best part of the entire experience was the water. Yep that's right, the water. They gather it from the spring directly behind the restaurant daily, hourly or perhaps pitcher by pitcher and I have never had anything like it before or since. I'm sure the wine list is impeccable, but truly as we looked around, most everyone was savoring every drop of the cool, crisp water. It was the talk of the trip.

Sixth: Picasso, Las Vegas, NV, 2008. It was my cousin's birthday. The food was served in courses with wine pairings. The atmosphere was European and we had the best view of the water fountain display. Perfection.

I'm sure there are some I've forgotten but maybe because the impact wasn't as grand or because it was before I was 30 and lacked the ability to appreciate all that breaking bread had to offer.

Baby and Momma

I've had a lot of inquires about Lara and her baby recently. You can check her blog out here.

Ian...growing by the minute, now five months old.

Lara...thankful for every milestone and finally getting more sleep.

Stealing Home

We have a star in the house! Blake has upgraded to select baseball this year and his team just placed second in their last tournament! He has amazing talent and is such a good sport. Watch out Major League, he's the one in the middle stealing the show, or more specifically... stealing home!

A Hairy Tale

Just to bring you up to date, Heddy joined our family this past Christmas. We found her on Petfinder at a blue heeler rescue and it was love at first sight. Gib, however, did have some reservations about her training ability being that she was just over a year old. Initially, she seemed tired and somewhat unmotivated but his hopes were high. During the adoption process we discovered her past was quite lacking in the affection department so we all poured on the sugar and spice and everything nice and in return, she showed us what she was made of. Honestly, she was what one only dreams of in a dog with an extra helping of loyalty, agility and brains.

Today, Gib and Heddy couldn't be happier and the adventures keep on keepin' on...



Gib's buddy, Kent, claims partial parenthood to Heddy Girl too, and clearly his ever so attractive qualities like fish kissing win him bonus points every time!



Now, these Musketeers are always up to something as you can see below. On this particular day, they "found" these floats along the creek bank and decided to make a splash in our neighborhood golf course pond. I am ever so grateful that when the club manager "found" the trespassers he only spoke this one little word...

"LEAVE."



And they did exactly that. They carried those floats right on over to the sand trap on hole #9, and enjoyed a soda (club, that is) and some rays of sunshine.



By an act of God (and mercy bestowed upon them from the manager), no serious trouble was reported and they eventually left the grounds.

I have to confess that I realize it might be wrong for me to think this but, without such creativity and forethought on their part (and a very obedient canine), I wouldn't have such a story and photos to enjoy and share but then again, something tells me there is more to come...

Stay tuned.

Caution

This is my first time to post video. The stunt man happens to be my eldest child. Please do not attempt this at home. Thank you.





After careful examination, I am willing to admit it is possible that he may have spent a tad too much time in the Johnny-Jump-Up as a toddler.

Anna Roseanna Dana

From birth, Anna has been incredibly vivacious. So naturally, if there is a place to go or people to see, she is always ready for the adventure. This past semester, she had many opportunities, one of which was a road trip with her history class to visit the Alamo. They were gone just a day, but managed to packed in at least half a semester of information. When she returned later that night, she was wearing a sleepy smile and the scent of recycled air from the bus ride... doesn't that take you back? We chatted all the way home while she filled me in on the days studies, funny moments, and unmentionables.

Later in May, some of her end of the year activities included the junior high's musical, "A Little Bit Country, Little Bit Rock and Roll" hosted by none other than Donny and Marie (a very stage savvy friend's daughter from high school)...



And, Anna, here with one of her closest friends at the dress rehearsal of the Pop Show. Her part was with the Chorus which was the perfect amount of stage presence in her opinion!





In an earlier post, I mentioned that Anna worked with special needs kids this year... it was truly a wonderful experience for her. She loved them and they loved her and she is actually considering incorporating this kind of work into her future somehow.



Right after she finishes her studies at Crocodile Hunter University...



So next year she will be in the ninth grade, sharing the high school campus with brother, Gib.

I feel like I'm missing a few years with her somewhere in the picture book, because lately, I keep seeing her with those Steve Martin eyes from Father of the Bride. Thankfully though, I still have the glorious high school years to enjoy and with that, I must consider that if she is anything like her momma, I'd better keep remembering those cute pig tailed images.

Happy Father's Day

A father is neither an anchor to hold us back,
Nor a sail to take us there;
But a guiding light whose love shows us the way.

Happy Father's Day, Dad! Your light will forever shine in my heart.

I Love you,
J. B.












Dad and me, April, 1971

Oh so refreshing!

Yesteday afternoon, Ryan and his cousins enjoyed some drops from the garden hose.

Later in the day, we acquired a fun turtle sprinkler and some other water games... all of which didn't compare to this kind of water play. Another tally in the Chrismas box catagory... why do we ever buy silly things like toys and swimsuits when they crave nothing at all?

Movie Night

So we have all seen our fair share of movies, in theatre and at home. We tend to see more in the comfort of our own home than not, so consequently we are a tad behind on the latest and greatest... sometimes by a year or more. Of course, there are those that are just better on the big screen but last night we rented this one and, oh my, was it wonderful. A real stay at home kind of flick. I don't know if it just hit me at the right time but I think I cried more in this movie than any other I have seen, but don't let that scare you away. This is a film that will have an impact on you for years to come. Oh, and the soundtrack... absolutely perfect!

Check P.S. I Love You out here, and let me know if you liked it. As for me, it's now on my top ten list.

Mare Bear

Flowers for the teachers... $12.00
Sixth Grade graduation dress... $47.00
Donation for the week of festivities... $20.00


The note I found in her folder the last day of elementary school... priceless.

Vegas, Baby!

Are hot air balloons the first thing you think of when you hear the words Las Vegas, Nevada? Yeah, me either. Actually, I've never really been a fan of what the "City that Never Sleeps" had to offer, or so I thought. Call me snotty, but the trash factor alone had made it less than appealing for practically my entire adult life, and I am not a gambler because if I'm going to throw money away I have always felt that designer apparel should be the gain, so consequentially, of all the places I can think of to vacation, Vegas has been last on the list... that was until this past weekend.

It all started with a few legitimate reasons to go like:

#1: It was my rockin' cousin, Ryan's 30 something b-day,



#2: My sweet friend, Melissa, needed a good excuse to get away,


#3: Sam loves Vegas,
#4: Sam wins, every time.



Honestly, good reasons or not, we have been working toward a trip like this for a few years so naturally #1- #4 influenced us to finally pick up our happy little phone and book it. Now, this was not my first trip to Sin City. About eight years, ago when I was visiting Ryan and his roommates, we decided to drive from L.A. to Nevada on a whim, stay up all night and drive back the next day. Short lived, but never the less, my first Vegas experience. And it was fantastic, but we were robbed a bit of what Steve Wynn intended one to see and do while visiting. So this time, we made sure Mr. Wynn was not disappointed. The food, the bouquet of drinks, the cushy suites was nothing I had ever expected. And better yet, it was a reunion of sorts, with the original cast present and perfect additions like Sam, Melissa and her little sis, Stacy.

Here, after the divine birthday dinner are Billy (original cast member), Ryan, me and Sam.



Poolside was where each day progressed to and this was my reclined view...



And this was my view as I sat up to order another pina colada.


Yes, this city is bright and fun and delicious, and, I think Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe must have just returned from Vegas
when he said, "Travelling is like gambling: it is always connected with winning and losing, and generally where it is least expected we receive, more or less than what we hoped for."